Shipping containers are used all over the world for things like housing, storage, and even portable offices for companies. However, if you’re considering using a shipping container as a pop up shop container, then there’s a little bit of planning you’ll need to do. Here’s how you can set up a pop up shop container.
Find the Right Shipping Container
Your standard TEU container can hold almost 3,500 boxes of shoes. While that’s great if you’re planning a shoe store pop up, it might not be ideal if you want to host a food-related pop up shop in your area. So the first thing you need to do is find the right shipping container for sale that suits your purposes. If you’re looking to set up a portable concession stand, then a smaller container might get the job done. However, if you want people to be able to walk around or sit down inside of your pop up, then a 40 foot shipping container might be better for your purposes. It’s also important to consider whether you want a new or used shipping container. A new container might cost more, but you’ll be cutting down on the number of imperfections, too.
Understand What a Good Pop Up Needs
Before you go and convert your shipping container, it’s important to understand what makes a good pop up. For starters, well-managed pop up shop containers are thoughtfully designed spaces that allow customers to interact with merchandise. If you’re opening a retail location, a pop up is a great opportunity to allow your future customers to try things on, get a feel for the aesthetic, and get to know your business. Pop ups, in essence, are extensions of the brand you’ve created. They need to operate in support of that vision and as an extension of it.
Decide Where to Set Up
Since you’re operating a pop up shop container, you can set up almost wherever you’d like. That’s the beauty of shipping containers — they’re incredibly durable and incredibly easy to transport. Before you set your container down just anywhere, though, make sure you’re considering where your target customer is going to be. If you have an audience in mind for your pop up shop container, make sure you go to them. Don’t make them come to you! It pays to do a little research about your target audience before you choose a location to set up.
Operating a pop up shop with a shipping container can be an incredible experience. Just make sure you’re doing it right and you’ll be met with success.
Whether you’re thinking about buying used shipping containers for sale or you’re just curious about how shipping containers are used, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at three of the most common questions about shipping containers.
What Are Shipping Containers Made of?
Most containers used for shipping goods around the world are made of corrugated steel. This material is an excellent choice for structural integrity and for longevity. Since most storage containers are used for years and years, it’s important that they’re able to withstand a number of different conditions and protect the cargo they have inside. Some containers are lined inside with plywood, which can absorb heat and help keep the container’s internal temperature more consistent during long stretches at sea. Each side of storage containers is reinforced with steel joints that offer more structural integrity and allow containers to be stacked on top of one another without collapsing.
How Long Do Shipping Containers Last?
If they’re well-cared for, steel storage containers can last upwards of 20 years. This is true even of containers that are used for shipping for the entirety of their lifespan. When a shipping container comes to the end of its life, it’s possible to recycle the metal that was used to make it, too. In fact, each recycled shipping container reuses an estimated 3,500kg of steel. Not only that, but this process saves us from using some more traditional construction materials like bricks, mortar, and wood. Shipping containers can also be repurposed and used as pop up shop containers, container homes, portable offices, and more.
How Secure Is a Shipping Container?
Becuase shipping containers are typically loaded with precious cargo, it’s safe to say that they’re pretty secure. From the hard steel exterior to the locking mechanisms on their doors, cargo containers might be some of the most secure structures you can invest in. It’s important to note that these containers typically aren’t airtight, though. So if you want to purchase a used shipping container and repurpose it, you may have to do some insulation work. Aside from that, these containers are resistant to corrosion, structurally sound, and overall a very secure structure for shipping, storage, or another purpose.
If you’re thinking about investing in a shipping container, don’t forget to ask about these qualities. For all of your shipping container needs, contact our team at Integrated Equipment Sales.
If you’re in the market for temporary office space or mobile offices, shipping containers are one of the best options to consider. The largest container ship might have cost almost $200 million to construct, but a shipping container office is much more manageable. Let’s review a few reasons you should consider using shipping containers for your mobile offices.
An Eco-Friendly Option
The traditional purpose of shipping containers is to house goods while they’re shipped around the world, typically by air and by sea. By reusing old storage containers for sale and turning them into spaces that can be used for many more years to come, you’re making an eco-friendly choice. Building out a new office space might seem like the more business-minded approach, but shipping containers can offer just as much space and security as a brick and mortar building. Repurposing used shipping containers not only gives them a new life, but it also saves valuable resources.
