When deciding whether to buy or lease a shipping container, it’s important to think about your needs and priorities so you can find the most cost-effective option available to you. If you’re in the market for some good used shipping containers, it’s also important to ask yourself these five questions before finalizing your decision.
1) What size do I need?
The obvious answer is that you need a container big enough for your stuff. However, there are some other considerations. For instance, if you’re going to be leasing a space and then subleasing it, you’ll want to get something smaller. Otherwise, you might have trouble finding someone willing to lease it from you. If you’re planning on transporting it by truck or other way, you’ll also want to make sure it fits on those vehicles. That said, size can be deceiving; a 40-foot container may not actually hold 40 feet of goods—just because of how containers are stacked on ships and trucks—so make sure to measure carefully before committing.
2) Where will it be stored?
For example, if you plan on keeping it at your home and storing it in your backyard, that would be one thing. However, if you plan on moving it around quite a bit or it will take up valuable space at work all day, you may want to consider other options. There are many businesses that offer storage facilities for shipping containers which are both safe and convenient. If you’re worried about safety, remember that most containers come with locking doors – so you don’t have to worry about anyone accessing it while stored somewhere else. Just make sure that whomever is storing your container knows they need special tools in order open and close them properly; otherwise they could break or bend due to improper care!
3) What will be inside?
The first thing you need to decide is what will be inside of your shipping container. Will it serve as storage? Will it be used for personal belongings or commercial goods? Knowing how you plan on using your shipping container will help you figure out what size and model is right for you. There are different types of containers available depending on whether or not you need one that can travel or only stay in your city, for example. And, even if your container will never leave shore, knowing which type is best for storage purposes—or if there’s a way to design and construct a storage space yourself—can save money by helping determine if it’s more cost-effective to buy or lease.
4) How much does a shipping container cost?
Depending on where you are looking and what size container you are trying to buy, shipping containers can range in price from $2,000 – $8,000. You can expect prices at or near the lower end of that spectrum when buying used shipping containers (the most typical situation). If you’re looking for a newer model with all of its original features intact (for example, ones without any dents or holes), expect your container to cost closer to $8,000. Where do I get one?: There are two main ways of finding shipping containers for sale: online and offline. The first way is by contacting an online broker who will search through their database of available containers for sale.
5) Can it be modified?
The great thing about shipping containers is that they are modular and you can modify them for any use, just like Legos. But there are some features you might want that can’t be retrofitted, such as a loading ramp. Make sure your container has what you need before you buy it. Just because it meets your needs today doesn’t mean it will in six months or five years when your business grows. Maybe, like Swifkey co-founder Rob Cotterill did with his shipping container startup, your business will start on a container but then require a larger space after only two months. The important thing is that you ask yourself what you really need—then take those answers with you when visiting potential containers to purchase.
If you have questions about Containers, make sure to consult a professional. At LandContainers.com, we can comprehensively guide you in choosing the right container for your needs. Reach out to us at (210) 245-7729 or share your requirements through our contact form.
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