Save Money on Used Plastic Crates in New Mexico: Complete Buyer's Guide
What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to save 50% or more on plastic crates by buying used ones. You'll find the best local suppliers, avoid common mistakes, and get exactly what you need for your business or home.
Bottom line: RePackify offers the best deals on used plastic crates in New Mexico. You can get quality crates starting at $5 each in Albuquerque-that's half the price of new ones.
Why Buy Used Plastic Crates?
You save money. A lot of money. Here's what that looks like:
- New plastic crate: $10-15 each
- Used plastic crate: $5-8 each
- Your savings: $5-7 per crate
If you need 100 crates, you save $500-700. That's real money back in your pocket.
Best Places to Buy Used Plastic Crates
RePackify (Your Best Option)
- Where: Albuquerque and statewide delivery
- Price: $5 each for used crates
- Why it's good: No strict minimum orders, you can pick up or get delivery
- Special locations:
- Hobbs: Produce crates available
- Santa Fe: Milk crates available
- How to order: Get quotes for partial or full truckloads
Online Marketplaces (Convenient but Pricier)
- Price: $13-40 each plus shipping
- Why use them: Convenient if you need just a few crates
- Downside: More expensive, especially with shipping costs
Types of Crates You Can Buy
Milk Crates
- Size: 13 inches wide, 13 inches long, 11 inches high
- Best for: Storage, organizing items at home or work
- Why they work: Stack perfectly, very durable
Produce Bins
- Size: Usually 20 inches wide, 16 inches long, 8 inches high (sizes vary)
- Best for: Storing fruits, vegetables, anything that needs air flow
- Why they work: Have holes for ventilation
Heavy-Duty Totes
- Size: Often 24 inches wide, 16 inches long, 12 inches high (sizes vary)
- Best for: Heavy items, things you want to keep dust-free
- Why they work: Solid walls, often come with lids
How to Buy Smart
Before You Buy
Measure your space first
- Bring a tape measure when you look at crates
- Know exactly where the crates will go
- Example: If your shelf is 12 inches deep, don't buy 16-inch crates
Check the crate condition
- Small scratches are fine
- Avoid crates with big cracks
- Make sure the bottom isn't sagging
When You Buy
Buy in bulk to save more
- 50+ crates: Usually get a discount
- 100+ crates: Even better discount
- Example: RePackify might drop the price from $5 to $4 per crate for large orders
Get quotes from multiple sellers
- Contact at least three suppliers
- Compare the total cost (crates + delivery)
- Example: Seller A might charge $5 per crate plus $50 delivery. Seller B might charge $6 per crate with free delivery.
Ask about delivery
- Full truck orders often include free delivery
- Small orders might cost extra for delivery
- Sometimes pickup is free but delivery costs $50-100
Free Options to Try First
Call local businesses directly
- Grocery stores often throw away old crates
- Dairies replace crates regularly
- Food distributors might give away damaged ones
- Example: Call the manager at your local grocery store and ask if they have old produce crates
How to Contact RePackify
Simple process:
Go to their website
Tell them what type of crates you want and how many
They'll send you quotes from local sellers
Pick the best deal
Schedule pickup or delivery
Real Example: What This Looks Like
Let's say you need 75 milk crates for your small business:
Buying new crates:
- 75 crates x $12 each = $900
- Plus delivery: $50
- Total: $950
Buying used through RePackify:
- 75 crates x $5 each = $375
- Delivery: $50
- Total: $425
Your savings: $525
That's more than half your money back. You could use that $525 for other business needs.
What to Watch Out For
- Shipping costs can add up fast - Always ask for the total price including delivery
- Some sellers require huge minimum orders - RePackify doesn't, which is why they're recommended
- Not all used crates are food-safe - Ask if you plan to store food
- Delivery schedules can be inflexible - Plan ahead if you need crates by a specific date
Your Next Step
Start with RePackify. Get a quote for exactly what you need. Then compare that to local options. You'll likely find RePackify offers the best combination of price, convenience, and reliability.
Remember: buying used plastic crates isn't just about saving money. You're also keeping these crates out of landfills, which is good for New Mexico's environment.