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Main Blog Rent or Buy a Shipping Container: What to Choose?

Pros and Cons of Buying or Renting a Shipping Container

May 27, 2021
Coast Containers

Pros and Cons of Buying or Renting a Shipping Container

In this blog post, we will be looking at the pros and cons of renting vs. buying a shipping container. When comparing the two options it usually comes down to what you plan on using the shipping container for and what your budget is. If you need modifications done then purchasing a shipping container is the option for you. If you can’t afford a larger upfront cost then renting on a monthly basis is a great option. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of buying and renting a container further!

Pros of Buying a Shipping Container

Modifications

Customize your container to your specific needs. When you buy shipping containers instead of renting, the modification options are endless. From adding shelving and extra locks to creating a pop-up shop, home office or emergency shelter, your imagination is your only limitation. Want to learn more about how to create a pop-up shop, home office or emergency shelter out of a shipping container? Read our blog posts! 

One-time Fixed Cost

When considering if buying or renting a shipping container is right for you it is always important to consider your budget. If you have the budget then a one-time fixed cost is a great reason to purchase a shipping container instead of renting one on a monthly basis, especially if you plan on having it forever. 

Resale Value

One huge benefit to consider when deciding if you want to rent or purchase a shipping container is the resale of the container when or if you don’t need it anymore. When maintained properly, storage containers have a very long shelf life and are built to withstand the elements at sea. 

More Options Available

What are you using your shipping container for? This is an important question when deciding if you should rent or buy a container. When you rent a shipping container you are limited to the types and sizes of containers you can use. When you purchase a container there are many more options available for sizes and types. Here are a few types that Coast Containers can offer you:

  • Dry containers
  • Insulated and thermal containers
  • Flat rack containers
  • Double door containers
  • Open side containers
  • Half-height containers
  • High cube containers 

Interested in learning more about the different types of storage containers we offer? Check out our blog post,  What are the Main Types of the Shipping Containers?

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Cons of Buying a Shipping Container

Maintenance

When you buy a shipping container it is important that you maintain it on a semi-annual basis. Don’t worry it’s not as hard as you would think. Here are 5 tips and tricks for shipping container maintenance. 

  1. Give it a good pressure wash
  2. Make sure it’s level
  3. Check any modifications
  4. Inspect doors and hinges
  5. Check roof for dents and water collecting

Want to learn more about shipping container maintenance? Read our blog post here

Transporting Container

If you plan on moving your container to another location then the transportation is up to you. If you don’t have the right vehicle to transport the container then this will be an additional cost. 

Budget

When you rent a container the cost comes on a monthly basis, whereas when you purchase a container it is a one-time cost. If you don’t have the budget to purchase a container upfront then this would be considered a con to buying a shipping container instead of renting.

Pros of Renting a Shipping Container

Monthly Payments

As mentioned above, when you buy or rent a storage container you need to consider your budget. Are you in a financial situation where you can purchase a container or are you better off renting a container with monthly payments?

Transporting Container

Transporting your container is easy when you rent a container so if you need to regularly move your container and don’t have the correct vehicle then renting a container may be a good option for you. 

No Maintenance Required

Don’t worry about maintenance when you rent a container! If you don’t want the hassle of maintaining your container then renting is a good option. 

Cons of Renting a Shipping Container

No Modifications

Should you buy or rent a storage container? Well, what are you going to be using it for. When renting a container,  it will come without any modifications unless you are renting an office container. If you want any modifications done then renting a container is not for you. 

Budget

When you rent a shipping container you pay a monthly fee and will not get any of that money back. When you purchase a container you pay a one-time cost but have the ability to recuperate some of it if you sell the container later on. 

Not as Many Options Available

Typically when you rent or buy a shipping container there are set sizes and types of containers that the company offers. The most popular container rental size is 20’ but they also come in larger and smaller sizes. When you buy a shipping container there are many more options to choose from including types of containers.

Comparison Table

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Conclusion

When comparing renting and buying a shipping container, budget, use, and convenience are essential. Are you planning on using your container for a one-time move or for a short renovation or do you want to build a home office or pop-up shop? Do you have enough money to buy a container or are you more comfortable with paying monthly to rent a container? Either way we have you covered. At Coast Containers we can offer you many different options of shipping containers with various sizes and types available for purchase. We also have a partner company, Make Space Storage that can assist you with a shipping container rental! Our partner company offers portable storage, self-storage, and parking with many locations!

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