People purchase shipping containers for different reasons. Depending on the purpose of purchase, some people prefer a new or almost new container while others simply want something functional and wouldn’t really mind the physical condition and attractiveness of the container as long as it is able to serve its intended purpose. But in all cases, pricing is always a factor and it is important to know how pricing is determined and some tips that will help you save money when checking on shipping containers for sale online.

As far as shopping for shipping containers is concerned, pricing varies from one seller to the other. However, how much you would have to pay for a container depends on a number of factors and the most important factor that influence container price is its condition. Generally, one would expect that a newer container in terms of age would sell at a higher price compared to an older one. However, you would soon find out in the world of container sales that this isn’t always the case. A container’s condition is first a subject of how much wear and tear it has had to endure and how much damage it has resulted from its use. Thus, you might find a new container that is badly damaged after a single use, will sell less than an older one that has been kept in great condition.

20′ is one of the two most common sizes of containers (the other being the 40′ size). While size is one of the main deciders in pricing, there will be other factors that need to be considered in order to accurately determine correct pricing.  Thus two 20′ Conex or metal container will have different values depending on the following:

• Age
• History and current condition
• Additional costs such as the cost of delivery and permit fees.
• Other customised features

If you plan to purchase a shipping container, the following is a basic guide that you can use to get a rough indication of how much shipping containers will cost:

Are you on a budget and looking for the most affordable option?

If your budget is a constraint and you want the most affordable shipping container options out there, then you can go for “as is” 20′ containers (otherwise called handyman containers). These are containers that have been badly damaged from use and might require you to do a little bit of restoration to get it into shape and in working condition again. You might have to repair doors, fix dents in the floor or roofs and repair holes caused by mechanical or even chemical accidents during previous use.

Generally, how cheap these types of containers come for depends on how much repair has to be done to get it back into shape. The cost of handyman containers can be as low as $1,400. With some days of work by a handyman or if you are a handyman yourself, you can get a good deal on a worn-out container and get it back into shape in no time. However, be sure you are paying just the right value for the container. If the total cost of purchase and repair is going to end up being enormous, it will be a better decision to go for something more midrange.

What are your mid-range options?

Renting

If you are looking for something temporary, can’t spend time and extra cash on repairs, and still want something affordable (or in this case mid-range); then renting a container is an idea that you can consider. This way, you not only get something convenient and still affordable, but you also don’t have to worry about where you will haul the container once you are done using it. Usually, a local supplier will charge you between $75-$200 monthly. What you pay depends largely on the condition of the container and extra features if any. Some suppliers will also carry out occasional maintenance on the container for an extra fee.

Click here to learn more about renting a container.

Buy a used container

Another way you can save money on container purchase is to go for a used container instead of buying a brand new one. As far as used containers are concerned, you will find many great options if you decide to go for it. Most used containers will serve basic storage purpose as long as they have not been badly damaged. Conex and Metal containers have a long lifespan and will still serve you well for some years when you purchase them.

Used containers provide an affordable yet good quality alternative. Used containers can cost as low as $1400 to $2600. This price will vary based on the dealer you are buying from and the condition of the container as at the time of purchase.

What are your options when you have enough to spend?

The other types of containers discussed earlier are for buyers who are constrained by a budget or whose reason for purchasing a container allows them to go for containers that are in “not-so-perfect” condition. However, if qualit is a must for you and you are not constrained by a budget, then a new or one-tripper container is the best option for you.

One-trippers are newly manufactured containers that have been shipped down with their very first cargo load. Thus, they are in pristine conditions with no damage done to them at all. Depending on the size and other factors, a one-tripper can cost about $3000 to $5000.

Read here https://www.discovercontainers.com/where-can-i-buy-shipping-containers-from/ to learn more about where to find shipping containers online.

Conclusion

Purchasing or selling a container depends on both your budget and working condition of the container. How much you are willing to spend will largely determine the quality of the container you are able to buy at the end of the day. At the same time, how much a dealer will list a container for sale is also subjected to its quality as at the time of purchase. Understanding these pricing and selling points is important in determining which 20′ shipping container to purchase.