Return & Refund Policy

ContainerVista Return & Refund Policy

Effective Date: September 2026

At ContainerVista, we want customers to understand what they are purchasing before an order is completed.

This Return & Refund Policy explains when a product may qualify for a return, replacement, partial refund, or full refund, as well as how customers can report a delivery issue or product discrepancy.

Because many shipping containers and commercial products are large, used, modified, limited-quantity, or unit-specific, return eligibility depends on the exact order and circumstances.

Please review this policy before completing a purchase.

1. Return Request Period

Customers should contact ContainerVista regarding a potential return, damage claim, or material product discrepancy within 30 days of delivery, unless a different period is stated in the applicable invoice, quotation, product listing, or written purchase agreement.

Customers should inspect the delivered product as soon as reasonably possible.

Prompt inspection helps identify:

  • Incorrect products

  • Delivery damage

  • Material condition discrepancies

  • Missing components

  • Specification issues

Waiting to report an issue can make it more difficult to determine when or how the issue occurred.

2. Eligible Return Circumstances

A return may be considered when the delivered product materially differs from what was agreed upon at the time of purchase.

Examples may include:

  • Incorrect container size

  • Incorrect container type

  • Incorrect product

  • Incorrect configuration

  • Materially different condition from the advertised or agreed condition

  • Significant undisclosed structural issues

  • Missing equipment specifically included in the order

  • Certification documentation discrepancies where a specific certification was expressly included

  • A materially different product from the one identified on the invoice or order confirmation

Each request will be reviewed using the applicable product listing, invoice, photographs, specifications, order communications, delivery records, and supporting documentation.

3. Non-Eligible Returns

A return may not be approved where the condition or issue was disclosed before purchase, is consistent with the advertised product condition, or resulted from events after delivery.

Examples may include:

  • Normal cosmetic wear on used containers

  • Surface rust consistent with the advertised condition

  • Minor dents or scratches

  • Previous repair marks

  • Paint fading

  • Normal flooring wear

  • Conditions shown in product photographs

  • Conditions disclosed in the product description

  • Changes made after delivery

  • Customer modifications

  • Third-party alterations

  • Relocation after delivery

  • Improper lifting or handling

  • Damage caused by unsuitable site conditions

  • Weather or environmental damage occurring after delivery

  • Purchases expressly sold on an “as-is” basis

  • Failure to obtain required permits

  • Failure to check zoning or local requirements

  • Change of mind after delivery

  • Failure to prepare a suitable delivery or installation site

Used shipping containers and used commercial equipment will often show signs of previous use.

Cosmetic wear alone does not automatically make a used product defective.

4. Used Shipping Containers

Used containers can vary significantly in appearance and condition.

Depending on the advertised classification, normal characteristics may include:

  • Scratches

  • Dents

  • Surface rust

  • Paint fading

  • Shipping markings

  • Previous repair areas

  • Flooring wear

  • Cosmetic imperfections

These characteristics generally do not qualify as defects when they are reasonably consistent with the product description and condition represented at the time of sale.

Customers who require a specific cosmetic appearance should ask questions before purchasing.

Browse our Used Shipping Containers for available used-container options.

5. One-Trip and Newer Containers

One-trip or newer containers generally show less wear than older used units.

However, they may still have:

  • Handling marks

  • Minor dents

  • Scratches

  • Paint marks

  • Transportation wear

The term “one trip” should not be interpreted to mean completely free from cosmetic marks.

Browse our New Shipping Containers for newer container options.

6. Custom and Modified Containers

Custom-built and Modified Containers require special consideration.

Because these products may be fabricated or altered according to specific customer requirements, they may not be eligible for return simply because the customer changes their mind.

However, ContainerVista may review claims involving:

  • Incorrect agreed specifications

  • Material fabrication errors

  • Significant manufacturing defects

  • Incorrect dimensions

  • Significant discrepancies from an approved design

  • Structural issues attributable to modification work

  • Missing features specifically included in the order

Any special cancellation or return terms for a custom product should be reviewed before the order is finalized.

7. Refrigerated and Mechanical Equipment

Refrigerated containers, trailers, ice vending machines, and other products with mechanical or electrical equipment may require additional inspection.

Customers should review the applicable listing carefully for:

  • Equipment condition

  • Electrical requirements

  • Refrigeration system

  • Controls

  • Installed accessories

  • Known defects

  • Service information

Where applicable, operational condition should be verified before relocation.

For refrigerated equipment, browse our Refrigerated Containers.

8. How to Request a Return or Report a Problem

To request a return or report a material product discrepancy, contact ContainerVista as soon as reasonably possible.

Please provide:

  • Customer name

  • Order or invoice number

  • Purchase date

  • Delivery date

  • Product name

  • Container identification number, if applicable

  • Description of the issue

  • Clear photographs

  • Video, where useful

  • Relevant documentation

  • Preferred resolution

You can submit your request through our Contact Us page.

