Searching for a used storage container to buy can result in a lot of options for you to choose from. It’s easy to get into the mode of just comparing the price of a storage container for sale rather than structural condition of the box.
And knowing what to look for when researching a used container for sale on the web can be tough, especially if you’ve never bought one before.
So how do you protect yourself from buying a cheap used container for storage advertised as being ‘wind and watertight’ but with hidden structural damage, on the underneath for example?
Used storage container supplier questions to ask
What quality control measures are there?
With the average prospective online container buyer only having access to limited images of the box there can be several blind spots in terms of the containers structural condition.
So how do you limit the risk of buying a sub-standard used storage container?
Used containers do have long lifespans provided they are maintained in the correct way. Check with the company you are buying from that they have qualified and coded engineers inspecting the entire unit before it is released to you. This quality control measure means that you can have some peace of mind about the box that may eventually end up at your site.
Is it really an ISO shipping container?
Another consideration worth pointing out is that if a container has recently been used for shipping cargo then this is generally a good indication that the unit is in a structurally sound condition.
Why is this so? Containers used for shipping cargo must meet minimum industry quality standards, if a container is good enough for a shipping line to accept on board then it’s likely that the box is going meet and exceed the structural quality expectations of a used storage container buyer.
Worst case scenario – What protection do I have?
If the worst happens and the container you bought is delivered but not in the condition described by the vendor, then what are your options?
Your level of buyer protection will vary depending on where you purchase the unit from. Ask the vendor if they provide a guarantee that the unit will be delivered in a structurally sound condition and check their policies for resolving any issues you may have.
Check with the company you are buying the used storage container from that they have qualified and coded engineers inspecting the entire unit before it’s released to you.
Summary
- Ask the company you are considering buying containers from questions about the history of their boxes – what were they used for previously? As far as structural condition is concerned, buying a box that has been used for sea cargo shipment is usually preferable compared to buying a storage container which has been sitting directly on a muddy field for several years (due to possible underside corrosion).
- Check with the seller that the container is actually an ISO shipping container rather than something inferior.
- Before you go ahead and buy a used unit it’s good to get an understanding of the vendor’s return policies regarding any damage that becomes apparent on delivery of the box.
Balancing quality with price is always a good idea, especially if you may one day look to sell the container on.
Those who have bought a used storage container wisely and maintained it well are more likely to reap the rewards of a longer lasting unit, and potentially – a higher resale value when it’s no longer needed.