How to Buy Used Pallets in Fuquay Varina, NC (Save Money and Help the Environment)
What you'll get from this guide: Find reliable suppliers, understand fair prices, and choose the right pallets for your business needs.
Why Buy Used Pallets?
Used pallets cost less than new ones and help reduce waste. You can save hundreds of dollars while getting pallets that work just as well for shipping.
Current Prices (What to Expect)
Used pallets in Fuquay Varina cost about $9.00 each. This is higher than the North Carolina average of $4.75, but you're paying for local availability and often better quality.
Price history shows pallets here have cost:
- As low as $6.00
- As high as $14.00
- May 2021: $8.69
- March 2021: $10.75
The $9.00 current price is reasonable for this area.
Pallet Types (Choose What You Need)
Grade A Pallets ($9-12 each)
- What they are: Minimal damage, look good, strong
- Use them for: Display, customer-facing shipments, long-term use
- Example: A furniture store shipping to customers
Grade B Pallets ($6-9 each)
- What they are: Some damage but still functional
- Use them for: Internal warehouse, one-time shipping, cost savings
- Example: Moving inventory between your own locations
Standard Size (48x40 inches)
- Why choose: Works with all forklifts and trucks
- Most common and cheapest option
Custom Sizes
- When needed: Your products don't fit standard pallets
- Cost more but can save space and shipping
How to Buy Smart
Start Simple
Figure out how many you need per month
Decide on Grade A or B based on your use
Call 2-3 suppliers for quotes
Save Money on Volume
- Order 50+ pallets: Usually 10-15% discount
- Order 100+ pallets: Often 20%+ discount
- Coordinate with other local businesses to hit volume discounts
Inspect Before Buying
Check for:
- Broken boards (should be minimal)
- Loose nails or metal
- Overall sturdiness when lifted
Factor in Delivery
- Some suppliers deliver free within 20 miles
- Others charge $50-100 for delivery
- Pick up yourself to save money if you have a truck
Real Example: Small Manufacturing Business
A local manufacturer needed 75 pallets monthly:
- Grade B pallets: $8 each = $600/month
- Bulk discount: 15% = $510/month
- Annual savings vs. new pallets: $3,600
They chose RDU Pallets for reliable delivery and used the free drop-off program for old pallets.
Quick Decision Guide
Choose Grade A if:
- Customers see your pallets
- You reuse pallets multiple times
- You ship valuable products
Choose Grade B if:
- Internal use only
- One-time shipping
- Budget is tight
Choose local pickup if:
- You have a truck
- You want to inspect pallets first
- You need just a few pallets
Choose delivery if:
- You order regularly
- You need 25+ pallets
- Your time is worth more than delivery cost
Environmental Bonus
Buying used pallets keeps wood out of landfills. One business buying 100 used pallets per year prevents about 2,000 pounds of wood waste.
Bottom Line
Fuquay Varina has good pallet suppliers with fair prices. Start with ask about volume discounts, and choose the grade that fits your actual needs, not what sounds better.
The $9 price is reasonable for this market - don't expect to find much cheaper locally, but you're getting reliable local service and avoiding shipping costs from distant suppliers.