How to Buy Used Pallets in Bell Gardens, CA: Save Money and Get Quality
What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find good used pallets at fair prices, avoid common mistakes, and choose the right pallets for your needs.
Why Buy Used Pallets?
Used pallets cost much less than new ones. You can save 50-70% on your shipping costs. They work just as well for most jobs like storing goods, shipping products, or moving items around your warehouse.
In Bell Gardens, used pallets cost about $8.25 each. That's still cheaper than new pallets, which can cost $15-25 each.
Where to Buy Used Pallets
RePackify - Your Best Local Option
RePackify has about 1,000 pallets in stock in Bell Gardens. They offer:
- Grade A white pine pallets
- Heat-treated pallets for international shipping
- Minimum order: 100 pallets
- Full truck loads: 616 pallets
- Open Monday-Friday, 6 AM to 5 PM
- They load dry vans, flatbeds, and drop trailers
Other Local Suppliers
You can also find used pallets from other local suppliers in the area. These businesses offer:
- Standard 48x40 inch pallets
- Heat-treated options
- Delivery services
- Bulk pricing
Individual Sellers
Check online marketplaces like RePackify for smaller quantities. You'll find:
- 25-100 pallets per seller
- Prices as low as $2-3 each
- Free delivery for small orders
- Good for one-time projects
Types of Used Pallets
Grade A Pallets
- Highest quality used pallets
- Minor wear like small scratches
- Strong enough for multiple uses
- Cost more but last longer
- Best for heavy items or repeated shipping
Grade B Pallets
- More visible wear and tear
- Some dents or cracks (but still safe)
- Lower cost
- Good for light items or one-time use
- Perfect if appearance doesn't matter
Heat-Treated Pallets
- Required for international shipping
- Marked with ISPM-15 stamp
- Cost slightly more
- Kill bugs and pests in the wood
- Necessary for exports
How Much to Buy
Small Businesses (25-100 pallets)
- Buy from individual sellers
- Use online marketplaces
- Expect to pay $2-5 per pallet
- Good for testing or seasonal needs
Medium Businesses (100-500 pallets)
- Contact RePackify directly
- Get bulk pricing
- Plan for delivery costs
- Store pallets properly
Large Businesses (500+ pallets)
- Order full truck loads
- Get best per-pallet pricing
- Plan storage space carefully
- Consider regular delivery schedule
What to Check Before Buying
Safety First
- Look for broken boards
- Check for protruding nails
- Avoid pallets with chemical stains
- Wear gloves when handling
- Make sure pallets can hold your weight needs
Quality Signs
- Boards should be firmly attached
- No major cracks through the wood
- Corner blocks should be solid
- Stringer (bottom support) should be straight
- Wood should not be rotting or moldy
How to Save Money
Buy in Bulk
- Orders over 100 pallets get better prices
- Full truck loads (616 pallets) cost least per pallet
- Split large orders with other businesses
- Plan ahead to avoid rush orders
Pick Up Yourself
- Many suppliers offer pickup discounts
- Bring a truck or trailer
- Load during business hours
- Save $50-100 on delivery fees
Mix Grades
- Use Grade A for important shipments
- Use Grade B for storage or internal use
- Don't pay extra for features you don't need
- Match pallet quality to your specific job
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying Wrong Size
- Most businesses need 48x40 inch pallets
- Check your forklift spacing
- Measure your storage areas
- Confirm with your shipping companies
Not Planning Storage
- Pallets take up space when not in use
- Stack them safely (not too high)
- Keep them dry to prevent rot
- Allow space for forklifts to move
Ignoring Delivery Costs
- Small orders often have high delivery fees
- Group orders with other businesses
- Consider pickup if you have transportation
- Factor delivery into total cost
Steps to Buy Your First Order
Figure out how many you need - Count current inventory and estimate monthly use
Choose your grade - Grade A for important use, Grade B for basic needs
Contact RePackify - Get a quote for your quantity
Compare other local options - Check prices from multiple suppliers
Plan delivery or pickup - Schedule when you can receive them
Inspect on arrival - Check quality before accepting delivery
Store properly - Keep dry and stack safely
Getting the Best Deal
Ask These Questions
- What's your bulk pricing?
- Do you offer pickup discounts?
- What grades do you have in stock?
- When can you deliver?
- What's your return policy for damaged pallets?
Time Your Purchase
- Avoid busy shipping seasons (holidays)
- Order when you have storage space ready
- Group orders to reach minimum quantities
- Plan ahead rather than emergency buying
Final Tips
Start small with your first order. Buy 100-200 pallets to test quality and your actual needs. Grade A pallets cost more but last longer - often worth it for regular shipping. Grade B pallets work fine for storage or one-time shipping.
Keep some extra pallets on hand. Running out during busy times costs more than storing a few extra. Build relationships with suppliers for better service and pricing over time.
Remember: the cheapest pallet isn't always the best deal. A slightly more expensive pallet that lasts twice as long saves money in the end.