A 40 x 8 feet container is one of the most common sizes in the shipping container industry. It is available in various types such as dry, high cube, side opening, reefer, insulated, etc.
A container of size 40 x 8 feet is also versatile and can be converted into anything, including a store or shop. The trend of container shop designs is becoming increasingly popular, and this is not surprising, considering that choosing to build a shop from containers is more environmentally friendly, affordable, and very strong.
When you look at examples of container shops, you’ll find shops with very fast construction processes, stunning designs, and relatively affordable costs. However, before you start building your dream 40 x 8 feet container shop, there are 5 fatal mistakes you should avoid to avoid ruining your stunning container shop design. To know what they are, find out in this article!
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Mistakes in Designing a 40 x 8 feet Container Shop
Here are some common mistakes you should avoid when building a unique container design for selling:
Choosing the Wrong Container Size
The biggest mistake people make when building a container and needing a container design is purchasing a container of the wrong size. In fact, this is the most common mistake made by some container shop owners.
Most people build their shops using standard 8.6’ containers. This usually happens because many are unaware of the existence of high-cube containers, which have an additional 1’ of height. This high cube setting is very common for containers in size 40 x 8.
A standard container is 8.6’ tall, while a high cube container is 9.6’ tall. The added height of a high cube container is perfect for those who want a container shop with higher ceilings.
If you use a general-purpose container and insulate the ceiling, your remaining interior ceiling height will be only about 7’. With a high cube container, you can install insulation and still have a ceiling height of about 8’.
High cube containers are more expensive, but they are quite popular. In other words, when you consider the benefits of using a high cube container, the slightly higher price isn’t a problem.
Other people are surprised to learn that containers come in lengths beyond just 20’ and 40’, including 10’ and 45’. There are even some containers that are a few inches wider than the typical units, including 53’ and pallet-wide containers.
Choosing the Wrong Container Condition
Another important mistake people make is not considering the condition of the container they’re purchasing. Buying a used container is a great first step in starting a container shop modification project with a unique design. You also need to be prepared to make repairs if the container is less than perfect.
You’ll likely repaint your container. However, if you find a used container that’s been used extensively, you’ll also need to remove any dents or rust. Containers naturally rust and corrode due to age and the harsh conditions at sea and in ports, requiring more repairs.
Don’t buy a container without first inspecting and checking its condition, for example, on e-commerce sites or online. It’s crucial to check the base material of your container shop to maximize its performance.
Even if you already have a clear idea of the container shop design, unscrupulous service providers can easily crop out flaws from the image or make it difficult to recognize with lower-quality images. However, if you absolutely cannot see the container in person, at least obtain plenty of high-quality pictures and videos if you can’t physically be there. Ensure all corner joints are visible, and that the bottom and top of the container are visible and in ideal condition.
Using the Wrong Type of Insulation
Another mistake you should avoid is not considering the type of insulation suitable for your local climate. For example, in areas with frequent rainfall, you need to ensure the insulation layer provides maximum protection. The best option is to use spray foam insulation.
In very warm and dry climates, your insulation will help keep your container shop cool. This depends on many factors, such as the local climate, your budget, the age of the container, and the style of store you desire.
Most people agree that spray foam insulation is the best insulation to use in many situations. However, it’s not the best choice for every situation. There are many other types of insulation, such as insulation panels, blanket insulation, and even environmentally friendly insulation like recycled newspaper.
Choosing the right type of insulation is crucial. If you use the wrong type of insulation, or worse, don’t have any insulation at all, you’ll face many problems.
Cutting Too Much Steel from Your Container Shop
Another common mistake is cutting too much steel from your container shop. A key feature of a container shop’s design is its strength. In fact, you can stack several containers on top of each other when fully loaded!
Shipping containers are the perfect building material for quick and affordable construction. Unfortunately, some people modify and over-design shipping containers, cutting away large sections of the steel walls.
By doing this, you reduce the strength and structural integrity of the container. Doing so also incurs additional costs, as you’ll need to reinforce the container with steel beams. You’ll also need to weld the steel beams in place, further increasing your budget and time.
