New vs. Used Pallets – How to Decide?

Wooden pallets are the most economical and efficient way to transport and store a large variety of goods, meaning they are an essential asset for many businesses. However, if you’re in the market for wooden pallets, there are two possible options to choose from – brand new pallets or recycled or used pallets. To decide which type is the most appropriate for your business, you’ll need to consider the following factors. 

Pallets Cost

Brand-new wooden pallets will cost you significantly more up-front than recycled pallets. However, if you’re going to be using them for an extended period of time, it may end up saving you more money in the long run, to invest in new pallets from the beginning, as they generally last significantly longer.  Therefore, you’ll need to weigh up how much cash your business can afford to spend up-front, as well as how long you’re likely to use the pallets in order to decide between the two options. If you simply cannot afford new pallets, recycled pallets are a great option and their significantly lower cost is the main reason businesses seek them out. If you can afford new pallets but you’re not going to be using them for an extended period, it may be worth speaking to a supplier about whether or not they would consider purchasing your used pallets off you after you’re finished with them and weigh up whether this would save you more money than simply buying recycled pallets to use for a limited period. An experienced pallet supplier like Cooperage Pallets will be able to discuss your pallet requirements and recommend the most economical option for your business. 

Pallets Durability

Pallets are made from hardwood and are designed to bear very heavy weights. However, over time, pallets sustain wear and tear which can slightly weaken the wood, making them less capable of bearing very heavy loads. If you’re intending to use pallets to transport very heavy goods, you may be better off investing in brand-new pallets that have the best possible strength and durability. If you’re going to be transporting lighter goods, recycled pallets will likely be perfectly fine. It’s important to ask about the weight rating of the pallets you are intending to buy, whether new or recycled, to ensure they are sufficient for your intended purposes. 

Pallets Customisation

One of the key benefits of purchasing brand new pallets is that you have to option to have them built to order to suit your specific needs, known as custom pallets. This means you can specify their dimensions and design to suit your logistics systems and warehousing needs. Buying brand-new custom-designed pallets is a good option if you have a large-scale operation and you’ll likely continue using the pallets for a long time. In some cases it is also possible to have custom-made pallets designed using recycled materials, however, these will likely have a shorter lifespan. Recycled custom-made pallets are a good option for short-term but specific uses which require pallets of a specific design to be used for a limited time or purpose.

Availability

New pallets are generally easier to get your hands on because they are made to order from readily available materials. If you’re looking to put in a large order for recycled pallets, you may need to wait until there are enough available materials to fulfil your order. If you’re going to be placing large orders on a regular basis, you may be better off opting for new pallets to ensure your pallets are delivered on time every time, with no delays. If it’s a one-off order, recycled pallets may be completely fine. It’s always worth chatting with a trusted pallet supplier like Cooperage Pallets to better understand the volume of recycled and new pallets they can supply and the general timeframes for production and delivery.

If you’re struggling to decide whether to invest in brand new pallets or opt for used or recycled pallets instead, why not speak to the experts at Cooperage Pallets? We can talk you through the pros and cons of each option and advise you on the most economical and effective option for your unique business needs. Contact us today to discuss your pallet requirements.