Before You Buy Pallets, Ask These 4 Questions

Their function is simple–to move the world’s products. But, there is more to pallets than meets the eye. Not all pallets are created equal and, similarly, not all pallet providers are the same. So, before you stock up on your next supply, consider these four questions.

What am I willing to pay for? There are many different pallet providers.  Some have very large operations with warehouses, distribution centers, equipment, trucks, and pallets. But, that overhead isn’t cheap and customers usually pay for it one way or another. Other providers are smaller and work with vendors or affiliates. With low overhead, the savings can be passed on to customers.

What do I need? Although a smaller item in the supply chain, pallets play a critical role. The right design ensures optimal unit load and safety for your products. A reputable pallet provider—whether large or small—can help you procure pallets that work best for your unique circumstances. Find out what design tools they use and make sure that all of their technology is useful or beneficial to you. Don’t pay for what you don’t need.

Am I getting the best value? We’ve all been there before—overpaying for a product or service and feeling buyers’ remorse. This can happen in the pallet market, too. That’s because prices fluctuate constantly due to many factors including material availability. If you don’t have a pulse on the lumber market, for example, you may not be aware that the price for pallets has risen or fallen. Make sure your pallet provider is transparent about pricing and do some fact checking yourself. Having an honest conversation with your provider ensures that you are getting the best value.

Am I well-cared for? If you have ever had to track down a service provider for answers, you know how frustrating it can be. When it comes to pallets, your provider should be easy to access and highly responsive. Furthermore, your representative should demonstrate that he or she values you and your business. A way you can verify this ahead of time is to tour their facility and discover first-hand how they handle customer service, quality control, billing, etc.

If you are in the market for pallets or related services, we welcome the opportunity to discuss our capabilities with you. Rose Pallet employees take pride in providing personalized service, on-time deliveries, and service beyond the sale. Get a quote today!