Our Top Purchasing Tips
⚠ Company Credentials — Hacked Website
It's not very difficult to create a replicated website from an actual supplier's website. With a sophisticated arsenal of online tools available, it's becoming easier by the day. Signs that a website has been hijacked:
- A browser warning that you may be accessing a potentially harmful site.
- The website address and email domain don't match.
- Random redirects to other websites or content.
🔗 Similar Domains
Scammers often fool the public by creating the same website on another domain that looks very similar. A hyphen or extra character added to the domain address can trick you into thinking you reached the right business.
💬 Reported Complaints
Most fraudulent sites have been running for some time, and being advertised doesn't mean a business isn't fake. Doing your research online will pay off — if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
💰 Massive Discounts
We all love discounts and specials, but sometimes they can be deceiving. Being able to differentiate between a bargain and a scam can save you much more than any Black Friday deal. Use our Pricing Guide to see a relevant range for popular conversions.
💳 Payments & Deposits
If a company can't provide the required documents to facilitate the transaction, you're better off not doing it at all. If in doubt, ask for the relevant documentation before handing over your hard-earned cash, including but not limited to:
- Letter of Good Standing (VAT)
- Banking details confirmation letter that matches the invoice details
- Formalised quotations and invoices
- Company VAT registration number
It's always a good idea to visit the facility when making a purchase to confirm it's a physical business, not just a storefront. We don't always have the time, but when handing over large sums of money, it's worth it.
Tip: companies may not want to fully expose themselves due to fraud risk of their own, but some form of company identification should always be provided. Use the pricing guide to make sure you're not being misled.
👁 View the Goods
Empty storage containers can be sold directly from major depots to save on transport costs, and fraudsters know this. Arranging an inspection for empty container sales is essential, since these are usually sold COD (cash on delivery). If an ISO container inspection can't be arranged, set up an appointment at the company address rather than handling the sale over email and phone calls — you're more likely to end up at a fake address than to lose your money by insisting on this.