Frequently asked questions
Sales and quoting process
How do I get a quote from Spode?
Contact our Durban, Johannesburg or Cape Town office, or use the request form on any service page. A Spode representative will arrange a site visit, scope the project with you, and provide a detailed written quotation. There is no obligation to proceed after the assessment, and quotations remain valid for 30 days.
Do you offer design and site assessments?
Yes. Every project starts with a site assessment, with no obligation. Our team measures your space, discusses your stock profile, throughput and access requirements, then designs a solution tailored to your operation. Design and layout drawings are produced as part of the quotation.
Can you provide CAD layouts and 3D drawings?
Yes. Spode produces 2D CAD layouts and 3D visualisations for racking, shelving and mezzanine floor projects. These cover pallet positioning, aisle widths, beam levels, fire-safety clearances and structural detail for engineering sign-off where required.
Which Spode branch services my area?
Spode operates from three branches: Durban (Pinetown), Johannesburg (Roodepoort) and Cape Town (Kirstenhof).
Each branch covers its surrounding province, and installation teams are dispatched nationwide for larger projects. Call your nearest branch directly: Durban +27 (31) 263 0055, Johannesburg +27 (11) 100 4772, Cape Town +27 (21) 773 0772
Choosing the right storage system
What is the difference between racking, shelving and mezzanine floors?
Racking is designed for pallet storage using forklifts — heavy steel uprights and beams that carry loads at height. Shelving is for hand-loaded storage of boxes, parts and smaller items without forklifts. Mezzanine floors are raised steel platforms that add a second usable level inside an existing building, often combined with racking or shelving above and below. Most warehouses use a combination of all three.
How do I choose the right storage system for my warehouse?
The right system depends on your pallet and product dimensions, number of SKUs, stock rotation method (FIFO or LIFO), forklift type, ceiling height, floor area and pick frequency. Spode's site assessment evaluates all of these factors and recommends a solution that balances density, accessibility and cost.
Can Spode design custom storage solutions?
Yes. Every Spode system is engineered to your specific warehouse and stock profile, not pulled from a stock catalogue. We custom-build to your span, height, load class and finish requirements, including hot-dip galvanised systems for cold storage, outdoor or corrosive environments.
Manufacturing, installation and warranty
How long does manufacturing and installation take?
Standard racking and shelving systems are typically delivered and installed within a few weeks of design sign-off, since Spode manufactures locally. Mezzanine floor projects, including engineering and council approval, generally run 4 to 10 weeks end-to-end. On-site installation crews stage work to minimise disruption to your operation. A firm project timeline is provided with every quotation.
Do you install nationwide or only in your branch cities?
Spode installs nationwide. While our offices are in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, installation teams are dispatched to project sites across South Africa.
What warranty does Spode offer on its products?
Spode warrants the structural integrity of its racking, shelving and mezzanine systems for 5 years from installation, subject to normal use and standard inspection cycles. Extended structural cover up to 10 years is available under a Spode maintenance contract. Hot-dip galvanised finishes carry extended cover for cold storage and corrosive environments. Full warranty terms are provided with every quotation.
Compliance and business terms
Are Spode systems SEMA-compliant and safety-certified?
Yes. Spode designs and manufactures racking and shelving to SEMA standards (Storage Equipment Manufacturers' Association), the recognised reference for warehouse storage equipment internationally and in South Africa. Mezzanine floors are engineered to the National Building Regulations (Act 103 of 1977), with structural sign-off and council approval where required. All Spode systems are correctly anchored, levelled and safety-checked before handover.
What payment terms does Spode offer for businesses?
Spode accepts EFT, credit card and approved business credit accounts. Specific payment terms — deposit structure, milestone payments and account terms for repeat customers — are discussed and confirmed at quotation stage. All quotations include VAT and are in South African Rand.