Buy Used Pallets in Minneapolis

How to Buy Used Pallets in Minneapolis: Save Money and Find Quality

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to find good used pallets at fair prices, avoid common mistakes, and choose suppliers that deliver on time.

Minneapolis businesses save thousands of dollars each year by buying used pallets instead of new ones. Whether you run a small shop or manage a large warehouse, this guide shows you exactly how to get the pallets you need without overpaying.

Current Prices: What You Should Expect to Pay

Right now, used pallets in Minneapolis cost about $6.34 each. That's down 3% from last year, which means it's a good time to buy.

Here's what other Minnesota cities are paying:

• Minneapolis: $6.34 (down 3%)
• Lakeville: $6.99 (up 86%)
• Duluth: $4.87 (down 12%)
• Saint Paul: $3.00 (down 42%)

Why prices change: When local factories need more pallets, prices go up. When they have excess inventory, prices drop. The RePackify Price Index tracks these changes so you can time your purchases.

Real example: A Minneapolis restaurant owner saved $800 last month by waiting two weeks when our index showed prices were dropping.

Where to Buy Used Pallets in Minneapolis

You have three main options:

1. Dedicated Pallet Companies

These businesses specialize in selling and recycling pallets. They usually have the best selection and can deliver quickly.

What to look for:

• Same-day or next-day delivery
• Grade A pallets (no damage, strong)
• Grade B pallets (minor wear, cheaper)
• Custom sizes if you need them

2. Surplus Stores

The University of Minnesota ReUse Program sells used pallets at very low prices. Perfect if you only need a few pallets and want to support recycling.

Best for: Small businesses, startups, one-time projects

3. Direct from Businesses

Some companies sell their used pallets directly. Check with local manufacturers, especially food processing plants.

How to Choose the Right Pallets

Start with these simple questions:

What will you carry?

• Light items (under 500 lbs): Grade B pallets work fine
• Heavy items (over 1,000 lbs): Get Grade A pallets

Where will you use them?

• Indoor storage: Any condition works
• Outdoor storage: Look for treated wood
• Food handling: Make sure they're clean and certified

What size do you need?

• Standard 48×40 inches fits most trucks and forklifts
• Custom sizes cost more but might be worth it

Real example: A furniture store owner bought Grade B pallets for lightweight displays and saved $2 per pallet. Over 200 pallets, that's $400 in savings.

Getting the Best Deal

Compare Total Costs

Don't just look at the pallet price. Add:

• Delivery fees
• Minimum order requirements
• Return policies for damaged pallets

Buy at the Right Time

• Prices usually drop in January and February
• Avoid peak seasons (before holidays)
• Check the RePackify Price Index before large orders

Negotiate on Volume

Most suppliers offer discounts for orders over 50 pallets. Ask about:

• Volume pricing tiers
• Buy-back programs for your old pallets
• Regular delivery schedules

Red Flags to Avoid

Don't buy pallets that:

• Have broken boards or loose nails
• Smell bad (could indicate contamination)
• Show signs of pest damage
• Lack proper heat treatment stamps (if you export goods)

Supplier warning signs:

• Won't let you inspect pallets before buying
• Can't deliver when promised
• Don't offer any guarantees

Simple Steps to Get Started

Calculate how many pallets you need for one month

Check current prices on RePackify Price Index

Contact 2-3 local suppliers for quotes

Ask to see sample pallets before ordering

Start with a small order to test quality and service

Why This Matters for Your Business

Used pallets typically cost 40-60% less than new ones. For a business using 100 pallets per month, that's $2,000-4,000 in annual savings.

More importantly, you get pallets that work just as well for most applications. The key is knowing what to look for and where to shop.

Bottom line: With the right approach, buying used pallets in Minneapolis is straightforward and profitable. Focus on finding reliable suppliers, understanding what quality you actually need, and timing your purchases well.