Shipping containers have seen a significant rise in price in recent years. Many suppliers increased the prices of standard shipping containers due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, smaller businesses and individuals are also offering containers at much cheaper rates.

While cheaper prices may seem enticing, buyers should be aware of the dangers of buying cheap shipping containers. Keep reading for the top 3 things you should know before purchasing a cheap shipping container.

Beware of common scams

Cheap shipping containers are typically part of wider shipping container scams. Doing your research on common scams can help you avoid falling victim to one when purchasing your shipping container.

Ghost container scams often advertise shipping containers that don’t actually exist. While these scams typically come with photos and detailed descriptions, they do not end with the delivery of the shipping container. Once a payment has been made, the scam supplier disappears along with the container information and the buyer’s cash.

Another common danger of cheap shipping containers can be their condition. Shipping containers are priced based on their grade, so a significantly cheap container suggests one of poor condition. These containers can have damages such as corrosion, structural issues, and leaks. These issues can render your container unusable, meaning that you lose out on your time and money. Learn more about ghost container scams here.

Check the supplier

All companies must register with Companies House to sell anything. Make sure to verify the supplier information against that listed on the Companies House website.

You can check the supplier’s registered company number, contact information, and staff to ensure that the suppliers are who they say they are. Any legitimate business should have their registered business number and VAT license number stated on their website.

Get it in writing

Make sure to have all agreements concerning your shipping container in writing before completing your purchase. Having a clear, detailed contract will help you in the event of any disputes and is imperative when seeking legal action against scam suppliers.

Be sure that all details concerning your shipping container are clearly stated in the contract before completing your purchase. This should include specifications, unit condition, and installation fees.

Remember, as with any product, you get what you pay for! Approach cheap shipping containers with caution – if the deal looks too good to be true, it often is. If you need a trusted supplier for your shipping container purchase, speak to one of our team today at 0333 600 6260.

For more information on what containers we offer, visit our conversions page or browse through our latest projects here.