On the whole, shipping containers were always popular amongst most people out there because of their sheer sturdiness and efficiency. Whether it is the aspect of container rental that you are going for or actual buying of the product, it would be hard for anyone to deny their overall positive contribution to society at large. Plus, for those who prefer sustainable living or living off the grid, even the option of a shipping container home no longer sounds as far-fetched as it did back in the day.
However, it is important to note that just as the popularity of shipping container homes continues to rise, so will the cost of containers as well. That is to be expected after all. Some sellers even try and manage to inflate the price of used containers as well. Since this is a popular trend, you can be sure of the fact that the seller will try his best towards getting a maximum profit by raising the overall price. But one can still buy a well-kept used container for a cheap price by employing a bit of creativity and perseverance while searching and bargaining.
- Try and stick to a budget: You should ideally be on a budget so that you don’t end up spending an unnecessarily large amount of money for a container that does not even live up to its quality. Hence, make sure that you avoid all the places that sell prefab containers with roll-up doors or contractor trailers. Not only do these cost a lot, but it is more than likely that you will have to change the layout to fit your own needs.
- Look for ways to save money: In order to do this well, looking for containers on eBay or Craigslist would be the best place to start. Few services offer free delivery within a certain distance. Plus, you can also negotiate on some used containers though you will have to be careful to make sure of the fact that they are not already owned by a shipping company.
- Look out for different construction materials: People think that most shipping containers are made from the same material while in reality, this is not the case. A metal called “Cor-Ten Steel” will not only last the longest, but it is one of the few material options out there that can withstand the most extreme weather and rust conditions.
- Consider hiring an inspector for a thorough inspection of your container: An inspector from the Institute of International Container Lessors is the best option for you. Make sure that you search for an inspector who is located nearby so that you don’t have to wait too long for him to come over for inspection.
- Be sure to negotiate prices: This is an absolute must and you need to try your level best to get free delivery. A lot of the times, the seller is motivated to sell and make deals for multi-unit sales.
Finally, it is vital that you do your homework in every aspect and sort out everything before you take the final step of buying a container. Of course, during the looking process, you will be exposed to a large selection of different kinds of containers across the board so there is really no way one can say that there is a lack of versatility or options in that regard.
What is important to note is the fact that one should never underestimate the power of patience and negotiation when it comes down to buying a shipping container home. Additionally, don’t ever make the mistake of thinking that the list price of any seller out there is set in stone. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only is there no shortage of containers in general, but never forget that just as you are highly motivated to buy, sellers are as motivated as you to sell. Make sure that you keep that fact in mind.
