It’s big, rectangular, and heavy. Any way you look at it, considering storage containers for sale seems simple and straightforward. Storage containers offer a cost-effective solution for businesses looking for an ideal place to store their current or excess inventory. However, just like any commodity for sale, you need to ensure that you are getting exactly what you paid for.
Rent or Purchase? The Pros and Cons of Owning a Storage Container
Since storage containers can offer a long-term warehousing solution, it is only logical to think about which option would yield more financial sense: renting or owning one? Of course, the answer to this question lies with your business objective.
If you just need a temporary storage for your surplus items or you just need it to move your inventory to a new facility, then taking a lease on a storage container would be just fine. It would also make sense to rent a container if you just need a temporary workplace or if your business requires the transporting of goods.
Leasing offers a more cost-effective option than buying one since you won’t be responsible for its maintenance. You are also almost always guaranteed to have a freshly fabricated or renovated storage container with every lease since sellers rarely lease outdated or damaged storage containers.
However, if your business requires a more permanent warehousing and storage solution, then buying your own storage container will make more sense, especially if you are thinking of modifying it to suit your business’s needs.
You also need to consider the space where you are planning to set your purchased storage container up. As a rule, you would need a space that is twice the dimensions of the cargo container to give it adequate clearance.
Lastly, certain cities and counties have specific restrictions on storage containers so you have to make sure that you research those as most sellers cover multiple areas and are not necessarily updated with the various restrictions imposed by each city they cover.
Other Factors to Consider
Aside from cost, size, and space, you also need to consider whether to purchase a brand-new storage container or a used one. In general, used storage containers are much cheaper since these are mostly those that were ‘retired’ after years of service in the shipping industry. However, don’t forget to do some visual inspection and look for holes, dents, rust, or funny odors before you decide on your purchase.
Whether you decide to rent or purchase a storage container, make sure that you know exactly what kind of container you want and if it will fit your specific purpose. By familiarizing yourself with the many available conditions and options in the storage container market, you will be able to get your money’s worth.
Sources
10 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy a Shipping Container, OffGridWorld.com
How to Get a Shipping Container, Instructables.com
