Suppliers

[lumberman]

We're a smaller company that services the needs of pallet manufacturers and craters. I was curious as to whether anybody has feedback on the use of lower grade plywoods? Specifically, whether moldy or waterstained material has caused any problems in your manufacturing.

[Marcel]

I know my customers would complain if it was moldy or water damaged. There are lots of Degrade Plywoods out there that could pass for #1 plywood & your customers are happy. Some of the plywood we get comes from Brazil & is wrapped. It looks like a finished mahogany. There is some plywood that almost looks like fir but it is Yellow Pine. Crates look immaculate.

[Crate Crazy]

I can only agree 100% with Marcel... there is no way in the world I would sell something to a customer that doesn't look new/protective.

What you sell, is also going to be your company image. If you're trying to sell cheap looking, potentially water damaged or moldy wood, you're prospects will think it will do the same to their products (whether it does or not).

More over, not only will they think of it like that, imagine what their customers would think after receiving the product(s)... would they buy again?!

[The Cratinator]

I just posted a response under Design and Construction. You may want to look at it.

Just to be safe, I'll repeat here that I'm not up to speed on engineered wood, but if you want to keep costs down, consider OSB (not particleboard - see the other post). Some customers don't want it because of the perception of 'cheapness' but if you can get educated on engineered wood, you can pass the knowledge on to your customer resulting in a stronger box and a happier customer.

Most importantly, keep a close eye on your customer. If they're not happy, sometimes they'll tell your competitor before they tell you and then it's too late.