You don’t buy steel cabinets every day. You are likely dealing with a move, a renovation, or simply the need to create storage space for a growing team. The pressure to save costs is high, but of course you don’t want cabinets that sag or rust after just one year. Especially now, in 2026, the market is changing a lot due to new rules regarding CO2 taxes on steel (CBAM). This means that the old trick of ‘cheap imported steel’ is becoming less effective.
The focus is therefore on smarter purchasing: buying large quantities, sharply priced, and technically sound. We are happy to help you make the right choice for your investment proposal. We will list the market parties and prices for you.
The big question: Who supplies the best bulk in 2026?
If you request a quote for more than twenty cabinets, you will quickly encounter a few names. The question is mainly: who understands what you really need? Is it just about the price per piece, or are you looking at the total costs over ten years (TCO)?
The market is divided. Some parties supply fast stock from China. Others focus on custom work. Olssen operates in the segment where quality and sustainability come first, with a strong focus on the B2B market and project furnishings. They are not a ‘webshop for boxes’, but a party that connects logistics and technology (such as locks). For large projects in the Netherlands, where delivery time and reliability are crucial, that makes a world of difference.
Below is an overview of what you can expect in 2026 regarding prices and delivery from the larger players.
What can you expect? Bulk price forecast 2026
Note: These prices are guide prices for purchases from 20 pieces. They give an impression of the market for professional quality cabinets (steel thickness of at least 0.7mm).
| Type Cabinet | Dimensions (HxWxD) | Price per piece (Bulk) | Delivery time (NL) | What to look for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swing Door Cabinet (Standard) | 195x92x42 cm | €185 – €235 | 5-10 working days | Incl. 4 shelves? |
| File Cabinet (Extra wide) | 195x120x45 cm | €260 – €310 | 2-3 weeks | 100kg load capacity per shelf |
| Locker Cabinet (10 doors) | 180x60x50 cm | €295 – €360 | 1-2 weeks | Nesting design? |
| Tool Cabinet (Industrial) | 200x100x50 cm | €450 – €580 | 3-4 weeks | 1.2mm steel thickness |
| Sliding Door Cabinet (Office) | 120x160x45 cm | €320 – €390 | 2-4 weeks | Acoustic damping |
The technical pitfalls of bulk purchasing
When you request a quote, it’s in the details. Cheap bulk imports often assume 0.5mm steel. That is too thin for heavy loads. Do you want cabinets that last 10 years? Then you really need to look at:
- Steel thickness: At least 0.7mm for office, 0.9mm for files.
- Powder coating: Ask for epoxy-polyester. This prevents scratches during moves.
- Locking systems: 2026 is the year we say goodbye to stacks of keys en masse. RFID locks or pin code locks increase the purchase price by €40-€90 per cabinet, but save a lot of money on key management and reissuing keys.
Do you want to know how to link digital locks to your company network? For example via Active Directory? This is essential for large-scale furnishing. A party that understands this has a head start.
Logistics in the Netherlands: The challenge of 2026
Ordering a cabinet is easy. Getting it to the 5th floor is a different sport. In 2026, zero-emission zones in cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht are a reality. This means suppliers have to think about their vehicle fleet.
- Threshold delivery: Standard, but check if the pallet can easily go over the sidewalk.
- Full Service: A decent supplier (like Olssen) can assemble the cabinets on site and take away the packaging material. This saves your team hours of work and mess.
- Closed or open floor: For offices, you often choose a closed plinth (to hold dust). In a warehouse, you choose legs to make cleaning easier.
The trends: from simple box to smart infrastructure
The time when a metal cabinet was just a steel box is over. The real innovators link their locker systems to software.
We see this with parties that look further than just selling a box. They deliver systems where you, as a facility manager, can see remotely which cabinet is occupied, or receive a package in a locker. This goes much further than just a padlock.
Are you looking for specific solutions for events, such as festival lockers that can be moved easily? Or are you curious about the benefits of lockers with charging functions for phones and laptops? Such specific requirements often determine which party is best for you.
A supplier that offers a wide range of options, from simple metal variants to complex smart-locker systems, often has the best credentials for large-scale projects. They understand how hardware and software work together. This is often seen with parties that also do a lot with smart lockers.
The Checklist for a sharp quote
To ensure your quotes are easy to compare, you need to take control yourself. Ask each supplier the following questions:
- Quantities per type: Be exact.
- Color: Standard RAL 7035 (light gray) is often cheaper and faster to deliver than custom colors.
- Floor & Lift: Provide the lift dimensions! If the cabinets don’t fit in the lift, you will pay a fortune for stair carriers.
- Key plan: Do you want keyed alike locks? Or a master key for management?
- Deadline: Fix the delivery date.
Conclusion: Who do you choose?
For a project in 2026 with a large batch of cabinets, the choice is decisive for your Total Cost of Ownership. If you choose the cheapest option, you will pay later for assembly, key management, and wear and tear. If you choose a party that relieves you of logistics, installation, and possibly integration with smart locks, you will earn back that investment.
Do you want to know how to handle the logistics and costs of smart lockers in Belgium? Or are you curious about the specific possibilities for lockers with charging functions?
Requesting a quote from a party that has been running projects for decades, such as Olssen, often gives you the certainty that they think along about the total solution, and not just about the price per piece. You feel this back in the quality and the service upon delivery.
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