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:
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:
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?
Where will you use them?
What size do you need?
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:
Buy at the Right Time
Negotiate on Volume
Most suppliers offer discounts for orders over 50 pallets. Ask about:
Red Flags to Avoid
Don't buy pallets that:
Supplier warning signs:
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.