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In our 70 years of combined experience, one of the most common questions our team gets asked is whether purchasing pre-owned shelving and equipment is worth the hassle. Sure, used fixtures might have some dents, dings, or scratches—and you may need to clean them—but the truth is, in most cases, it’s absolutely worth it. Below we'll list the reasons we've discovered in our years of service that store owners tend to benefit from purchasing used shelving instead of new.
New store fixtures can get expensive—especially with annual price hikes and fluctuating material costs. In the current tariff environment, the cost of steel has soared to unprecedented levels. Over time, new equipment price increases have surpassed the rate of inflation, while used equipment has remained relatively stable. By purchasing used fixtures, you can typically save 50-75% compared to buying new and avoid premium pricing like steel surcharges.
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Cost for new shelving varies with the price of steel, peaking around the time that steel price peaks, and falling as it falls. If you're lucky when your store opens, maybe you snag new shelving on a low-cost date, but if your store opening happens to coincide with peak steel rebar rates, you may be overpaying. Used shelving, by comparison, keeps a consistent price, fluctuating only slightly over time.
Supply chain delays are a significant headache for retailers purchasing new equipment. Many manufacturers of store shelving, pallet racking, and other fixtures face months-long delays, costing you both time and money. With used equipment, however, you can typically have it shipped to your location within a week or two. If you purchase from an on-site liquidation, you could have it at your location the very same week!
When you buy used fixtures, you’re sidestepping the steep depreciation that happens with new equipment. New fixtures lose value quickly—often 50% or more in the first few years—while used fixtures have already absorbed that initial depreciation. Plus, with used equipment, you won’t have to pay those additional surcharges, making it a more cost-effective option.
A common concern about used fixtures is their cosmetic condition. Yes, there may be some scratches or dents, but keep in mind that your shelves will be filled with merchandise anyway! These imperfections are typically hidden from customers, meaning you're getting high-quality equipment at a fraction of the price without sacrificing functionality or appearance. At Mid-America, we don't stock shelving below a quality rating of 7.
Sometimes finding exactly what you want can be challenging with used shelving fixtures/equipment, but with the right equipment dealer, it’s often possible. The key is understanding whether “what you want” is truly “what you need.” Sometimes a slightly different fixture may work just as well—and you’ll save a lot of money in the process.
When buying used fixtures, it's important to be cautious. Do your research—check online reviews and talk to others in your industry who have purchased pre-owned equipment. At Mid-America Store Fixtures, we make buying used easy and safe.
At Mid-America Store Fixtures (MASF), we have warehouse locations across the country, stocked with a wide range of pre-owned fixtures, including supermarket, restaurant, Lozier, and Madix shelving, and tear-drop pallet racking. Mid-America is the nation’s premier supplier of custom-pulled used Lozier Shelving.
In addition to used Lozier Shelving, we offer a full assortment of used store fixtures, including pallet racking perfect for e-commerce distribution, backroom shelving ideal for auto parts stores, and supermarket equipment. We sell fixtures to a broad variety of retailers: grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, fireworks stores, pool supply stores, pet supply stores, smoke and vape shops, liquor and wine stores, sporting goods retailers, farm and feed stores, and many other big-box retailers.
Whether you need fixtures for a new store, a remodel, or a retail expansion, we’ve got you covered!
As an added benefit when you shop with MASF, we also offer a broker service where we find and secure the fixtures you need—on your behalf—and handle the shipping directly to you. This means you don’t have to worry about the hassle or logistics of purchasing used fixtures yourself. Let us make the process simple for you!
Ready to Save on Store Fixtures? Call Us Today!
If you're interested in purchasing high-quality, pre-owned store fixtures or need help locating what you need, give us a call! At Mid-America Store Fixtures, we buy and sell used store fixtures, and we’re ready to help you maximize your budget.
