Regardless of what industry you’re in, running a warehouse is a significant investment. You have to design your layout, organize the movement and storage of inventory, hire and manage staff, and keep everything safe and up to code.
To accomplish all of this, you need the right equipment. It needs to be durable, reliable, and safe. But does it need to be brand new? In many cases, it doesn’t. Here’s the case for using refurbished warehouse equipment and how you can choose the best equipment for your business.
What is Refurbished Warehouse Equipment?
Refurbished equipment is warehouse equipment that has been previously owned and restored to a sellable condition. During the refurbishment process, the sellers may restore, cosmetically improve, and test the equipment to offset the effects of wear of tear from its time in service.
Refurbished equipment isn’t quite the same as used equipment. For example, if you purchase a used forklift, you get it “as-is.” You don’t know where it’s been or how it’s been used or maintained in the past. But a refurbished one will have any vital parts inspected, replaced, and cleaned, so you get a better service experience and experience less risk.
Why You Should Consider Refurbished Warehouse Equipment
There are a number of reasons to consider refurbished warehouse equipment. If you need to outfit your distribution center or warehouse, here are some of the benefits of choosing refurbished over new or used.
1. Cost-Effectiveness
One of the biggest benefits of buying refurbished warehouse equipment is cost savings. If you are trying to optimize your warehouse’s space and processes, you’re probably going to need a lot of equipment. Choosing refurbished equipment can help keep your costs down as you continue to expand your business. In fact, some refurbished equipment can be up to 40% cheaper than new materials.
2. Speed
Maybe you don’t have a lot of time to get your warehouse up to speed. You can often find refurbished warehouse equipment available immediately. This means you won’t have to wait for a manufacturer to make your equipment.
3. Preparedness
Refurbished equipment can be an ideal solution to getting your business ready for a surge in business. As peak season approaches, you can avoid buying new equipment and still be ready for an anticipated influx of orders and new business.
4. Durability and Strength
There is usually a lot of wear and tear on industrial equipment. Fortunately, the best equipment is made to stand up to the harshest conditions. When you find a good set of refurbished warehouse equipment, you can have peace of mind knowing it will stand up just as well as those right off the factory floor.
5. Parts Availability
Sometimes, it can be challenging to obtain parts for a brand new product. But a piece of equipment that has been on the market for several years is more likely to have highly-available parts from several sources at affordable prices.
6. High-Quality
Because the refurbishing process updates any issues that the equipment might have, it ensures you are getting high-quality equipment. If you buy used, you have no idea what repairs have been done. So it could end up costing you more money.
7. Environmental Friendliness
Refurbished equipment is great for the environment in several ways. It reduces waste by keeping retired assets out of landfills. It lowers the pollutants that result from the manufacturing of new equipment. And there are fewer carbon emissions from transportation.
Tips for Finding the Best Refurbished Equipment
It’s possible to refurbish all types of warehouse equipment. Instead of purchasing new, you can buy refurbished forklifts, conveyors, pallet racks, mezzanines, printers, and other technology solutions. Here are a few tips for finding the best refurbished equipment.
1. Choose the Correct Type
There are many different types of warehouse equipment available. Make sure you are buying the right ones for your needs. For example, there are different types of racking and picking systems. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), warehouse shelving and pallet racks must be a minimum of three feet wider than the largest equipment. If you buy the wrong type of rack or machinery, you could end up violating those requirements.
2. Inspect Equipment Appearance
Refurbished equipment might have been used before, but the seller should restore its appearance as much as possible so it doesn’t look like it’s ready for the landfill. Carefully inspect the equipment for any signs of deterioration or major flaws.
3. Confirm Equipment Functionality
Even if the equipment looks amazing, it might not have been restored by the seller so that it functions the way you need to. No matter what piece of equipment you intend to purchase, put it through its paces with some testing to ensure it functions properly and won’t let you down.
4. Calculate Your Costs
Before you buy refurbished equipment, make sure it is the best financial option for your business. Usually, it is. But you don’t want to purchase something that is several years old if a product with upgraded features would be a better option for your business. Ensure everything makes sense financially before moving forward.
When you’re considering the purchase of warehouse equipment, it’s pretty common to think that you only have two options — buying new or used. But if you haven’t considered refurbished warehouse equipment, it might be an ideal solution. Buying refurbished can help your business get quality equipment at an affordable price.