A Mobile Workspace
Shipping containers are designed to be moved across long distances. So if you have a shipping container office and you need to move, it’s really no problem at all. A shipping container office can be easily transported on the back of a truck or towed on a trailer bed. This means you can take your office just about anywhere it needs to go. Whether there’s construction on your property or it’s time to relocate your family, a mobile shipping container office can follow with ease.
A Customizable Experience
In addition to being sturdy and mobile, shipping containers are also completely customizable. If you need windows or different doors installed, you can do just that. Your shipping container begins as a blank slate that you can customize to fit your office needs however you see fit. Not only does this mean you have complete creative control, but it also means that you won’t have to spend a fortune on brick and mortar building renovations or on new building construction.
When you think about it, shipping container offices are a great solution for a number of business location issues. If you’re interested in creating a shipping container office of your own, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.
If you’ve been looking at new shipping containers for sale but you haven’t taken the plunge, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll explore a few key steps you’ll need to take when you’re looking to buy shipping containers. Let’s get started.
Decide What Condition of Container You Want
The condition of your container can determine a lot of other factors after your purchase is complete. If you intend to use your container to ship goods, you might not mind a used container that has a few dings in it. However, if you intend to use your container for home storage or an office, then it’s important for everything to be as airtight as possible. A used shipping container may cost a little bit less, but a new shipping container could be the better option if your intention is to occupy your container on a regular basis. Whether it’s for an office or a pop-up shop, a new container will require a little bit less work when it comes to making it guest-ready.
Consider What Type of Container You Want
There are numerous types of shipping containers that you can choose from, which means you’ll need to do some research before you make your final purchase. Again, the type of container you end up purchasing will depend a fair amount on its intended purpose. Something like a 20- or 40- foot shipping container is pretty standard and may be an excellent option for a large portable office or shipping container home. Double door containers, on the other hand, may be more conducive to actually shipping goods for your customers.
Invest in a Container Inspection Before Your Purchase
An inspection might not seem like the most important step to take when you’re looking at new shipping containers for sale, but used shipping containers are definitely worth the investment in an inspection. Considering that almost 50% of shipping containers are owned by shipping companies, it’s likely that used containers have seen some wear and tear over the years. An inspection will be able to tell you if the container you’re looking at is viable for whatever project you have in mind.
Purchasing a shipping container is a big investment. Before you take the plunge, make sure you’re taking the right steps! For any questions about shipping container purchases, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
If you’re thinking about buying a steel cargo container to repurpose for a pop up shop or another business project, it’s important to make sure you’re getting a used shipping container that’s going to stand the test of time. Here are a few important things that you’ll need to check for before you buy a steel cargo container.
The Overall Cargo Container Shape
Shape matters more than you might think when it comes to looking at used shipping containers for sale. With over 17 million shipping containers in use every year around the world, it makes sense that they would get a few dents and dings. Some damage is more substantial and more subtle, though. If one side of the container is slanted and creating an imperfect rectangle, then you need to reassess your decision to purchase that particular container. Structural stability is an absolute must when you need to purchase a steel cargo container. Look for straight sides and a perfectly rectangular shape before you make your purchase.
How the Doors Function
The cargo doors on your container will be your primary means of access. Whether you’re storing items inside or you’re walking in and out as part of your cargo container business, doors that function properly are critical. So when you’re looking at your cargo container, make sure you test the doors. Do they open without issue? If you notice that the doors are sticking or loud when they open, it could be a sign of hinge degeneration or rusting. There may also be structural damage affecting them.
Ask About Insulation
Whether you live in a climate that sees all four seasons or you live somewhere that’s warm year-round, insulation is going to be a key factor to consider as you look at steel cargo containers for sale. If you’re planning on using your container as an office space, temperature regulation is going to help keep you comfortable. For perishable goods like milk or other foods, insulation will ensure that nothing spoils after a minute out on the counter. It can also ensure that anything you’re storing in your container remains damage-free.
Don’t forget to look for these things as you consider purchasing steel shipping containers. For all of your shipping container needs, contact our team today.
