If you’re in the market for a steel building, you may have come across some retailers claiming they have unclaimed steel buildings at clearance prices.
You may be tempted by these offers. How could you not be? But are legit? Or, are they just another sales tactic?
What Exactly is an Unclaimed Building?
When a manufacturer or retailer says they have an unclaimed building, here’s what they mean:
- The building was purchased, but the balance was unpaid
In other words, a customer put down a deposit, and then walked away from the deal. They threw their hard-earned money in the trash. There’s also a chance that the buyer died before the balance could be paid.
In either case, the company is now “stuck” with the building and just wants to get rid of it.
Are Factory Unclaimed Buildings Just a Gimmick?
It sounds like a legitimate deal, right? People didn’t pay their balances, and now the company has buildings they want to get rid of at low prices.
But how often does this really happen? The people who push this idea will have you thinking that it happens all of the time. It doesn’t.
Yes, there are some people who make deposits and then don’t pay their balances for whatever reason. In some rare cases, the buyer dies before they’re able to pay for the building.
But finding legitimate unclaimed buildings is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. In virtually every case, these claims are borderline deceptive.
In most cases, the term ‘Factory unclaimed buildings’ is another sales gimmick.
An unscrupulous salesman says, “All you have to do is pay the balance in full, or the deal will be lost forever.” Naturally, buyers think they’re scoring a great deal. In reality, they’re being conned and paying full retail price.
There’s a lot that goes into constructing a metal building. The last thing you want to do is rush the process because you think you’re getting a great deal. Otherwise, you may wind up with a building you can’t use.
If you want to get a building permit for your structure, you need to have engineered certified plans that will meet or exceed the local building codes. Every county has its own codes, and you need to make sure that your building meets these codes. You can’t just put any structure on any property anywhere you please.
While the deals for clearance metal buildings for sale will sound tempting, you’re better off avoiding any “unclaimed buildings” scams.
Where to Go for Legit Wholesale Pricing
If you’re looking for legitimate wholesale pricing, you do have options.
Try eBay
eBay is a great place to start if you’re looking for a wholesale steel building. Many metal building companies will run clearances on eBay, and sometimes, their discounts can be massive.
And unlike a regular retailer, the eBay platform offers:
- Buyer protection: The eBay Money Back Guarantee protects your purchase. If your order isn’t what was described in the listing, you can contact eBay and they will communicate with the seller to help you get your money back.
- Customer feedback: eBay’s platform makes it easy to view feedback from other customers. This way, you can make sure that you’re only buying from trusted sellers.
- Products from trusted brands: Many of the sellers you know and are familiar with are selling their products on eBay.
While eBay is a great way to score a good deal on your metal building it’s important to do your due diligence. Do your research and make sure that you’ll be able to use the building you’re considering buying.
I would not encourage you to start your shopping there but if you are crunching numbers, there is no reason to not check before buying.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Shop Around for Quotes
One of the best ways to score a great deal on a metal building is to shop around for quotes.
Virtually all metal building manufacturers offer free quotes either over the phone or online.
When gathering quotes, pay attention to more than just the cost. Sure, it’s important to compare prices, but you also want to consider:
- Quality
- Availability of desired features
- Delivery
- Construction of the building
Wholesale pricing will help you save money, but if you’re someone who needs assistance with construction, you may need to consider other options. This level of service naturally comes at a higher price.
The Bottom Line
The unclaimed buildings tactic is just a clever sales push. But that doesn’t mean it cannot help you save money. Be smart, don’t fall for any bait and switch deals and most importantly get it in writing.
If you want wholesale pricing, check around and compare quotes to get the best price.