Scam Warning
The shipping-container market has more than its share of scammers - sellers advertising containers that don't exist, or that are nothing like the condition described. The bait is almost always the same: a price that's well below everyone else.
If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is. Use the five checks below before you hand over any money - to us or to anyone else.
1. Inspect the container in person
Seeing a container with your own eyes is the single most reliable check you can make. An in-person inspection lets you assess rust, structural damage, how the doors seal, and the state of the paint - the things a photo can hide.
If you can't get to the yard yourself, arrange an independent third-party inspector to look on your behalf. An unbiased set of eyes is cheap insurance against a bad buy.
2. Cross-reference the seller's details
Verify that the seller is who they say they are. Check their contact information, business registration and address against reputable sources - government registers or established business directories - not just the details on their own listing.
Read customer reviews and look at their wider online reputation. A legitimate supplier leaves a trail; a scammer usually can't.
3. Understand the market price
Know what a container should cost before you buy. Compare current rates across several suppliers so you can recognise a genuine deal from a trap.
Prices move with container size, condition and freight - but a figure far below the rest of the market is a red flag, not a bargain.
4. Use secure payment methods
Pay in a way that gives you protection. Credit cards, PayPal and bank transfers all offer recourse if something goes wrong. Avoid cash, wire transfers and cryptocurrency - once they're gone, they're gone.
5. Document everything
Keep a record of the whole deal: the container identification number, the agreed condition, the seller's details, and every term of the sale - in a written contract wherever possible.
If anything is unclear, ask for it in writing before you pay. Good paperwork protects you if a dispute ever arises.
How ABC keeps it straight
We photograph every container when it lands at the depot, and you're always welcome to inspect before you buy. Every unit is graded on a published 1–10 scale, so you know exactly what condition you're paying for - no surprises, no mystery pricing.
Read how our grading system works, or talk to our team if a price you've seen elsewhere looks too good to be true. We're happy to give you an honest read on it.