Providing complete information can help us review the matter more efficiently.

9. Return Review Process

When a return or discrepancy claim is received, ContainerVista may review:

  • Original order

  • Product listing

  • Product specifications

  • Advertised condition

  • Invoice

  • Photographs

  • Delivery records

  • Customer communications

  • Certification documents, where applicable

  • Customer-provided evidence

  • Applicable purchase terms

Additional photographs, documents, or an inspection may be requested when reasonably necessary.

In some situations, an independent or third-party inspection may also be appropriate.

10. Return Authorization

Customers should not independently ship, relocate, dispose of, sell, dismantle, or materially alter a product after submitting a return claim unless necessary for safety or specifically authorized.

If a return is approved, ContainerVista will provide applicable instructions regarding:

  • Collection

  • Return transportation

  • Product access

  • Documentation

  • Timing

  • Condition requirements

The product may need to remain in substantially the same condition as when the issue was reported.

11. Return Transportation

Shipping containers and commercial equipment can be expensive to move.

For an approved return, responsibility for collection or transportation costs will depend on the reason for the return and the applicable order terms.

Where an error, verified defect, or material discrepancy attributable to the seller is confirmed, transportation costs may be handled differently from a return requested for another reason.

Unless otherwise agreed, do not arrange third-party return transportation before receiving written return instructions.

12. Replacement Products

Where appropriate, a replacement may be offered instead of a refund.

A replacement may be considered where:

  • The wrong product was delivered

  • A material defect is confirmed

  • The product materially differs from the agreed specification

  • A suitable replacement is available

Replacement availability depends on current inventory.

Used products may not have an identical replacement available.

Where appropriate, a substantially equivalent product may be proposed.

13. Full Refunds

A full refund may be considered where a significant problem is verified, such as:

  • Incorrect product delivered

  • Product materially different from the agreed specification

  • Significant undisclosed structural issue

  • Major seller-attributable error

  • Other circumstances where a full refund is appropriate under the applicable order terms

Approval depends on the facts and documentation for the individual order.

14. Partial Refunds

A partial refund or price adjustment may be considered where:

  • The customer keeps the product despite a verified issue

  • A limited discrepancy is confirmed

  • Repair or replacement of a minor component is appropriate

  • Both parties agree to a partial financial resolution

The amount, if any, will depend on the nature of the issue.

15. Circumstances Where a Refund May Not Be Available

A refund may not be available where:

  • The request falls outside the applicable return period

  • The delivered condition reasonably matches the advertised condition

  • The issue was disclosed before purchase

  • The product has been materially modified

  • The product has been relocated after delivery and the claim cannot reasonably be verified

  • Damage occurred after delivery

  • The item was expressly sold as-is

  • Damage resulted from misuse

  • Damage resulted from unsuitable site conditions

  • The issue results from failure to follow installation or operating requirements

  • The customer changed their mind after delivery

Applicable consumer rights under law are not intended to be excluded where they cannot legally be waived.

16. Refund Processing

Approved refunds are generally initiated after:

  • The claim has been reviewed

  • Any required inspection has been completed

  • Return arrangements have been completed where applicable

  • Final refund approval has been issued

Where practical, refunds may be sent using the original payment method.

The time required for funds to appear in the customer’s account depends on the bank, card issuer, financial institution, or payment provider.

Unless different terms apply, approved refunds are generally processed within 7–10 business days after final approval.

17. Non-Refundable Costs

Unless a verified seller-attributable error or material discrepancy requires otherwise, certain costs may not be refundable.

Examples can include:

  • Original delivery fees

  • Return transportation

  • Crane services

  • Lifting services

  • Special placement services

  • Site preparation

  • Storage charges

  • Installation costs

  • Permit fees

  • Custom modification costs

  • Third-party contractor charges

  • Services already completed

Whether a cost is refundable depends on the specific order and circumstances.

18. Damaged Products at Delivery

Customers should inspect the product promptly after delivery.

If you believe a product was damaged during transportation:

  1. Take clear photographs before making repairs.

  2. Photograph the entire product as well as the damaged area.

  3. Record the container or equipment identification number if available.

  4. Keep your invoice and delivery documents.

  5. Contact ContainerVista promptly.

  6. Do not repair or modify the affected area before review unless immediate action is required for safety.

Prompt reporting helps preserve evidence for investigating a transportation-related claim.

For delivery information, review our Shipping Policy.

19. Delivery and Site Responsibility

Customers are responsible for providing a delivery location that is reasonably suitable for the product and delivery equipment.

This may include:

  • Adequate truck access

  • Sufficient turning room

  • Appropriate gate width

  • Overhead clearance

  • Stable ground

  • Adequate placement space

  • Required permits

  • Local zoning compliance

  • Appropriate foundation or support

Additional costs or damage caused by unsuitable site conditions may not qualify for reimbursement.

Customers should review delivery conditions before placing an order.

