Solving the Hidden Problems When Looking for Used Metal Shelving Units For Sale

26 Feb Solving the Hidden Problems When Looking for Used Metal Shelving Units For Sale

“Most consumer-level products hold up to 800 lbs of product. Industrial-scale versions of metal shelving racks can hold up to 2500 lbs per level.”

Looking for used metal shelving units for sale in a used condition can be frustrating? Why? It is because there are two sides to an industry that are competing for your attention. The result is that the market is flooded with products that you will have to sort and sift through to get what you want. If you are a person who just wants consumer-level shelving then you might be frustrated by the amount of industrial level shelving put in front of you. If you are a business then you will be frustrated by the amount of consumer-level products in the marketplace. It might be true more so in the second half of the equation because there are so many consumer-level products that it gets very hard to find anything that will hold your level of inventory.

Differences in Used Metal Shelving Units For Sale:

What is the difference between the two you might ask yourself? Most consumer-level products hold up to 800 lbs of product. Industrial-scale versions of metal shelving racks can hold up to 2500 lbs per level. They are also much larger and much more robust than the consumer level products that are said to be, “industrial grade”. How much shelving do you need? It really depends on your business or for what personal use you need. It should be mentioned that it does not mean that you cannot get a true industrial grade shelving unit for your home. There are many of those types that are suitable for a general consumer. You can get those and you can find them in that link given in the previous sentence.

Mobility:

You might be thinking that there is a difference in the mobility of the two products because a lot of consumer-level products can be wheeled around. However, the use of a wheel to make a rack mobile does make industrial-grade metal shelving racks just as mobile as their consumer counterparts. The truth about taking a whole metal shelving unit, called a pallet rack, and making it mobile is that you lose some of your ability to store vertically. Most local governments have a limit to how high you can store things. That level is even more hampered by the ability of the rack to be mobile because of stability’s sake. If you are willing to give up some of the ability to grow your inventory vertically then you should be fine in making your metal shelving rack mobile. We recommend keeping the shelving rack under 10 feet if you do.

“A reputable company will have checked the used metal shelving to make sure that it is still good to use and will do what it is supposed to do. They will inspect it for hidden damage you might not be aware that you should look for when getting a used metal shelving unit.”

The next question you will stumble upon is if you should get your metal shelving rack for sale as a used or new piece. You can find good metal shelving units either new or used. However, you have to keep your eyes peeled a little more closely if you are getting a used unit. If you are a consumer-level customer then you probably can get away with physically inspecting the unit because you will, probably, not be holding enough materials to get anything above minor injuries should it collapse. Situations change from person to person but it is likely that is true for most people. You should use common sense when evaluating your metal shelving, in any case, because avoiding injury is always a good thing.

Reputable Companies:

You might be talking about getting seriously injured. Especially if you are a business consumer who holds 2500 lbs of product per level. You could suffer an injury if a shelf collapses on you. You can avoid this by not working with a seller directly unless that seller is a reputable company. A reputable company will have checked the used metal shelving to make sure that it is still good to use and will do what it is supposed to do. They will inspect it for hidden damage. You might not be aware of that damage. You may not know to look for it when getting a used metal shelving unit. Also, if you find you are missing necessary screws and bolts then you have a way to get them. The company will, likely, send you the missing pieces so you can use the shelving properly and safely.

Final Thoughts:

Finally, if you are getting a business level metal shelving unit then you need to be aware that are permit processes that you will have to adhere to when you start using your shelving units. Not every used shelving unit will have the appropriate seismic testing or calculations. You may need those for local government. Every local government has its own set of rules. Some local governments have a lack of rules relating to seismic testing. It all depends on where you are and the seismic activity under your business. However, if you do not have this documentation then you will have to get it. If it is insufficient then you may have to have the shelving unit modified. You can end up with a rack or shelving unit that will cost you more money. It will cost more money to modify the rack so that it conforms with the requirements of your local government. As a result, it may even cost more than buying a new one with the necessary elements. It always makes sense to ask ahead of time of a dealer or seller if this information is available. If it is not available then you should be ready to walk away.

Looking for new or used industrial level metal shelving units for sale? You can find them here with the seismic calculations you need. We can also help you through the permit process as well. You can call us for new or used pallet racking. Click that link to have a look at the new pallet racking you can get for your business. If you need a consumer-level shelving product then click to see this metal shelving kit.