As a business owner, have the thought of buying or renting a shipping container ever crossed your mind? Well, you have landed on the right page. This post sheds more light on the benefits of a shipping container to a business and what you need to know about them. Read on and find out how you can use them to grow and expand your business.
Uses of a shipping container
Any kind of a business shipping or selling physical products will require shipping containers along the way for the smooth running of the business. Therefore, it is important to know the best way to put shipping containers into use. Here are super amazing ways you can use shipping containers in your business to reduce costs, increase efficiency and speed up operations.
1. Transportation
Transportation is the primary use of shipping containers. These containers are made of strong and durable steel which makes them safe and secure. The materials of the shipping containers are designed to protect your goods against harsh climatic conditions and other damage-causing factors. When using them to transport goods, you are guaranteed that your products will arrive at their destinations securely and undamaged.
2. Storage space
A lot of businesses buy or rent shipping containers for storage purposes. The impressive feature about storing goods inside a shipping container is guaranteed security. You can keep your goods inside a shipping container as long as you need without worrying about them getting damaged. Owning a shipping container to store your goods means you are not worried about where to keep items before dispatching them to their rightful destinations.
Furthermore, shipping containers also offer customizable storage solutions. You just need to order a shipping container with the right dimensions. A competitive company dealing with containers should be able to provide you with a container made as per your requirements.
3. Extra office space
Why not invest in a shipping container to use it whenever you need extra working space? Every business requires some extra space at some point. For instance, a business will eventually need extra working space when conducting job interviews, hosting an event or showcasing their products and services to potential clients. So, instead of renting a boardroom every time you are hosting an event, consider buying a shipping container and convert it into an extra office working space. It won’t only be convenient but it will also be cost-effective.
4. Camps for remote work
Businesses find themselves in an uphill task when they are required to send some of their employees to work on a project far from where their offices are located. Thanks to technology and innovation, all your employees don’t have to work under the same roof to deliver. You can still work as a team even when others are working remotely.
In that regard, whenever the need arises for some staff members to go out in the field, you can use a shipping container to set up a temporary working station for the time they will be working in that particular area. That way, you can reduce operating costs significantly. You will also save time and reduce work-related stress since there will be no need for long unnecessary commutes to the project site now and then.
5. Temporary residence
Everyone needs a place to live in and that includes you and your employees. If you have the option to live in a typical housing well and good. However, in a situation where you or your workers are moving and need a temporary home, a shipping container may be what you need. Besides, the modern designs available nowadays makes it easier to remodel a shipping container into a house. With this option, you can have a home for you or any of your employees anywhere. Now you don’t have an excuse of not expanding your business or opening a branch far from the headquarters.
Things to consider when buying shipping containers
Shipping containers have many uses and so it’s natural for every business to consider investing in them. While there are so many shipping containers for sale available out there, it is important to know what to look out for before making your purchase. Below are some of the things you should put into consideration. They will assist you to make the right decision.
The intended use
You need to clearly understand the purpose of a shipping container to your business. It’s the primary factor that will determine if you need to purchase or hire the container for a certain period. For instance, you may need to buy one or more if you are looking for long-term storage space for highly valuable items. But if it’s just for relocation from one state to another, hiring will be more ideal. Also, the intended use of the container will enable you to determine the size of a container your business needs. Thus, make sure you find the right size for your project to get the best out of it.
Condition of the container
When choosing a shipping container, you need to know the kind of container you need. That should include the average condition and other features. If you are not able to physically examine the container before making a purchase, ensure you request for exact photos of the container you intend to buy. Check anything that could cause an issue. Ask as many questions as you can until you get convinced that particular container will cater to your needs.
Budget
You need to know the highest amount of money your business can spend to purchase a shipping container. Take your time to shop around and when you get what you are looking for, make sure you negotiate for a good deal. You can also consider a used container if it’s still in good shape and you are sure about the company you are dealing with.
Transporting a container is quite expensive and so it’s important to check the seller’s terms of delivery. Be careful with instances you are required to pay more than the pre-purchase quote. You would rather pay more for a quality container than for delivery cost. Also remember to check who is responsible for container delivery while on the road and who incurs losses in case of damage during transit, loading and off-loading. Is it you or them? This information will save you from any unnecessary costs.
Durability
Not all containers are durable. Some are not strong enough to last long. Make sure you look for those made with high-quality steel. These types of containers can withstand harsh weather conditions for the longest time possible. Remember, shipping containers are designed to sit outside without any protective gears. If you don’t get the high-quality type, you will be in for a rude shock.
The bottom line
When used right, shipping containers can be very beneficial to a business. Make sure you only go for the ones with suitable features to get full value out of every aspect of your business for the longest time possible. Plus, don’t compromise on quality. The above information should guide you accordingly.
