When it comes to determining the price of pallets, the ultimate answer is “it depends.” There are many factors that can affect the price, including the material choice, whether you choose customization, add-ons, and ultimately where you choose to buy the pallets from. Here are a range of factors to consider before investing in pallets for your business!

 

Finding the Right Pallet 

There are many great options for sourcing pallets, ranging from free, used pallets to the purchase of new custom pallets from a reputable manufacturer. Choosing a reputable manufacturer rather than getting them used means you have a range of special options, the choice of customization, and typically a better quality product. 

 

If you choose to get them used, sometimes you can source them for free if you find the right places and go at the right time. While larger businesses often recycle their pallets internally, smaller, local stores are much easier to acquire from. Your local grocery store, pet shop, or hardware store are great places to start. Some of these stores have a protocol to throw away these pallets at the end of the day, so if you come in the early morning or evening, you may be able to acquire low-cost or even free pallets. 

 

Depending on where you choose to buy your pallets, prices can vary, and so can the durability and quality of the material. 

 

Determining the Price of Pallets

Material choice

The material choice is a big decision, not only in regards to the price, but also when it comes to finding the most reliable and durable shipping option. Pallets can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, metal, composite, etc. 

 

Even among these materials, there is a range of prices. For example, certain plastic pallets can be rather inexpensive, while more durable, highly engineered plastic means there is a big increase in price. 

 

Wood is by far the most popular choice when it comes to export and shipping. In the long run, they typically end up resulting in a better price point due to their reusability and durability. 

 

Pallet Customization

Customization is a great option especially if you are transporting sensitive, fragile, heavy, or uniquely shaped items. If you are choosing customization, pallet pricing will increase. Knowing whether or not you want to choose customization is good to know before you choose the material. For example, plastic might be a good, inexpensive option for you, but when it comes to customization, plastic can be costly. 

 

Not sure whether customization is a good option for you? Talking to a professional can help.

 

Add-ons

Determining pallet price depends on the add-ones you choose, too. One optional add-on is heat treatment. While heat treatment is an add-on expense, in the long run, it could end up saving you money on shipping costs because the pallet ends up weighing less. Some other benefits of heat-treating wood include:

 

• Stopping the spread of pests
• Ability be shipped internationally
• Moisture resistance

Contact Us

Get in touch with our Anderson Pallet and Crate team, and we’ll walk you through your choices to make sure you’re choosing the pallets that are right for you.