20. Failed Delivery or Site Access Problems

If delivery cannot be completed because the site is inaccessible or unsuitable, additional charges may apply.

Possible issues include:

  • Insufficient truck access

  • Narrow gates

  • Unsafe ground conditions

  • Overhead obstacles

  • Incorrect placement information

  • Customer unavailable at the agreed time

  • Site not prepared

Any redelivery, waiting-time, storage, or additional transportation costs will depend on the applicable order and carrier arrangements.

21. Order Cancellations Before Delivery

Cancellation requests made before delivery may be reviewed based on the order status.

The earlier the customer contacts ContainerVista, the more likely it is that unnecessary costs can be avoided.

Orders involving the following may have restrictions or non-refundable costs:

  • Custom modifications

  • Special procurement

  • Dedicated freight

  • Product reservations

  • Non-standard configurations

  • Third-party services

  • Completed transportation arrangements

If you need to cancel an order, contact us as soon as possible through the Contact Us page.

22. Deposits and Partial Payments

Where a deposit or staged-payment arrangement has been agreed to, cancellation and refund eligibility may depend on:

  • Work already completed

  • Custom materials purchased

  • Freight already booked

  • Product reservation

  • Modification work

  • Third-party costs

The applicable invoice or written agreement should identify any special deposit terms.

For more information about payments, review our Payment Policy.

23. As-Is Sales

Certain used or specialized products may be sold expressly as-is.

An as-is sale generally means that the customer accepts the disclosed condition of the product at the time of purchase.

However, an as-is designation does not automatically override rights that cannot legally be excluded.

Customers should review all photographs, descriptions, disclosed defects, and available documentation before purchasing an as-is product.

24. Certification and Freight Use

If a customer intends to use a shipping container for freight transportation, the required approval should be confirmed before purchase.

Terms such as:

  • Wind and Watertight

  • Cargo Worthy

  • CSC plated

  • One trip

do not all mean the same thing.

Where a particular certification, inspection status, or freight approval is essential to the purchase, it should be expressly included in the order documentation.

A return based on certification may depend on whether that specific certification was part of the agreed sale.

25. Local Permits and Approvals

Customers are responsible for checking local requirements before using a container as a:

  • Permanent structure

  • Office

  • Workshop

  • Home

  • Pool

  • Retail unit

  • Commercial facility

  • Other modified installation

Possible requirements can include:

  • Building permits

  • Zoning approval

  • Electrical permits

  • Plumbing permits

  • Fire requirements

  • Accessibility requirements

  • Foundation requirements

Failure to obtain a permit or local approval generally does not make an otherwise correctly supplied product defective.

Our Shipping Container Buyer’s Guide provides additional information about choosing and preparing for a container.

26. Unauthorized or Fraudulent Transactions

If you believe a payment method was used without authorization, contact your financial institution promptly.

You should also contact ContainerVista so the related transaction can be reviewed.

Documentation may be requested to help investigate the matter.

Review our Payment Policy for additional payment-security information.

27. Payment Disputes and Chargebacks

If you believe there is a legitimate problem with an order, payment, delivery, or product, we encourage you to contact ContainerVista first.

This allows us to review:

  • Invoice

  • Product description

  • Payment record

  • Delivery record

  • Photographs

  • Customer communications

  • Applicable terms

Customers retain any rights they may have through their financial institution or applicable law.

28. How Claims Are Evaluated

ContainerVista aims to evaluate return and refund requests using the available facts and documentation.

Important factors may include:

What Was Ordered

We compare the original order and agreed specifications with the product delivered.

What Was Advertised

We review the product description, photographs, disclosed condition, and other relevant listing information.

Product Condition

We consider the condition at delivery and the condition when the claim was reported.

Supporting Evidence

Photographs, videos, delivery records, invoices, and other relevant documents may help establish what occurred.

Practical Resolution

Depending on the situation, an appropriate resolution may involve:

  • Replacement

  • Repair-related assistance

  • Replacement components

  • Partial refund

  • Full refund

  • Another mutually agreed resolution

29. Related ContainerVista Policies

Before completing a purchase, customers should also review:

These pages contain additional information regarding purchases, delivery, website use, and customer responsibilities.

30. Questions About a Return or Refund?

If you have questions about this policy or need to report a problem with an order, contact ContainerVista through our official website.

Contact ContainerVista

When contacting us, please include your order or invoice number and enough information for us to identify the transaction.

Do not send passwords, PINs, or unnecessary sensitive financial information.

Our Approach to Returns and Refunds

ContainerVista provides clear product information and reviews legitimate product or delivery concerns using the applicable order details and available documentation.

Because shipping containers and commercial equipment can vary significantly by age, condition, configuration, and intended use, customers should carefully review the exact product before purchasing.

When a genuine discrepancy occurs, we aim to evaluate the circumstances and determine an appropriate resolution under the applicable order terms.