8 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Shipping Container
TargetBox has sold its fair share of used shipping containers in Ontario and British Columbia. Thousands of them, actually! In the many conversations we’ve had with happy customers, we hear a lot of the same questions.
To help our Internet friends (that’s you) with their “top 8” questions when buying a used TargetBox shipping container, here are our answers.
1. What does ‘used’ even mean? What is the condition of the container?
Great question, since ‘used’ can be a bit difficult to figure out. TargetBox’s used containers are cargo-worthy, as well as wind and watertight. The containers will not be ‘perfect’ and so will have some rust and small dents, while the interior wood flooring will be in a useable, but not perfect, condition.
2. What size of shipping container should I buy?
TargetBox shipping containers come in 10-, 20- or 40-foot lengths and eight-foot widths. For more capacity, you can choose from ‘high-cube’ containers, which are one foot taller than the standard 8’6” heights.
You may be surprised at how much can fit in a single container, so consider your storage or project requirements and choose a container based on that.
8′ x 10′
This box is large enough to hold the contents of most smaller homes, like a one-bedroom apartment, condo or house. It is also an ideal storage option for furniture and appliances during small home renovation projects or a riding lawnmower with many other gardening implements.
8′ x 20′
This box will hold the contents of most two to three-bedroom homes. If you have a larger home, consider renting two containers! This can also fit a nicely sized workshop with plenty of storage to space.
8’ x 40’
This container will hold the contents of a large home. Many people convert these large containers into small homes or offices.
3. Does the container have any additional features?
Standard containers come equipped with two doors on one end, with ventilation at the top of the container in strategic locations.
That being said, TargetBox has access to many other containers which have built-in ‘extras’ that are ready to ship to you. For example, we have refrigerated units with insulation, refrigeration systems and clean interiors. Other units have doors in other locations, like on both ends or on the sides.
Perhaps one of the best reasons that people here in Ontario and British Columbia choose TargetBox is that we also can take on a wide range of custom modifications. This includes the following popular features, plus many others. Reach out to our team to discuss the additional features you’re looking to have on your unique project.
4. No Long-Term Storage Contracts
A sale is never over with TargetBox. We’ll work with you to ensure complete peace of mind after your purchase to ensure complete satisfaction. Reach out to our sales team to learn more about how our warranty is the best in the biz.
5. Can you deliver the shipping container to my property?
Make sure you fully understand how the container will be transported to your location and if delivery fees are included in the price.
With TargetBox, you will receive a quote that has a price for the container purchase, plus a price for delivery. As you can imagine, the further away you are from our depot, the more it may cost to deliver your container.
Ontario and BC delivery also depend on your property’s logistics. Does it need to be unloaded on your driveway, or does it need to be joisted into a specific place down a narrow alley? Or are there low-hanging electrical wires in the way? Being able to fully understand the issues that our delivery crew may experience in advance will help to keep your quote accurate and ensure that there are no surprises on the big day.
6. How old is the container?
Containers can range from just a few years old to over 20 years old, depending on their condition and prior usage. Most used containers that TargetBox sells are approximately five years old.
7. What maintenance will it require?
This is a great question that depends on the shipping container’s ultimate location and its use. To keep the top of the shipping container from prematurely rusting, some of our customers choose to build a peaked and shingled roof on top.
Keeping it free from heavy equipment will likely help reduce the chances of punctures and structural issues.
To ensure a rust-free building well into the future, patch holes when they happen and keep it painted with rust-proof paint, anti-corrosion coating and roof sealants.
8. Is TargetBox reputable?
Don’t ask us – just read about what others are saying online. We’ve been in this industry for many years and are leaders here in Ontario and British Columbia in the selling and renting of shipping containers. Our response time is measured in minutes, not days, and we work with every customer to ensure 100% satisfaction every time.
Reach out to our team right now to ask them about your many other questions. We’d be happy to answer them and help you make an informed purchase decision.
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