Generally, the shipping container business is quite lucrative. It is a multibillion-dollar global industry. Shipping containers are mainly used for transportation and or storage. This means their business prospects here are plenty. Money can be made from making shipping containers – generic or customized ones. Money can be made from sourcing and selling shipping containers. There is also money in renting out shipping containers. Another business model entails converting shipping containers. This is something that can be done as a business. Alternatively, shipping conversion can be done to streamline specific processes in a business. Let us discuss this growing trend of shipping container conversion; in or as a business.
Why Is Shipping Container Conversion In Business On The Rise?
The biggest reason is the lower costs compared to traditional approaches. There is also the mobility aspect that a converted shipping container brings in. If for some reason, you have to relocate, you can just move the converted shipping containers. This is great in a business where changing location after some time may often be inevitable. It is also cheaper in that all you will need is land space, which you may already have. Shipping containers also provide a compact but functional space. Essentially their footprint is relatively small and manageable.
Shipping containers are generally durable as well; any form of repair may even be rare. They also, by default, provide security due to their robust nature. Converted shipping containers can easily be made eco-friendly. Shipping container conversion is generally quicker. Plus, it has limited to zero negative environmental impacts. Due to the rising importance of environmental and social governance (ESG). These are some of the reasons why the trend of shipping container conversion is on the rise.
Shipping Container Conversion Applications In Business
Recently in South Africa, Dunlop announced that it is offering shipping container workshops to 48 entrepreneurs. These are shipping containers converted into workshops. The workshops will be 12-metre shipping containers comprising a reception, working area, and storage area. This is one exciting application of shipping container conversion. The same can be done for any business, especially small to medium scale.
Generally, any office space, working areas, or storage facilities for such businesses can be catered for by converted shipping containers. The range of business infrastructure that can be made from shipping container conversion is limitless. Other examples include stalls, accommodations, malls, ablution facilities, hubs, conference facilities, etc. Virtually any conceivable business infrastructure can be made from converting shipping containers.
Should You Use New Or Second Hand Shipping Containers?
This will depend, but there is one core principle. Shipping container conversion in business will usually need shipping containers in good condition. Buying them brand new would definitely guarantee that, but the cost can be a deterrent. After all, the goal is to minimize costs by converting shipping containers. Thus the best approach might be to purchase second-hand shipping containers. However, you would have to assess their condition rigorously.
Some may be in good condition, while others may need work done to improve their condition. Ultimately you have to weigh your options and the intended goals you have in mind. Typically, people consider shipping container conversion a cheaper alternative to traditional approaches. For instance, shipping container conversion for office space must be cheaper than building or renting brick and mortar.
Shipping Container Conversion Business Prospects Or Ideas
It is important to note that the shipping container business, in general, is lucrative. If you can enter that space, you can make lots of money. The choice is yours. You can choose to manufacture, source and sell, or rent out. Here, of course, we are focusing on shipping container conversion. There are several business prospects or ideas for this. Here are some of them:
Shipping Container Sales
Anyone looking to leverage shipping container conversions will need shipping containers. You can start a business sourcing and selling shipping containers. You can sell brand new ones, or you can sell used ones. It will all depend on the linkages you can create and your capital muscle. If you roll this out well, you can exclusively focus on this as your sole shipping container business.
Shipping Container Conversion Services
This is a business that can be tailored in several ways. I will mention two. One, you can be that business clients approach when wanting to do some shipping container conversions. This can entail assessing the project, i.e. the location and what would be needed.
You could also be the one who will source the required shipping container(s). The designing process may also be your responsibility. Then ultimately, you will be the one to do the actual conversion. As you can see, a business can involve a lot. You can focus on some or all of the stages involved in your services. Let us look at number two separately.
Converted Shipping Container Units
This business approach will entail converting shipping containers into functional units. It could be for use as accommodation, office spaces, stalls, mobile restaurants, and so on. Thus clients will approach you to purchase converted units ready for use. That will mean you have to conduct thorough market research to know what type of units are most sought after.
There are so many reasons why you should consider shipping container conversion. If it is for applications at your business, there are many upsides. Aside from the ones we covered, the other has enhanced brand awareness. Converted shipping containers are not yet that popular in Zimbabwe. Using them for your business can draw prospects and attention. On shipping container conversion as a business, there is limitless untapped potential. Especially people with the relevant technical skills, you can make money from shipping container conversion. This year seriously look into this interesting global trend of shipping container conversion that keeps growing.
