A shipping container is multipurpose. You can change it from its original transportation purpose to anything you wish to convert it into. You may modify it into a home, an office, or a storage facility. But where you source your shipping containers has grave implications because working with a non-reliable container supplier can shortchange you.
So, how do you select an appropriate container supplier to meet your needs? Our post delves into this matter. Read to learn more about the factors to consider before entering a container supply deal.
1. Inspect the Supplier’s Actual Containers
We live in the age of digital manipulation, where people can manipulate any image to make it what they want. Used container photos aren’t exempted from this manipulation. The internet has many sellers with crisp container images that entice potential buyers.
However, pay attention to the details before spending any coin on a container you saw online. Some, though not all, dealers post one image and ship you a different box altogether. A reliable container seller should not just post genuine product images but also allow you to see the actual box before purchasing it. This step is crucial because it saves you rude, costly last-minute surprises and demonstrates the vendor’s integrity.
Remember, many photos aren’t for the same boxes but the average representation of what sellers offer. So, be like Thomas and ask to “touch the scars” before committing your money to a deal.
2. Delivery Fees
Your potential container seller should disclose all the details about delivery fees to your site. They must reveal all the binding terms and conditions. Also, exercise due diligence by establishing how far the container is from your delivery location to understand under which circumstances you might need to pay more.
Remember, you don’t need to save money buying a container only to lose the savings on higher transportation costs. Wisdom ensures that most of the price should go to the container, not its shipping expenses. Otherwise, you won’t have a worthy offer.
Remember to ask for the delivery liability. The seller should disclose who will be responsible for the box while in transit. What happens if the shipping container is damaged during offloading? Get these questions answered before committing your money.
3. Container History and Age
A good container vendor should be truthful about their products’ age and history. However, you may focus your inquiries on the box’s age, any repair or maintenance it has undergone, and the type of goods it carried. This information will enable you to foresee any possible problems with the container.
4. Container Guarantees
Remember to ask about guarantees before buying any container. Your prospective vendor must guarantee you regarding critical issues like what happens if the container isn’t the one you wanted. They must also tell you what happens if the container leaks, although they assumed it doesn’t. Any reputable supplier must give you a liability waiver or warranty for a specified period.
5. Supplier Credibility
Supplier credibility and integrity are mandatory to consider before settling for their offers. Some suppliers don’t pass the integrity test. Therefore, research the vendor’s history and determine if they shortchange or screw customers. Reading trusted online customer reviews or getting testimonials from their customers helps you settle this matter. This way, you can be sure of choosing a supplier who won’t cause you unnecessary headaches.
6. Container Size
Shipping containers have different sizes. When selecting a vendor, ensure they have your required container sizes. Their dimensions should be able to meet your container needs.
7. Container Purpose
Choose a shipping container supplier based on your needs. Getting a clear picture of what you wish to do with the box secures your buying decision from the onset. Some of the supplier’s containers are designed to move cargo, while others can also meet storage needs. Therefore, ensure the vendors’ available containers fully meet your needs.
8. Delivery Time
Consider the supplier’s delivery time from the time you place an order. Do the vendor supply orders on time, or will you find yourself in ‘delay battles’ with them? Ensure that their delivery time doesn’t affect what you want to do with the container. Otherwise, choose another supplier.
9. Convenient Ordering Processes
A convenient ordering process is another factor when selecting a shipping container vendor. Choose another seller if the seller’s website doesn’t clarify how to order boxes, or you can’t get the details via a phone call. An excellent supplier should have easy-to-fill order forms online with upfront payment. They must also accept payment using all major credit cards and payment gateways.
10. Container Diversity
Before committing your money to them, you must factor in the potential seller’s diversity. The company must have various container sizes, types, and conditions. You should be able to choose between used and new containers based on your budgetary limits.
11. Delivery Scope
Don’t forget to consider the seller’s delivery scope before entering a deal with them. Working with a supplier that delivers to a large region benefits you more. The vendor must be able to supply to different Canadian territories and provinces.
12. Fleet Size
Lastly, your potential seller must have a large fleet of trucks to speed up order deliveries. Partnering with such a supplier saves you delay headaches. If this critical element is missing, you shouldn’t trust a supplier with orders requiring quick deliveries.
Closing Remarks
The shipping box supplier you want to select can have many serious consequences on your buying decision and its purpose. Therefore, consider various factors before settling for a particular vendor.
This post shared the twelve essential factors to consider when choosing the correct container vendor. Go ahead and use them to make an informed choice that gives you great value for your hard-earned cash.
Don’t forget to look our way for all your shipping needs in and around Ontario. Our doors and lines are open. Feel free to contact us today for a free quote and consultation.
