Why Choosing the Right Supplier Matters
The right pallet racking supplier can make all the difference, especially when looking for ideal used pallet racking. Otherwise, you could be putting your team at serious risk by choosing a non-compliant supplier.
You’ll want something safe, well-maintained and capable of meeting all your storage and accessibility needs. To maintain a compliant warehouse environment, it’s important to choose an experienced used pallet racking supplier. In this blog post, we’ll review how to choose a racking supplier that can enhance your storage needs.
Key Things to Consider Before Buying
Supplier Reputation and Industry Experience
Before you buy used pallet racking in the UK, do your research. Search for a supplier that has decades of experience in providing accessible warehouse storage solutions. A supplier with experience has been around long enough to supply a wide range of industries and will have a better understanding of your racking needs. This will also help ensure your used racking is tailored to your stock needs.
So how do you determine whether a supplier has the necessary expertise? One way to determine this is to make sure they’ve completed a SEIRS Supervisors course that covers the importance of health and safety in the workplace. This qualification also demonstrates that installers and supervisors have the skills to work to industry standards. Case studies and customer reviews also provide valuable insight into a company’s trustworthiness and reputation.
Product Quality and Condition
Check the quality of your used pallet racking system before you begin to utilise it for your storage needs. Inspect visual signs of damage, such as dented beams, scrapes, rust and corrosion. Ensure safety pins, bolts and clips are also present and secure. Assess the quality of weld points for any cracks or signs of stress.
Determine if the racking solution is refurbished or sold ‘as-is’. The difference being that refurbished racking has been inspected and repaired, while the condition of used racking that is sold ‘as-is’ can vary.
Safety Compliance and Regulations
Refurbished pallet racking needs to meet safety compliance requirements. Compliance with SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association) standards helps ensure the safety of your system. A SEMA-approved racking inspector carries out a thorough assessment and identifies potential hazards. Before purchasing used racking, ensure it has been assessed by a SEMA-approved inspector and is compliant with FEM (European Materials Handling Federation) standards.
Also determine if the supplier provides load notices, as they provide essential information about the maximum weight that can be safely stored. This information will help your warehouse maintain health and safety guidelines.
Inventory Availability and Customisation
Another important aspect when deciding on cost-effective warehouse racking options is checking with the supplier to review if the system is adaptable to other solutions. Incompatible racking solutions can be a major safety hazard. The ideal used racking system is one that can be integrated with your existing system seamlessly, as it can enhance safety and reduce downtime.
Check if the supplier carries compatible sizes and brands. Brand compatibility is vital, as some manufacturers use components that may not safely connect with parts from other brands. Adaptability is important for future expansion as your storage needs can change over time.
Pricing Transparency and Installation Services
Your used racking supplier should be transparent about all costs. Be wary of hidden costs such as delivery, installation and other aspects that may be subject to additional fees. Review the costs vs the condition. Are you receiving assistance with installation or replacement parts? Does the supplier provide any after-sales support after the purchase? Do they offer nationwide delivery? These questions will help you determine whether you’re purchasing from a reliable used pallet racking supplier.
Bonus: Questions to Ask Your Supplier
· Do you provide maintenance services or racking inspections on pallet racking?
· Are pallet racking systems structurally tested?
· Do you provide site surveys?
· Is it possible to see photos or inspect the racking before purchase?· Is your pallet racking adjustable to my storage needs?
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Used Racking
· Not checking the condition
· Buying an incompatible brand
· Ignoring safety certificates
· Prioritising costs above safety
· Overlooking scalability
Why Buying Used Doesn’t Mean Compromising on Quality
Choosing second-hand pallet racking for warehouses is a cost-effective and sustainable approach to storage as it supports greener habits and reduces waste, while helping you save. With the right supplier that prioritises safety and compliance, your used racking solution can perform as well as a new system.
