How to save money when building your next warehouse

Hey Warehouse Builders, Let's Talk About Saving Money!

I was out checking out a new construction site the other day—big project, serious operation. You know, the kind where you see the cranes, the concrete, the whole deal. And it got me thinking: building a warehouse today is a whole different ballgame than it was ten years ago. Costs have skyrocketed—raw materials, labor, everything. If you started planning a warehouse a decade ago and are only now pulling the trigger, you’re probably looking at the price tag thinking, geeze, I didn’t know it was going to cost this much!

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to break the bank on everything. One of the biggest places people can save—yet rarely consider—is pallet racking. And that’s where Warehouse Buyers Club comes in.

The Big Misconception About New Warehouses

A lot of people think, If I’m building a brand-new warehouse, I need brand-new pallet racking. Not true. Used pallet racking can be just as effective—and it can save you tens of thousands of dollars. But the myth that you need everything brand-new is so ingrained that many don’t even consider the option.

Let’s be real: pallet racking doesn’t make you money. The stuff you store on it does. So why blow your budget on shelving when you can put that money into the inventory, equipment, or technology that actually drives revenue?

Used Racking: It’s Not What You Think

People sometimes hesitate because they think used pallet racking means bent-up, rusty shelves from the ‘90s. That’s not the case. Quality used racking is structurally sound, looks great, and functions like new—without the hefty price tag. Plus, if you need permits or stamped drawings, we can make that happen with used racking, too. That’s another myth we’re happy to bust.

Construction Companies Build the Shell—But What About the Inside?

I have nothing but respect for top-tier construction firms. They are fantastic at building the outside of a warehouse. But when it comes to the inside—the layout, the flow, the right equipment—that’s where companies often struggle.

What kind of forklifts do you need? How should the racking be arranged for maximum efficiency? What about dock equipment? A lot of people don’t have the answers. That’s where we come in.

Cheap Dock Equipment? Think Twice.

Another equipment item often overlooked is that some contractors will try to bid dock equipment down to the lowest price possible. Sounds great, right? Wrong. That can come back to haunt you. The last thing you want is to save a few bucks upfront only to deal with expensive headaches later when the equipment fails, needs replacing, or doesn’t work for your specific needs.

How Much Do You Really Want to Save?

Listen, if you’re swimming in cash and don’t mind over spending… go ahead—buy all-new racking. But for those who want to save big without sacrificing quality, used racking is an absolute game-changer. The key is making sure it’s in good shape, safe, and fits your operation’s needs.

Are You Asking the Right Questions?

At Warehouse Buyers Club, we’re seeing more and more people looking for ways to get top-tier warehouse setups without top-tier price tags. And the biggest difference between those who win and those who struggle? Knowing the right questions to ask.

• Do you have the right partner to help with your warehouse layout?
• Do you have a team that puts your business’s needs first?
• Are you making smart investments that boost your bottom line?

If you’re not sure, we can help. We’re here to educate, advise, and connect you with the best solutions for your warehouse.

Want More Insider Knowledge?

We break down warehouse essentials every week on our blog—everything from what dock equipment you need to unload forklift batteries to how to optimize your racking setup. You’d be surprised how many warehouse owners miss critical details that end up costing them time and money.

If you want to avoid headaches and make the smartest choices, follow us on LinkedIn, check out our blogs, or subscribe to our YouTube channel. We’re here to make sure your warehouse is built right—inside and out.

Let’s build smarter, not more expensive. ??

— Jeff Hillen,

CEO, Warehouse Buyers Club