Containers aren’t just for freight. Many business owners rent containers for storage purposes. Containers also make great office spaces and are excellent for housing vending machines.
However, it’s worth noting that buying shipping containers isn’t so cheap. Luckily, you don’t have to buy a whole container if you need one. Most business owners rent containers at a lesser cost.
If you’re thinking about renting a container, there are things you need to have on lock. In this piece, we’ll highlight five crucial things you need to know before renting a shipping container. Hopefully, you’ll get the best value for your money.
But first, why use shipping containers for your business?
Why You Should Use Shipping Container for Your Business
Shipping containers are especially ideal for business startups. That said, you don’t have to be a startup to rent containers for your business.
Containers are also great for expanding businesses. You can use containers to penetrate new frontiers without spending too much money renting buildings.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring shipping containers:-
Cost-effective– Leasing office or storage space for a new business can be too expensive. With shipping containers, you can have a beautiful office space at a lesser price. What’s more, it’s straightforward to get an excellent deal for rented containers.
Versatile – Shipping containers are pretty versatile. As such, they can be used for a variety of businesses. Be it a pop-up shop, a café or restaurant, or a professional business set up; containers still get the job done.
Readily available– You don’t have to start looking for a contractor for a new business establishment. All you have to do is talk with the right supplier of containers, and you’re good to go. You don’t need any construction to move into your new office space.
Use them when moving– When you’re relocating your business, you can bundle up everything in a container. It will make moving your stuff way less of a hassle.
What Should You Know Before Renting a Shipping Container?
There’s so much more to shipping containers than just selecting a container. There are factors you should consider to make sure you get the right container for your business.
You should be especially careful when buying a container instead of renting. Whether new or used, here are five things you should know before buying a container.
1. There are Various Container Sizes to Accommodate Your Business Needs
Different businesses have different space requirements. Containers come in many sizes, so you don’t have to worry about your business being too small or too big.
The first thing you should understand before renting a container is the container size you need. Standard containers are 10, 20, 40, or 45 feet high.
High cube containers are special containers with one or more feet extra height over usual containers. The size you settle on depends on what your business needs. Most businesses go for the 40ft shipping containers because they are familiar and give good value for money.
2. Some Containers May Not Be suitable for Certain Modes of Transport
Some containers may not be designed for transporting goods overseas. These containers may only be limited to land transport.
So before you settle on a container, first check whether its design fits the required transport mode. You may be getting your container from overseas, yet the container cannot handle water or air travel.
Always liaise with the container company before you settle on a container to rent. Also, always do your homework because some container companies may not be honest.
You may end up with a damaged container or no container at all. So make sure that the container you chose can handle the required transportation mode.
3. Container Deals Are Easy to Find
It’s not hard to find a good deal when you need to rent a container. All you have to do is find the right companies, and then you’ll get one for a reasonable price.
What’s more, most shipping companies have containers at different price points. However, it is worth noting that it’s not advisable to skimp on your container. Sometimes you do get what you pay for.
That said, always negotiate with the right container company to land yourself a good deal. Most shipping companies are open to negotiations. You may even strike a long term deal to make the renting price even lesser.
4. Prefabricated Containers May Be a Bad Idea
Most business owners are tempted to rent prefabricated containers. These containers seem to be the all-inclusive package of containers. However, there are some disadvantages with these types of containers
First, prefabricated containers may cost you more than your usual container. Next, these containers may not be suited for your business needs. They mostly come in packages for standard businesses and aren’t versatile.
You may end up spending a lot of money on adjustments and repairs. Ultimately it may cost you more than just doing the fittings yourself.
You may not want a prefabricated container, especially if you’re very particular with your stuff.
5. Inspect the Container
It’s always a good idea to thoroughly inspect the container before entering any renting agreement. It may take up your time but it’s worth every single second.
An inspection should be mandatory especially for used containers. During your inspection, look out for defects such as body damage, rust, and dents.
You should, however, expect a few dents on some used containers. Don’t settle for anything with overly large dents. These dents may even hold water, which will cause the container to rust.
You’re Set to Get a Shipping Container
Hopefully, you’re well-acquainted with what you need to know before renting a container. Remember to always do your homework before renting a shipping container for your business.
Next time you’re having space problems, remember the perfect container for your business is just a call away.
Contact us today and rent the right container for your business and put your business on the map.