Plain-language guidance for comparing sea cans, checking delivery access, and asking better questions before a container reaches your property.
After quote acceptance, the seller should confirm the contract, payment and assigned unit or grade, complete agreed work, verify delivery access, schedule the carrier and document arrival and acceptance.
Read the guideBrowse every published guide on sizes, condition, access, placement, transport, and long-term use.
You can usually resell an owned container, but value and saleability depend on proof of title, condition, modifications, site access, transport cost and local demand.
A used container may include an express seller warranty, a limited leak guarantee or no express warranty; coverage must be read in the contract and applicable provincial rights checked separately.
A container sales invoice should identify buyer and seller, exact unit or grade, condition and modifications, delivery scope, price, taxes, payment, title, warranty and accepted terms.
A much cheaper quote usually reflects a different container, depot, delivery assumption, included work, risk allocation or an error; normalize the scope before treating it as savings.
Compare container quotes by normalizing the exact unit or grade, condition, modifications, delivery method and origin, site assumptions, taxes, exclusions, payment terms and remedies.
Before purchase, obtain current images of every exterior face, roof, doors and seals, interior, floor, underside where safely accessible, identification and each dent, repair or corrosion area.
Do not pay solely on generic photos. Before a deposit or full payment, verify the seller, define whether the images show the exact unit, and put condition, delivery and refund terms in writing.
Container-scam warnings include copied listings, prices disconnected from delivery reality, mismatched company details, stale or unrepeatable photos, urgent payment pressure and last-minute account changes.
Verify a container seller through independent business, tax, address, inventory and payment checks, then match the written quote to the exact company and unit before sending money.
Add vents before delivery when the cargo and site assessment shows existing airflow is inadequate and the vent locations can be cut, sealed and weather-tested more safely off-site.
Prevent mould by loading only dry goods, stopping leaks and ground moisture, monitoring humidity, maintaining air movement and using dehumidification when outdoor ventilation is insufficient.
Keep rodents out by closing door and floor gaps, screening vents without blocking airflow, storing attractants in sealed containers and inspecting evidence before infestations spread.
Share the destination and preferred container. Choose “Not Sure” wherever you want help deciding.
