One intriguing way to make excess money is collecting and recovering wood pallets. Wood pallets are used in each country and the world. businesses use them to help transport belongings from one place to another. Some businesses just discard these pallets. They let go to waste outside their business for anyone who’s willing to pick them up. People like you and me also gather them and haul them to another position for resale.
How Much Do They Pay for the Pallets?
The price you’ll get for your pallets depends on a few factors. If the pallets are in good condition, you’ll be able to sell them for more. Pallet prices range anywhere from 50 cents each up to $4 each.
The price you’ll get per pallet depends on these factors:
- Where you live
- How many companies in the area
- What local pallet companies are willing to pay
- Demand for pallets in area
- Size of Pallet (48×40 is most popular)
If you deliver quality pallets, you may be able to get yourself a few accounts who are willing to pay a decent penny for them. By finding the right clients, you can create a profitable business.
People in need of pallets for shipping will be eager to save money by using recycled pallets. Lots of Pallets companies charge an arm and leg for their New and Used Pallets
Make sure you can keep up with the needs of the companies you service. You must be able to meet their pallet demand on a daily or weekly basis and provide good service as well.
If you’re committed to doing these two things, companies may want your business on a regular basis.
Cash is generally considered to be the preferred method of payment for pallet resale. This means you have the money you’ve earned in hand as soon as you drop the pallets off at their specified location. No waiting two weeks to get paid. Although if selling to pallets companies, many will want to do a test load of pallets and grade them out before paying anything
Where Can I Find Wood Pallets?
There are a few places you may be able to find wood pallets. Local businesses are likely one of your best bets for finding wood pallets. And check your local Craigslist site as well to find pallets to re-sell.
In my local area, there were several listings for free wood pallets on Craigslist.
Furthermore, I know that two local businesses give away wood pallets in our town alone. In front of these piles of wood pallets, there is a sign saying “free”.
Another possibility is to contact local manufacturing companies that receive a lot of supplies. You can take some wood pallets off their hands if they have any.
If they pay a company to remove the pallets, they’ll likely be glad to have you take them for free.
Who Buys Wood Pallets?
If you want to make money recycling wood pallets, you’ve got several options for selling them. Of course, the number of clients you’ll have depends on where you live.
It’s likely that the bigger the city you live in, the more places you’ll have that buy wood pallets. Here are some options for finding places to sell your wood pallets.
Local Manufacturers
Do you live in an area that has a lot of manufacturing companies? If so, this might be a good avenue for selling your recycled wood pallets.
Visit various company headquarters or call them on the phone. Explain that you’re a seller of recycled wood pallets. Start negotiations for a price that will make you a profit and save the company money as well.
Sell Online
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great places to sell pallets. You may have to wait but you will make more money in return.
Verde Trader also offers a platform to sell used pallets online. They might want to purchase the pallets you get for free.
Pallet Brokers
Pallet brokers exist all over the US and Canada. They work to make sure that wood pallets avoid a lifetime in the landfill. Sometimes the companies repair and reuse the pallets.
Other times they might resell the pallets. In cases where pallets are beyond repair, they often grind them up into wood mulch and resell them to those needing mulch.
There are a number of pallet brokers that could be a viable option for you as a pallet recycler. Here are a few to choose from:
Pallet Companies
Kamp’s Pallets, Wiley Pallet, and 48 Forty Solutions have locations in nearly all major metropolitan areas. They have a contact page on their website for those interested in selling pallets to a pallet company.
Verde Trader
This website has a section specifically for people who buy and sell wood pallets. This site might be a good place for you to find buyers for your pallets. Or places where you can pick up pallets for free. You can also sell Gaylord Boxes, Plastic Pallets, Super Sacks, and IBC Totes
Woodworking Schools
Check local technical college listings for woodworking or furniture making schools.
Or check your local phone book in the yellow pages for pallet companies near you that may want to buy your recycled pallets.
What Will I Need to Get Started?
The main things you’ll need to get started are a truck and a trailer.
I wouldn’t recommend purchasing these items unless you’ve already done your research. If you are certain there’s a market for recycling wood pallets in your area, it might be worth the expense.
Or if you were planning on purchasing a truck or trailer anyway, it could be worth the expense too. The costs to start recycling wood pallets can vary. If you’ve got one of the main items already in your possession, they’re minimal.
You’ll also need a decent pair of gloves. Along with that, you’ll want to have a drill and some nails for repairing any broken pallets. Remember the better shape they are in, the more money you’ll get for each pallet.
Combine these tips to maximize the profit you make on your wood pallet recycling business.
The Benefits of Recycling Wood Pallets
There are several benefits to recycling wood pallets. One great thing about recycling wood pallets is that you choose the hours you work. You can plan your work around your schedule and your client’s schedules.
Also, you get to choose the clients with whom you work. If you find that a client’s attitude isn’t worth the money you’re earning, simply move on.
Being your own boss also means that you choose how much money you’ll make. You can work ten hours a week or fifty hours a week – the choice is yours.
Note: When you earn money recycling wood pallets or any other “on your own” job, know that you’re considered self-employed. This means you’ll have to keep track of your income and your expenses.
When tax time comes around, you’ll need to report your earnings on your tax reporting form. Keeping track of expenses helps reduce your taxable income. However, if there is a profit on your business after expenses, you’ll need to pay taxes on that income.
For that reason, we suggest putting aside some of your side hustle income in a separate savings account. Keep this money untouched, so you have money to pay the tax man in the spring. Saving 20% is a good number to start with.
After you get through a year or two of side hustling, you can adjust your tax payment savings accordingly.
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