Choosing the Wrong Container Shop Builder
The final mistake is choosing the wrong container shop builder to build their shipping container shop. Many people prefer to build their own shipping container shops with overly elaborate designs. Those without the time or DIY experience often hire a contractor to construct the building.
When choosing a contractor, make sure they have experience building with shipping containers, or, at the very least, understand shipping container buildings and are passionate about constructing them.
The last thing you want is a builder who doesn’t understand shipping containers. This will waste time, money, and certainly won’t produce exceptional quality. Furthermore, make sure you choose a contractor who can follow the construction process throughout the project. You don’t want to use multiple contractors during construction, if possible.
Recommendations
Here are some models of the types of container shops available from Tradecorp, one of the trusted container providers:
Pop-up Container Shop
Events like festivals and music concerts often feature pop-up shows where businesses can make some profit. Therefore, you need a pop-up shop that offers a unique and eye-catching platform to showcase your brand.
We have the Pop-Up Container Shop with a sleek design and robust construction that features a customizable interior that can be tailored to suit your business needs. It comes equipped with a lockable servery window, a fold-down window, and ample space for product displays or food preparation stations.
Whether you’re setting up at a weekend market or a week-long festival, this container shop allows you to adapt quickly to changing opportunities with its mobility. This shop can be transported to different venues using standard shipping methods. Its durable steel construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of frequent moves while maintaining its structural integrity.
Starter Container Shop
The Starter Container Shop is a practical and efficient solution for entrepreneurs who want to start a business, such as a container bar, retail store, or cafe, with a flexible and ready-to-use design. It comes in two options with a servery window equipped with a locking awning and gas struts for easy operation.
The flexibility of design and ease of movement make it ideal for a variety of locations, making it the right choice for anyone looking to utilize space effectively and reach a wider market. Built from a new 20’ shipping container, this portable unit provides enough space to operate in areas with limited space.
Cart Container Coffee Shop
The Cart Container Coffee Shop is a game-changer for mobile beverage businesses. This innovative unit transforms a standard shipping container into a fully functional, easily transportable coffee shop reminiscent of your favorite food-and-beverage wagons.
Designed for maximum convenience and minimal setup, the Cart Container lets you bring your coffee creations directly to your customers, whether at bustling street corners, lively events, or scenic outdoor locations.
You can get your cart container coffee shop from us. Ours come ready with customizable layouts to suit your specific needs, from espresso machines and refrigerators to ample counter space and storage. It has an integrated design that includes serving windows, secure entry points, and weather-resistant materials, ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for both your staff and your customers.
Shipping Container Supermarket
Shipping Container Supermarkets excel in mobility and sustainability, allowing businesses to relocate and adapt to changing market demands. It is perfect for urban areas, rural communities, or temporary event locations.
The container supermarket is made from prefabricated construction to minimize on-site disruption, significantly reducing build times compared to traditional methods. These modified containers provide a secure, weather-resistant, and cost-effective solution for setting up a fully functional supermarket, quickly transforming unused spaces into thriving commercial hubs.
Display Container
Unlike the container shops that you can use to sell, the Display Container is commonly used just to showcase your products. This container is an innovative solution for unique and functional exhibition spaces. Its design allows layout and facility adjustments to suit your concept.
Tradecorp provides display containers in 20’ and 40’ sizes, and they are customizable to suit your business needs. It offers high portability as it is easy to relocate to various locations, and its standard dimensions meet international shipping specifications, enabling transport via trucks, ships, or trains. These units can include features such as pantry areas, wall-mounted shelves for beverages or promotional items, and more.
Conclusion
By knowing common mistakes before creating a container shop design, you’ll minimize time and material losses.
Need 40 x 8 feet container shops for your business space needs in various locations? Trust your container shop’s needs to Tradecorp! With years of experience, Tradecorp is a reliable provider of sales, purchase, rental, and modification services.
Other than container shops, Tradecorp also provides various types of containers with a variety of sizes of 20’ or 40’ for cargo shipping, refrigerated, to modular containers. Consult your modification needs according to your wishes and get the best container sales and rental price offers from Tradecorp by filling out this quote form!