How To Purchase A Shipping Container & Avoid Scams
Purchasing a shipping container online can be a great way to get a good deal. However, like any online purchase, it's important to be cautious and avoid getting scammed. In this blog post, we'll outline some tips for purchasing a shipping container online and avoiding scams.
1. Do Your Research
First, it's important to do your research before making a purchase. Look for reputable websites that specialize in selling shipping containers, and read reviews from previous customers. BBB and Google reviews are generally to most trusted reviews because the reviews are verified. This will give you an idea of the company's reputation and whether or not they are trustworthy.
2. Look For Relevant Information
Be sure to carefully read the listing for the shipping container you're interested in. Pay attention to the details, such as the dimensions, condition of the container. If the listing is unclear or doesn't provide enough information, reach out to the seller and ask for more details. This will help you avoid purchasing a container that doesn't meet your needs.
3. Verify The Seller's Credentials
Another important step is to verify the seller's credentials. Look for their contact information and verify that they are a legitimate business. You can also search for their business name online to see if there are any red flags or complaints from previous
Customers. Check the email name of the salesman to make sure it is a company email and not a gmail, aol, or other non company email address. If you are suspicious, always call the company to verify that the salesman works for the company they represent.
4. Use A Secure Payment Method
Once you've found a seller that you trust, it's time to make your purchase. Be sure to pay using a secure payment method, such as a credit card or ACH. Avoid paying with a cash app service like Venmo, Zelle or Paypal pay friends. This is the most common method of fraud because if anything goes wrong you cannot get your money back.
After you've made your purchase, it's important to stay in contact with the seller. Keep track of the shipping process and make sure that the container is delivered as promised. If you don't receive the container within the agreed-upon time frame, reach out to the seller and ask for an update.
Common Scam #1 - Seller Asks for Payment using Venmo, Cashapp or PayPal pay friends.
The most common scam is when the seller asks you to pay via a Cashapp. In this case, the scam company will promise quick delivery at a very cheap price (below market price) and after you pay they will try to get you to pay more and give you bogus reasons why they need more money. All funds you have paid will not be recovered leaving you out of pocket every thing you have paid. Most of these scam companies are foreign entities with fake company names and temporary phone numbers.
Common Scam #2 - Price Is Significantly Lower Than Market Rate and Warranty is beyond 5yrs.
Another red flag is when the seller offers a price that is significantly lower than the market value. While it's possible to find a good deal on a shipping container, be cautious of sellers who are offering prices that are too good to be true. These sellers may be trying to scam you, and you could end up with a poorly made or damaged container.
Warranty beyond 5 years is another common practice scammers use to mislead customers. Most of these companies will not be in business long enough to even honor the warranty.
In conclusion, purchasing a shipping container online can be a great way to save money and get the container you need. However, it's important to be cautious and avoid getting scammed. By doing your research, verifying the seller's credentials, and staying in contact during the shipping process, you can protect yourself and make a successful purchase.
Bonus Tip: Looking for a reputable seller?
The easiest way to avoid scams is to go through a reputable seller. ContainerOne has you covered in this department, specializing in delivering high quality containers across America. ContainerOne abides by each tip and step in this blog post and has you covered. The process is simple, select the type of container you are looking for as well as the area you live in and ContainerOne will match you with the best container for your needs. Find out why we have shipped containers to nearly 30,000 Americans in the last five years.
Get a free quote in seconds: www.containerone.net