The question of what products or services to offer is among the most important decisions before starting any business. According to a study by the University of Pennsylvania, nearly 80 percent of new startups fail because they pick the wrong product or service to sell.
Among many factors, the key to a successful business is offering a product or service that people may want or need. It seems like common sense, but you would be surprised how many companies try to sell something that nobody wants.
Another critical factor is finding a niche market or a group of people underserved by the current market. It can be a group of people who share a common interest or a geographical area not currently served by similar businesses.
The porta potty rental business is a perfect example of a niche market business. This type of business serves a small but significant group of people who need portable toilets for special events or construction sites.
For those with an entrepreneurial itch but unsure what business to start, portable restroom rentals could be the perfect solution. Starting a porta potty rental business is a great way to serve a niche market and make a healthy profit. The demand for this service is increasing, and it’s a relatively easy business to get off the ground.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start a porta potty rental business:
1. Decide what services to offer
The first step is to determine what type of portable restroom rental business you want to start. There are three main types of porta potty businesses:
Standard rentals: This type of business rents out the standard porta potties commonly found on construction sites and at public events.
Luxury rentals: Luxury porta potties are a step up from the standard units, offering features like air conditioning, heat, flushing toilets, and sinks. The portable unit may also include a baby changing station. These units are for weddings, high-end events, and corporate functions.
ADA-compliant rentals: ADA-compliant porta potties are designed for people with disabilities and meet all the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Now that you know the different types of porta potties, you can decide which kind of service you want to start. For instance, American SaniCan – a local, veteran-owned porta-potty rental company, has been serving in the commercial and residential industries for events and construction job sites in the area. The company has been able to provide services for a variety of events, including sports festivals, concerts, and more.
2. Create a business plan
Now that you know what business you want to start, it’s time to create a business plan. Once you have a plan, getting your business off the ground and running becomes much more manageable.
The most important part of your business plan is your marketing strategy. You’ll need to decide how to let people know about your business and services. Also, consider what sets your business apart from the competition and use that to your advantage.
3. Get the necessary permits and licenses
Starting any business requires getting the proper permits and licenses. The specific requirements will vary depending on your business location and type.
For instance, any business that offers portable restroom rentals in Florida must have a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. And the reason is that these businesses are considered ‘solid waste handling facilities.’
You’ll need to submit an application, pay the required fees, and pass a background check to get a license. The process can take several weeks, so be sure to plan accordingly.
4. Purchase the necessary equipment
The next step is to purchase the porta potties and other equipment you’ll need for your business. For standard porta potty rentals, you’ll need to buy the units and a trailer (if you don’t already have one) to transport them.
Suppose you’re starting a luxury porta potty rental business. You’ll need to purchase the units and any additional amenities, like air conditioners, heaters, and sinks. The most important thing is ensuring the units are clean and in good working condition. In addition, you’ll need to purchase insurance to protect your business in case of damages.
5. Find a storage facility
You’ll also need to find a place to store your porta potties and other equipment. If renting a standard unit, you can typically keep it in your garage or on your property.
The reason is that these units are small and easy to transport. However, if you’re renting a luxury unit, you’ll need to find a storage facility that can accommodate the larger size.
6. Purchase the necessary insurance
As with any business, purchasing the necessary insurance for your porta potty rental business is essential. It will protect you financially in case of any accidents or damage to your equipment.
7. Hire employees (if needed)
If you’re starting a small porta potty rental business, you may be able to handle all the work yourself. However, if you’re planning on growing your business, you’ll need to hire employees to help with the outcome. Although this is a small business, there are still a lot of moving parts and tasks that need consideration.
For instance, you’ll need someone to answer phone calls, schedule rentals, deliver and set up the units, and clean and maintain the units. You may also need to hire a salesperson to help market your business and generate new leads.
8. Promote your business
Now that everything is in place, it’s time to start promoting your business. Despite what many people think, promotion doesn’t have to be expensive.
You can use several free or low-cost marketing ideas to get the word out about your business, like creating a website, handing out flyers, and using social media.
The more you promote your business, the more likely you will get customers. And as your business grows, you can add more marketing channels to reach even more potential customers.
9. Find clients
Now that everything is in place, it’s time to start finding clients. For this, you’ll need to generate leads and follow up with them to close the deal. The best part is that there are several ways to generate leads for your business, such as online advertising, word-of-mouth marketing, and print advertising.
10. Deliver and set up the units
Once you’ve secured a client, it’s time to deliver and set up the potty rental units. This is typically done by the employees you’ve hired for your business. Now, all you need to do is sit back and wait for the rental payments to come rolling in. However, if you’re renting luxury units, you’ll need to hire a delivery service. And the reason is that these units are large and difficult to transport.
Conclusion
As we can see, starting a porta potty rental business is not as difficult as it may seem. However, there are several essential steps you need to take to get your business off the ground. For instance, you’ll need to purchase the units, find a storage facility, hire employees (if required), promote your business, find clients, and deliver and set up the units. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be on your way to starting a successful porta potty rental business.
