Tag: Shipping Containers

6 Business Ideas You Can Do With Shipping Containers

Starting a new business venture is tough, here are some business ideas that can take advantage of the benefits and aesthetics of shipping containers.

Starting a new business venture is the way to go if you want to improve your finances exponentially. It gives you the freedom to do what you want at your own time and pace. This kind of freedom encourages many people to establish thousands of businesses every year.

However, starting a business is not a straightforward endeavor. This is especially true when it comes to the challenges it entails. Financial constraints are one of them, particularly when building business facilities. With that being said, you may consider buying used shipping containers.

These days, shipping containers are quite popular business hubs; chances are, you’ve probably seen one or been in one at least once in your life. They’re resourceful, creative, cost-effective, and eco-friendly—an all-in-one solution for all kinds of businesses.

Aside from that, shipping containers are also highly durable—thanks to their industrial-grade steel that can survive even the worst climates. They’ve got built-in industrial locking systems that can keep all the assets inside safe and secure.

Indeed, the possibilities are limitless with shipping containers. Having said that, here are some business ideas that can take advantage of the benefits and aesthetics of shipping containers:

Retail Hubs

Retail hubs are one of the best ways to utilize shipping containers, especially if you plan to start a small business. This structure will allow you to sell a wide range of retail goods, such as used clothing, accessories, and more.

Also, shipping containers are expandable. All you need to do is stack them up if you need additional space for your shop. You might also wish to consider the following business trends for a retail hub:

  • Gift and souvenir shops
  • Jewellery shops
  • Garage and thrift shops
  • Book stores



Coffee Shops

Shipping containers will make an excellent and aesthetically pleasing coffee shop. In fact, most distributors and brewers prefer this alternative. In addition, it’s a perfect option for small-scale coffee enthusiasts who want to take their love for coffee to a different level.

Furthermore, shipping containers do not necessitate an expansive area to serve freshly brewed coffee. They only need a couple of tables and chairs, a small storage space, and a counter. If you need inspiration, check out how large coffee companies like Starbucks use them in their day-to-day operations.

Ecommerce Office Hub

Are you planning to run an online shop on Amazon, eBay, and other e-commerce platforms? If yes, you’ll likely need a space for your inventory and office work. You can use it to meet customers who prefer meetups and physical store purchases.

Shipping containers can make for an ideal commercial space for your e-commerce shop. As an additional benefit, you may split them in half; use one for administrative tasks and the other as a warehouse. A ‘work-and-store’ layout combines workspace and storage areas.

Pop-Up Stores

These days, pop-up stores are quickly becoming the norm in today’s retail landscape. They’re designed to serve customers from different localities aside from the original location of a particular brick-and-mortar establishment.



Pop-ups are also highly recommended for businesses and startups that offer seasonal goods and services. For example, if you’re running a Christmas-themed business, you may consider starting a pop-up store during December.

But why is it a good idea to use shipping containers for your pop-up stores?

Shipping containers are portable. They can be placed wherever you want as long as they comply with the local building requirements. Also, they’re ideal for seasonal use. After a specific season, you can simply store them and wait for another season to utilize them again.

Workshops

Are you planning to earn money by sharing your knowledge and skills with interested people? If your answer is yes, you should consider starting a workshop or a studio hub centered on a specific craft, such as dancing, carpentry, writing, photography, art, and more.

Starting a workshop is a great way to earn an income consistently, and at the same time, it doesn’t require a substantial initial investment. This is perfect for individuals who want to start a business venture despite their limited financial capacities.

Since it doesn’t require an ample space (though that may depend on what you want to teach), using a shipping container would be a great idea. It offers an excellent workspace without breaking the bank in the process.

Mobile Shops

Mobile shops are one of the best business ideas you can think of. These are your all-time childhood favorites like ice-cream shops and fast-food trucks. With mobile shops, you can cater to many customers from different locations.

Shipping containers would be a great way to make a mobile store. You can modify them to start making them into shops on wheels that meet your customers’ needs. So, if you ever want to turn your truck into a mobile shop, you should consider using a shipping container for the body.

