Most likely, you have used a portable loo on one or more occasions in the past. And because you’re reading this article, it must mean you have at least some interest in the industry and starting a new business.
The portable loo hire industry is a specialised one that serves a large customer base, so it’s important to gather as much information as possible before committing to starting a business — large or small. To help you out, we put together a list of 10 things to know before starting a portable loo hire business to help pique your interest and motivate you to pursue your venture with the knowledge necessary to succeed.
1. Many Industries Need Porta-Loos
Portable toilets are necessary at numerous locations. They can be found at carnivals, concerts, city events, worksites, golf courses, sports stadiums, outdoor weddings, parties and many other places.
When getting into the porta-loo hire industry, it’s important to understand the nuances between events and the types of portable cabins that are appropriate depending on the customer, venue and users. Keep your audiences in mind and adjust your sales and marketing depending on the group.
2. Portable Cabins are Convenient, Strong & Long-Lasting
The value of portable cabins isn’t just that they allow people to relieve themselves at events. Porta-loos serve a wide customer base because they are easy to move thanks to lightweight plastic, require little maintenance and hold up in a variety of conditions.
When entering the portable loo hire business, do yourself a favour and invest in top-quality products. An initial investment in the tools, accessories and portable toilets themselves manufactured with high-quality materials will ensure you get a good return on your investment and prevent you from needing to replace components every year.
3. Long-Term & Short-Term Portable Loo Hires are Different
When creating a business plan, take into consideration both long-term and short-term hires. Long-term hires ensure a consistent flow of income and require regular upkeep. Waste disposal, chemicals, routine cleaning and restocking of supplies like toilet paper and hand sanitiser must be considered when offering long-term hires at sports venues or worksites.
Prices are much lower for a long-term hire because it’s an ongoing commitment as opposed to a one-time or annual event. Portable loo hire companies may charge £136-£390 (€155-€447) per month for a single portable cabin on a worksite. A 24-hour portable cabin hire may range in price from £136-£175 (€155-€200). Adjust your contracts accordingly to account for maintenance, delivery and transport of long-term and short-term hires.
4. Business Plan Essentials: Locations & Event Details
Health and Safety regulations require 1 toilet for construction sites with 1-5 workers, 2 toilets for 6-25 workers, 3 toilets for 26-50 workers, 4 toilets for 51-75 workers, 5 toilets for 76-100 workers and so on. For events that last no longer than 6 hours with no food or alcohol served, a general rule is to provide 1 portable toilet for every 100 females and another for every 500 men, plus an additional urinal for every 150 men. Events that last longer and do serve food or alcohol necessitate additional toilets. When delivering porta-loos, make sure you know and understand the layout of the location so you can prepare for possible weather conditions, site requirements, crowd size and whether or not you will need to employ additional staff for routine toilet maintenance and care.
5. Remain Within Budget!
When putting together an initial budget or quote, there are many things to consider. Each budget will be specific to the event, but some typical factors to consider when quoting are:
- Portable cabin type (standard vs. luxury)
- Portable cabin quality and material desired
- Crowd size
- Event layout
- Toilet accessories desired
- Duration of toilet hire
- Dates of delivery, pick-up and transport
- Toilet quantity desired
6. Jobs Can Be Really Dirty and Smelly
It should come as no surprise that the portable loo hire industry can be a dirty and smelly one. After all, you’re dealing with people’s waste daily. Not every service will be horrible. However, there will be times when you could be met with mud, water, grime and worse. When alcohol is involved, who knows what you could find? Portable toilets have been known to be vandalised with graffiti, cracked, burned and even have waste on the floor.
Transferring waste from the toilet to the truck and then from the truck to the dumpsite takes some getting used to. If you aren’t careful, waste can leak, tanks can lose pressure and hoses can spray. Just remember to laugh because it’s part of the learning curve.
7. The Work is Hard, But the Pay is Good
While the portable loo hire business can be challenging, the pay can be really good. The salary reflects the dirty aspect of the job as well as the knowledge and skill needed to do the job correctly. Business owners and employees must have knowledge in many areas including toilet servicing, truck driving and maintenance, marketing and customer service. The job isn’t for the faint-hearted!
8. The Industry is Competitive
It’s a dirty job, but many people choose to do it. The portable loo hire industry is very competitive and includes a mix of small, family-owned operations and industry giants. In high-population areas with large, frequent events, you’ll need a good sales pitch, high-quality products, impeccable customer service and a wealth of industry knowledge to stand out. What makes your business different? When creating your business plan and making a sales pitch, emphasise your differentiators.
9. Market Assessment and Thorough Research Pays Off
The porta-loo hire market has a wide-ranging clientele. Each customer or group of customers will need their portable cabin for a different purpose. Assess the market in your target location and make yourself aware of available projects, events and activities. You can do this by driving around and looking for new build signs, keeping your ear to the ground during wedding and event season, taking note of ‘coming soon’ posters or watching out for flyers promoting outdoor events.
Of course, don’t forget about the internet. Online research can turn up information about a variety of upcoming projects in both the construction and event sectors.
10. Invest in High-Quality Tools, Products and Service
Last, but certainly not least, remember that high-quality tools, products and customer service make a massive difference in the industry. When customers are happy with the cleanliness, customer service, product durability and dependability provided by your business, you are sure to see an influx of business for both short-term and long-term porta-loo hires. Learn everything you can about the industry, from trucks to transport, sanitation to budgeting. Portable toilets receive high foot traffic and are exposed to the elements. Make sure you provide your customers with the best possible experience, no matter what!