5 Questions You Should Ask Your Pallet Suppliersubmitted on 23 April 2018
Many companies today need pallets to transport materials but, like many other products, not all suppliers are created equal. The quality of pallets can vary greatly from supplier to supplier. When you're in the market for a supplier, you may be wondering what exactly you should be looking for. These are a few questions to ask a pallet supplier before making an order.
1. Can You Tell Me More About Your Company?
It's important to get to know a little more about the company, how long they've been in business and their reputation for quality and service. If you need a large company, will they be big enough to maintain large inventories to meet your needs? Many smaller companies claim that they can offer large orders, but they often fail to deliver. However, companies like Gruber Pallets that have operated for over 25 years have the expertise and size to deliver large orders as desired.
2. What Is Your Turnaround Time?
There's no point in having a pallet company if they can't deliver or pick up pallets when you need them. Most companies will schedule pallet pickup or deliver once they get to know your workflow. However, unexpected occurrences often happen. A company that can meet your needs typically with 24 hours of receiving your call is an excellent choice. Determine what your shortest turnaround time could be and then ask the company if they can meet this need if that's a reasonable time frame.
3. Are There Custom Pallet Options?
Depending on your business needs, standard pallet sizes may not be your best option. Not all pallet suppliers can make custom materials but one that can custom-make desired sizes may be a huge benefit. This option will allow your business to be more efficient and avoid waste. This is only desired if you have products that don't conform to the standard 48 x40 size pallet, so only ask this question if necessary.
4. Are There Discounts for Larger Volumes?
Many pallet companies will offer a discount if you have a large order. It's not only rewarding if you are going to have larger orders but also helps them to be more efficient with their operations. Ask about discounts for orders before signing up for a supplier, as you can potentially save a significant amount.
5. What Materials Are in the Pallets?
The wood that makes up pallets isn't always top of the line, but you'll want to make sure that it's strong enough to meet your needs. Many suppliers use reclaimed materials, which is a great opportunity for you to take advantage of recycled products. However, you still need to ensure that they meet the quality your company needs. Ask about recycled materials in their pallets to find out more.
Conclusion
Although many companies don't put much thought into their pallet supplier, it's actually important to consider who you choose for this task. From poorly made materials to delays in supply, a few questions can weed out unsuitable choices. Ask these five questions to find the right company for your needs.
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