Local shipping container suppliers can provide various containers at competitive prices. They also have the expertise to handle container delivery and can help you with modifications. You can also purchase shipping containers from private sellers on websites. However, these purchases can only be risky if you can travel to the seller’s location to inspect the container.
Look for Additional Features
Buying used shipping containers is not only a good way to save money, but it also helps safeguard the environment. It prevents another container from ending in the landfill and limits energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from producing new containers. You can find these containers for sale online or at local shipping companies. You should list what type of container you want, including the location and condition, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Shipping containers can be refurbished for many purposes, including offices, workshops, living spaces, etc. Norcal Containers are a great choice for businesses that need extra storage space during busy periods, while moving, or during renovations. Choosing a well-maintained container that meets your needs at the right price is important.
Look for Local Suppliers
Buying shipping containers from local suppliers is the best way to get a great deal. Shipping container dealers are more likely to be able to offer customizations like ramps and shelving. They will also be more familiar with any permits you may need to purchase and install your containers. Local shipping container dealers are often found near ports and other intermodal facilities. Depending on where you live, there may be multiple suppliers in your area. It makes browsing several options easy and finding the perfect container for your needs.
When looking for shipping containers online, read reviews and check a supplier’s reputation before purchasing. Many used containers are sold in a condition that differs from what is shown in photos, and you want to avoid ending up with something you’re not happy with. Try searching for the container type and physical condition you are interested in, plus the name of your city or town.
Check the Condition
One of the most important things to consider when buying used shipping containers for cheap is their condition. There are a lot of different terms and abbreviations used to describe the state of shipping containers, and it’s important to understand what they mean before making a purchase.
A container’s condition cannot always be judged based on photos, so inspecting the unit before making a final decision is important. Look for signs of corrosion, dents, scratches, and rust. Also, find out what the container was previously used for. If it was used to ship nuclear waste, biohazards, or toxic chemicals, those materials may have leeched into the floors and walls of the container.
If that’s the case, it will likely need remediation before being used for a new purpose. It would help if you also looked for holes in the doors, as they could allow water to enter the container. Close the doors and shine a light inside to check for holes.
Negotiate
When buying used shipping containers, it’s important to negotiate the price. There is a knowledge asymmetry when dealing with a seller: They know more about the container than you do, which can lead to things like bait-and-switch selling or low-quality repairs.
To combat this, look for national dealers with local sales agents who can walk you through the process and make recommendations. These dealers are also more likely to be members of industry organizations, which can indicate that they have a good reputation and will be more trustworthy than someone who sells from their backyard.
It’s also worth considering whether you’re willing to buy in bulk. It will allow you to save money on delivery and storage costs and upgrade your container sizes. For example, if you’re purchasing a few 20-foot containers, it may be possible to trade up to 40-foot ones at the same price.