Depending on everyone needs, buying a shipping container is not always more expensive than renting one, but always depends on several factors about the condition of the container, what do you need it for, fabrication , usage length and may other variables.
We have a few things that you can consider before making the move and buy or rent the units:
Renting the shipping container – Our customers have a good idea if they really need the storage unit permanently or temporarily. Most of the units are rented for :
- Temporary storage solution – If you need a temporary storage solution for your residence or business, you can consider renting one. Depending on your plans with it you can do long term or short term contract. Of course the longer the contract is the lower the payments are, but the total amount is the same or might have some interest. If you rent, you will need to pay for delivery and pick up of the unit, so take that amount in consideration as well, rent is not finance, so the bank pays the company for your rented unit, so you have to pay some extras. If you only need it for a few months companies offer 3-6-9-12 months or more, and some offer month to month lease but that is the most expensive. You can apply here with our partners USA Containers for a lease contract. ( Use STAN as a discount code).
- Size reassessment on changing needs – as we all know shipping containers come in various sizes, most common are 20ft and 40ft so you need to make sure you rent the right size, otherwise you might rent the largest and have lots of unused space and paying more that you need, or rent the smallest and realize you might need to rent another one or a larger unit to fit your needs. You can check here inside and outside sizes and capacity!
- Trial period – Some shipping container companies allow their customers to rent and then if the customer is satisfied they can change it to buy / own the unit at the end of the contract. That’s why Rent-to-Own program is widely spread amongst the container companies, and it gives you a confident feeling of ownership, that you use it, it will be yours in the end, so take good care of it! You can apply with our partners USA Containers for a Rent-to-Own Program, depending on your delivery state weather or not will be approved. Credit score will not be affected. ( Use STAN as a discount code ).
- An alternative to the finance programs – some companies offer both, but getting a finance program and be accepted by the bank, takes a little while, they run a credit check and is more complex, on the other hand Rent-to-Own programs of some companies are more relaxes and they only need an application and won’t affect your credit score. Just keep in mind that for finance you don’t need to put money upfront, when with the Rent-to-Own program you will pay first month, delivery and deposit ( which is always refundable, they keep that deposit in case you stop paying and they have to come and repo the container from you ).
Buying the shipping containers – If you think about it, a shipping container has a lifespan for over 25 years up to 30 depending on how it’s treated and weather kept dependent, so there are many reasons to buy one:
- Fabrication and customization – The shipping container is a versatile building material, offers lots of options and is easy to cut or modify. You can have an unique designed mansion out of a few units , you can have in days an office, bar, restaurant, coffee shop, etc. You can physically transform the shipping container into any kind of space you need.
- Shop the marketplace for best vendors – If you plan on renting a shipping container, the company you rent from will have to make arrangements for delivery and pick up at the end of your rental period ( which you will most likely end up paying for ). For convenience, you’ll probably have to shop for container providers around you, which could cause you to settle for a unit that may not necessarily be the best option for your needs. On the other hand, if you’re buying a unit, you can shop far and wide until you get exactly what you want, and then make arrangements to have it delivered to any location of your choice. So if you go for buying the unit, you get all included no extra fees, or interest, most of the time if you rent cost of the unit of course will be in the end higher than if you would buy it upfront. But of course everyone knows their finances better so best option is the one you choose taking all in consideration.
- Save on the long run – If you are going to rent the unit for 2-3 years then you get a good deal, because the units prices always tend to go up and if you are buying it now plus interest if you decide you want to buy it in 2-3 years it will break even. If you will need the unit for more than 2-3 years then think about buying it directly without any lease or rent programs.
- Think about it if you want New or Used units – New will last longer and of course it comes with a bigger price , if you don’t really need it new or to look good, you can always use the Wind and Water Tight units that are great for long or short term storage.
Overall, everything depends on your needs, how much storage space you need, for how long you need it and what you can afford at the moment that you need it. If you have the money go for the buying option, if you don’t have the money, research first what is best, rent to own or finance, go through a bank or directly with the renting company. Always do your research right and make the decision after you take all the variables in your equation. You can check with one of our representatives if you are in need of a storage unit and you need to buy or rent, please call our office 385-202-5404 and one of our representatives will be more than happy to assist you!
If you just need a quote or you want to place an order directly, please use the buttons below! ( Our partner USA Containers can help you with their Rent To Own Program)
