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How to compare pallet racking quotes (checklist)
Two racking quotes for the same warehouse can differ by double and both be honest, because they cover different things. Use this checklist to compare like with like.
This checklist is our own practical guide, not a standard or legal advice. The price figures in it are public ranges from other pages we link to. Prices vary, get quotes.
1. Make every quote cover the same job
- Same number of pallet positions and same racking type. Work out cost per position yourself: total divided by positions (Cost per pallet position).
- Same pallet size and weight, same beam levels and same aisle width.
- Same site: ask each supplier to quote against the same drawing or footprint.
2. Check what is included
| Item | Ask |
|---|---|
| Supply | Frames, beams, safety pins, row spacers, decking if needed, base plates. |
| Delivery | Freight to your door, unloading, who supplies the forklift. |
| Installation | Labour, anchors, shimming, floor fixing, after-hours work (Installation cost). |
| Design and engineering | Layout drawing, load calculations, who signs it off. |
| Certification and signage | Safe-load signs, handover pack, any compliance statement (AS 4084 explained). |
| Extras | Column guards, end-of-aisle protection, floor repairs or levelling, removal of old racking, GST treatment. |
Our price pages show how wide the gap can be. For example, selective racking appears as A$50–A$250 per position for kit or supply-only prices, and A$280–A$520 per position for a fully engineered, certified install in one 2026 guide. They are not comparable until you know what each covers.
3. Ask about standards and sign-off
- Is the design to AS 4084.1:2023? Ask for that in writing, not just "compliant".
- Who is the engineer or competent person, and can they show their qualifications?
- What is the maximum load per beam level and per frame, and where will it be signed on the racking?
- What does the first formal inspection cost, and when is it due (Inspection cost)?
4. Ask about the business
- ABN, and the business name on the quote.
- Current insurance (public liability, and workers' cover for installers).
- Recent jobs of similar size, and a reference you can call.
- Warranty terms on product and workmanship.
- Payment terms: deposit size and what triggers each payment.
5. Watch for these
- A price with no stated number of positions.
- "Installed" with no mention of engineering, anchors or sign-off.
- Pressure to accept before you have a written scope.
- A very low quote that leaves out freight, anchors or certification.
- Mixed brands or second-hand components with no written compatibility check (Used vs new).
6. Line them up
Put each quote in a simple table: total, positions, cost per position, what is included, what is excluded, who signs off, timeline. Then compare, and go back to the suppliers with questions where a line is missing.
Want help getting quotes? We are building a vetted supplier network, but we have not vetted any suppliers yet and quote requests are not open. For now, use the checklist above with suppliers you find yourself. See Get quotes.
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Once you have the same scope in writing, request quotes. Our quote request page is not open yet, so for now use this checklist on quotes you collect yourself.
Quote requests: opening soon The form is switched off and collects nothing yet.
Related guides
- Cost per pallet positionSupply-only vs installed vs engineered, per position.
- Installation costLabour-only prices, add-ons and what to ask for.
- AS 4084 explainedWhat the standard covers and what to ask.
Prices vary, get quotes. Every range on this page comes from public pages we read in Nov 2026 and links to its source. They are indicative, not quotes, and not advice. See where the benchmark ranges come from.