Final Words

Shipping containers would be a great alternative to traditional business establishments made of wood and concrete. Not only are they budget-friendly but also strong enough to face the worst climates. If you need ideas and inspiration, check out the list mentioned above to guide you. Who knows? Maybe one of these business ideas is the next big thing that can change your life for the better.



Top 4 Benefits Of Hiring Shipping Containers

Shipping containers can be an integral part of many businesses. Here are some of the essential benefits of opting for shipping container hire.

Shipping containers can be an integral part of many businesses. Some business owners use these to store and transport goods from one place to another. Not only that, but some households are also utilizing shipping containers for additional storage.

One of the best ways to possess shipping containers is hiring instead of buying. It is especially true if you’re looking for a short-term solution.  And to help you further decide, here are some of the essential benefits of opting for shipping container hire.

Cost-Effectiveness

Enhancing your profits is essential in growing a business. That said, you need to find efficient ways to minimize costs and manage finances, as increased expenses may affect a business.

One of the most effective strategies to reduce costs is hiring shipping containers instead of purchasing them. This is especially true since buying brand new shipping containers can be more costly and may require advance payment.

On the other hand, renting one could help you save a few coins as payment is usually made monthly. It can also be a good option if you are looking for temporary storage, as you can return it once you are done with it.

No Maintenance Expense

Another reason you would want to hire shipping containers is to avoid maintenance expenses. Like any other business equipment, shipping containers must always be in top condition to prolong their life and protect your belongings. That said, it would require regular maintenance.

When you purchase shipping containers, it will be your responsibility to maintain them. Thus, it may add extra costs to your business. On the other hand, you may not have to worry about maintaining them if you opt to hire one. It will be the responsibility of the owner to deal with repairs and other measures to keep the unit in good shape.



Avoid Disposal Hassles

Renting shipping containers may also help you avoid disposal hassles. In some cases, you may need to dispose of the purchased shipping containers when you no longer need them. And this could take much of your time and money. Aside from that, you can also be fined or penalized if you dispose of the containers improperly.

In some cases, there’s the option of selling your old and used shipping containers to scrap dealers. While that can help you generate some income, you may not recover your initial investment cost. Like most other noncurrent assets, your shipping containers will have depreciated.

For that reason, you can consider renting instead of purchasing. You can always return shipping containers to the owner when you no longer need them.

May Come With A Tax Benefit

Tax is another expense that could harm your business profits. It’s a compulsory contribution to the government, and it’s usually a certain percentage of your income.

You can find yourself on the wrong side of the law when you fail to pay due taxes. Fortunately, the law may provide legal ways to deduct your tax. And one of them is leasing equipment. The amount you pay to rent shipping containers is an allowable tax expense. In other words, the rental amount may not be taxable. Therefore, you won’t pay as much tax as you would have done with purchasing shipping containers.

Furthermore, it’d be best to consult a legal professional regarding your business’ tax management when it comes to the leasing or ownership of a shipping container.

How To Find The Right Shipping Containers For Hire

As discussed in the previous section, hiring shipping containers has several benefits. That said, there are some essential considerations you may need to think about first before investing in these containers.

  • Find The Right Size

Size is one of the many things you need to bear in mind when hiring shipping containers. It is vital as various containers come in different sizes.

The size you select may be determined by two things: items you want to put inside and the available space you have. Go for small containers if you have a few items to store. Otherwise, medium or big shipping containers would be ideal for large items.

The available space you have may also affect the size selection. You can buy big containers if you have enough space at your premises. However, if you have limited space, you can opt for a small or medium shipping container.

  • Consider The Construction Material

Corrosion of shipping containers may cause damage to some of your stored items and can bring losses to your business. As such, you may need to consider the material when choosing a container.

Various shipping containers are made from different materials. While most of them are built with weathering steel, others can rust easily. If you want to take good care of your items, consider storing them in rust-resistant containers.

The Bottom Line

Hiring shipping containers can be an essential addition to the success of your business. You can conveniently use them to transport and store your goods. With the benefits and guidelines above, you may start finding a suitable shipping container for your business from a reputable service provider.