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Getting started in a retail business can be a challenging task. You may have a clear vision of your product, and an excellent marketing strategy, but be overwhelmed by the necessary start up costs. Many costs are unavoidable and are simply the dues that must be paid to get started in any given field, but knowing when and where it is possible to cut costs without sacrificing the quality and appearance of your product and presentation can be a great advantage. Consider purchasing used shelving in order to save money and still offer an excellent presentation of your wares.

Is Buying Used Material Reliable?
Shelving units are of utmost importance in the retail world. Whether you have a permanent sales establishment or a traveling store, you will need to consider various shelving methods as a means of effectively displaying and storing your wares. Although new shelf units are readily available for purchase at home and garden stores everywhere, this is one area where saving money by buying gently used equipment is generally reliable and low risk when it comes to quality. Several different types of used industrial shelving options are available for purchase over the Internet, and may even be available in your own locality. Below are some excellent used shelving options that you may wish to look into and consider before making your final purchases.

Used Gondola Shelving
Gondola shelving is a commonly used storage and display method among major retailers. These types of shelves are characterized by a sturdy base, which supports a backboard to which shelves can be attached on either side. They are popular and effective because they can generally hold large volumes of product, and can be viewed from every angle, making them ideal for a retail outlet or large retail display in which aisles are used to separate various types of products.

In addition to being an excellent means of displaying wares, gondola shelving can be set up according to the specific requirements of your display and, depending upon the material out of which the units are made, can be one of the most portable shelving options. This type of shelving is also frequently available, in practically brand new condition, because of the tendency of large and chain retailers to renovate their sales floors on a regular basis.

Used Warehouse Shelving
Sometimes free standing shelf units, such as gondola shelves, are not the most convenient or effective set ups, especially if space is limited. For this reason, there is also a great selection of quality used warehouse shelving available. This type of shelving unit is generally with sturdy, heavy-duty materials, such as steel. They may be either freestanding-framed varieties or wall units. They are capable of containing heavy items, and are most appropriate for displays or storage spaces that are not required to be frequently displaced. It is also possible to find used industrial shelving that features wheels on the base, to facilitate moving the heavy objects, with shelves and wares intact, within the storage or display area.

Other Arguments for Purchasing Used Shelving
There are multiple practical arguments for the benefits of purchasing used shelf units as opposed to brand new ones. In addition to the ones listed above, here are some key points to consider:

Used Steel Shelving
Steel is a reliable and durable material, which is particularly popular for the construction of industrial level shelves. Unfortunately, the price of steel is dependent upon market prices, and can fluctuate depending upon availability and demand. As a result, many manufacturers of steel products may be compelled or required to add a steel surcharge onto new steel products. By purchasing your steel products gently used, you will not only be paying less than brand new prices while still obtaining a reliable and durable piece of equipment, you will also be avoiding potential high surcharges that may be tacked onto the price of that much sought-after material.

Environmental Considerations
In an age where each individual is being held accountable for their carbon footprint, and where eco-friendly building alternatives are becoming more and more mainstream, purchasing used shelving is an easy way of doing your part for the environment, while still saving money. Buying industrial materials that are gently used is a win-win situation for all parties involved, since you will be supporting a growing industry, and reducing the amount of waste entering landfills.

What to Expect With Your Purchase
Several manufacturers and retailers recognize the popularity and market value of used shelving. As a result, you the consumer will have several options to choose from as you shop. As with any used product, you cannot expect it to be in brand-new condition. Used units can and will show signs of previous wear, such as tarnishes and scratches, and will generally not feature fancy packaging. Depending upon the supplier that you choose to work with, you may be able to specify the minimum level of quality that you would expect, or even the ballpark price range that you are hoping to pay.

Industrial shelving is typically found in the stock rooms and warehouses of a business. This includes retail stock rooms and furniture stores that house a certain amount of inventory on site. These shelving units are designed to hold from hundreds to thousands of pounds, while making the most efficient use of the valuable space available. Warehouse shelving is typically designed to hold the heaviest items, especially in businesses that house heavy pallets of merchandise that need to be unloaded with a fork lift. These industrial shelving units need to be of the highest quality in order to hold up to constant abuse from loading and unloading, and occasionally being bumped by heavy forklifts and other pallet moving equipment. Steel shelving is the most common shelving used for storage and organization, and can be found in any business that has sells tangible goods.
From grocery stores, to retail stores, to electronics stores, they all need the strongest shelving to maintain their inventory.

Steel Shelves in Different Styles

Industrial steel shelving is extremely strong and durable, and can be powder-coated for a long lasting finish. Steel is also a great value for cost material. Warehouse and storage facilities make use of various types of shelving depending on what needs to be stored. Pallet racks and wire shelves are two of these types, and can be made to fit a small storage room or a large warehouse that is hundreds of thousands of square feet in size. As the project gets larger, it is a good idea to work with a company that specializes in designing and installing a system of shelving to fit your needs. The company that plans and installs the shelving system will often provide a service to assist in a move as well.

Large warehouse settings and stock rooms are one place you will find heavy shelving, but these are large shelving systems designed to withstand abuse and hold a lot of weight. Shelving units are also used in businesses to hold a variety of smaller objects. There are many styles of industrial metal shelving that resemble over-sized book cases and are mainly used to store tools, parts, chemicals, or cleaning solutions, just to name a few. These shelves vary in size, but can weigh less than a hundred pounds. They are certainly industrial strength however, with some industrial shelves designed to hold over 700 pounds per shelf.

These shelving units are made as open shelves, or racks, with no back or sides, or in a closed style, which have two or three enclosed sides. In general, the open shelves hold an average of 200 pounds less weight per shelf. Other industrial shelving units are made for the automotive industry, or simply for lightweight storage of everyday cleaning supplies.

Not Just For Heavy Industry

The lightweight shelving units are just as frequently used, if not more so, than their heavier and stronger counterparts. There are several common styles of lightweight shelving units, including stainless steel shelves with wire shelving, solid shelving stainless steel units, which are often seen in libraries and schools, and galvanized steel shelving. The list of applications for these shelves includes everything from storing records boxes, to restaurant dry goods storage, and everything in between.

Industrial wire shelving implies open grid work for heavy inventory storage, but also applies to common steel racks seen in every business setting. Wire shelf racks are light enough to move around without assistance, and strong enough to hold a full load of dishes in a restaurant, or an equal amount of canned goods or office supplies. These same shelves are common in some nurseries, where plants can be stored and watered, easily draining through the open grating.

Getting the Right Shelving

Industry has a wide variety of shelving needs, and custom solutions are often necessary to accommodate those needs. It is important to plan industrial shelving systems carefully so they are efficient and strong enough for the inventory they are designed to hold. The selection of available or custom shelving falls into one of three categories: bulk rack shelves, pallet rack shelving units, and cantilevered racks. Bulk racks are what workers will unload and load by hand. Pallet racks will require a motorized pallet jack and are found in warehouses or large store rooms; and a cantilevered rack is a common sight at home improvement and plumbing supply stores where long pipes and wood beams need to be stored.

How to Save on Shelving

Because industrial metal shelving is so tough, and can be equally effective across different industries, a smart way to save on industrial shelving is to buy used. Used industrial shelving is often just as good as the new, and can be purchased at auctions or liquidation sales for a fraction of the price of new shelves. When purchasing used equipment, a thorough inspection is necessary. Before purchasing, do not forget to know exactly what the size requirements and restrictions of your space are.