Should You Rent Or Buy A Shipping Container?

It’s entirely understandable that many don’t know whether to buy or rent shipping containers. Considering the different sizes and modifications, there are many reasons why uncertainty may sway you as a customer.

This blog will outline the key factors determining whether container hiring or buying is for you. At ContainerCo, we have several 10 ft, 20 ft and 40 ft containers for sale or hire that fit the profile for many.

What Kind of Container Are You Looking For?

Although many depots will claim to have everything, having the right experienced team is key to ensuring a solution to your problem. Shipping containers typically come in three sizes, 10 ft, 20 ft and 40 ft. The reason for their use will heavily influence what size you need.

Reasons for a 10 ft Container:

  • Easy transportation
  • Short or long-term storage
  • Make-shift kiosk
  • Small office

Reasons for a 20 ft Container:

  • Worksite offices
  • Food trucks
  • Tiny home foundation

Reasons for a 40 ft Container:

  • Large-scale shipping
  • Cafe/Restaurant
  • Pop-up shops

Despite the suggestions above, the purposes of hiring or buying a shipping container is not restricted. Therefore, finding a knowledgeable team of professionals who can give you advice is absolutely crucial.

How Long Will You Use The Shipping Container?

How long will you need the container? One of the most obvious and important questions you must ask yourself. As a rule of thumb, if you need a container for longer than a year, it may be best to purchase the container.

However, our friendly depots will be able to talk through your options regarding the best uses of time and money. If you’re looking for a temporary solution, hiring containers will likely be your go-to.

Nevertheless. If you intend to permanently plant a shipping container at a location, buying it will be your best bet. Even if you plan to relocate at some stage, purchasing is still a viable option. Remember, owning a container does allow you to reuse the structure for many years and more than just the original project. However, if it is not being used, it can take up unnecessary space.

What Budget Are You Dealing With?

The cost of renting a container varies depending on the condition, size and modifications. For example, a 40 ft container in Auckland that requires the newest material and modifications will cost more than a 10 ft used and unmodified container.

The extent of modifications that can be made depends on whether you’re looking at renting or buying. If you’re looking to use a shipping container as a retail shop or even an office, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to modify it heavily. On the other hand, some container depots will have some already modified containers available if you’re looking to rent.

Finally, you should also do some calculations to ensure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck. For example, will the cost of renting containers in Wellington come in less than the buying price? If not, then you should consider purchasing a shipping container.

Can You Maintain and Transport The Shipping Container?

It’s vital to be sure that you can take care of a shipping container if you purchase it. Whether it will need transportation or maintenance, be aware of the resources you need. This is where renting does come in handy. Renting allows you to defer the maintenance responsibilities to the shipping container company.

Conversely, if a company is looking to apply branding and significant modifications, buying will likely be your only option. If you have the transportation and maintenance resources and extra spaces, you should consider purchasing a shipping container.

Each customer will have a different plan and thus need another solution. Come on down to ContainerCo, and we can give you a rundown on the many options we have available.

ContainerCo

At ContainerCo, we pride ourselves on providing an extensive range of shipping containers for hire or purchase. Our range of 10ft, 20ft and 40ft containers can be used for various purposes, including shipment, storage or construction, to name a few. Featuring more than just containers in our product range, we also sell accessories and parts for shipping containers to ensure your container can be maintained and repaired after prolonged use. 

Offering specialised containers along with dry standard variations, ContainerCo’s containers include refrigerated, dangerous goods, high-ball, open-top and side-opening options. As a fully-established shipping container company, we also have the facilities to modify purchased shipping containers. Our specialised team can assist you with altering containers into workspaces, cafes, tiny homes or construction site offices. 

We can serve Kiwis across the country with facilities operating in Auckland, Tauranga, Christchurch, Wellington and Waikato. So next time you require a shipping container, make sure to hire or buy yours at ContainerCo today! 

Contact us on 0508 732 873 or request a free online quote today!