Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered the most common questions we receive below. If you can find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us.
Contact
How do I Contact you?
You can reach us by phone at (250) 656-2402 or toll free within BC at 1-888-656-2402. You can also fill out our general inquiry form or reach us by email at vic@vanislecontainers.com.
Ordering
How do I place an order?
First, you need to determine which size of container you are looking for and whether you are looking to rent or purchase. If you need assistance determining which size will suit your needs, we can help you figure it out. You can send us an email or give us a call in the office and we will get you started with account set up and then delivery.
How do I rent a container?
We will ask you for some information in order to provide you with a quote for the rental costs and a delivery and pick up estimate. We will ask you for some information about your site and when you would like to have your container arrive. Once you have filled out a rental agreement and provided payment information, we will make the arrangements with the appropriate freight company to have your rental container brought to your site. Once your container has been delivered, we will issue you a rental invoice for the cost of your first month’s rent and the delivery cost. You will receive an invoice for the rental cost once a month until you are ready to return your container. Your final rental invoice will include any rental charges up to the day we pick up your container, as well as the freight charges to return the container to our yard.
How do I buy a container?
Once you have determined which size of container you wish to purchase, contact us to place your order. We will ask you for your billing information and some information about your site so that we can determine the most efficient method of delivery. We will issue a sales invoice and once your container has been paid for, we will make the arrangements with the appropriate freight company.
What information will you need from me?
We will ask you for your billing name and address, a phone number, as well as the address for container delivery and a contact phone number where we can reach you quickly in case any issues arise before or during delivery. We will also ask you a few questions about your site so that we can determine the best way to deliver your container.
How do I pay for my container?
We accept payment by cheque, cash, EFT, email money transfer, Visa and MasterCard. Please note, a 3% credit card processing fee will apply on container sales over $1000.
What if there is a problem with my container?
Van Isle Containers stands behind all of the products we rent and sell. We do our best to ensure that every container leaving our yard is in good working order, but should an issue arise, please let us know. We will do everything we can to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your container.
What do I do when I’m ready to send my container back?
Contact us two to three days in advance to let us know that you are nearly ready to return your rental container. We will make the arrangements to have it picked from your site. Please be ready to provide us with the name and phone number for a point of contact, and to answer a couple of quick questions about accessibility.
Delivery
How will my container be delivered?
We can deliver your container with a tilt deck ramp truck or a crane truck. Both trucks have certain abilities and limitations, so we will work with you to determine which vehicle will be most effective on your site. We will ask you questions about your site and where you want to have the container placed in order to determine which vehicle to send out with your container. If your site is in the Greater Victoria area, we are happy to perform a free site check if you are unsure about accessibility.
How soon can my container be delivered?
We will arrange delivery of your container as quickly as possible. Wait times for delivery do vary according to bookings and container availability. If we have your container in stock for a local delivery, we can usually have it on your site within a day or two.
How much will my delivery cost?
At the time of booking, we will give you a delivery estimate. We do our best to provide you with as accurate a quote as possible.
Do I need to be on site for the delivery?
We would prefer that somebody be on site for the delivery in order to ensure that your container is placed exactly where you want it. If this is not possible, other arrangements can be sometimes be made.
How do I prepare my site for the container?
There is very little site preparation necessary; however, the surface that you place your container on should be fairly level and firm. Surfaces such as gravel, asphalt, cement or pavement work very well to support the container. Your container can also be placed on grass or dirt provided that it is not too soft and that there is adequate drainage. Be sure that the spot you choose for placement is not too close to any other structures and that there are no vehicles blocking access for the truck.
I have purchased a container, are you able to move it around for me?
We work with a number of talented freight companies who move our containers for us. Feel free to give us a call and ask for their contact information. If you wish to have one of our rental containers moved to another site, please contact us in the office to make the arrangements.
To be better prepared for the delivery of your container, please view our Delivery/Site Checklist as well as ensure that you have allowed plenty of space for the delivery trucks. Please view the illustration below. If you are unsure, please contact us directly.
Products and Services
What can I expect my container to look like?
All of our rental containers will arrive on your site with a high security lock box. We maintain the containers to ensure that the door seals are in good working order and that your door is easy to open and close. The containers will be clean and dry inside and will not leak. We also ensure that when your container arrives it will be free of graffiti.
If you are purchasing a container, there are different grades and conditions available. We are happy to book an appointment to show you our available stock, or to email you a photo. Please be aware that it is impossible to capture every detail on a container in a photograph and that colours will display differently on different devices. If you are unsure or have concerns, please ask and we would be happy to go over it with you.
Do you provide a lock?
We do not provide rental locks, but we do keep some high security locks in stock that you may purchase if you wish. As you hold the only keys for your lock, you can be sure that nobody else will have access to your belongings. Be sure to keep a spare key in a safe place for this same reason.
How secure is the container?
The only simple way to gain access to the container is through the door. With the addition of a high security lock and/or lock box, your belongings will be quite safe from theft or vandalism.
Modifications
Can you provide custom finishes or modifications to my container?
Van Isle Containers can customize your container to suit your needs. For a look at some of the custom finishes and modifications that we have completed in the past, browse through our Featured Projects page. If you don’t see what you want, contact us, we would be happy to discuss other possibilities with you.
How much do custom modifications cost?
The price of custom finishes and modifications vary greatly. Contact us and we would be happy to go over your list of specifications and provide you with a quote to complete the work.