Preparing for the 2024 Eclipse

Millions of people will travel to the path of totality to see the total eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. People in these regions may place porta potties along interstates and other public spaces. Private entities will also leverage the event, meaning many campgrounds, speedways, farms, and properties will require portable restroom facilities.

The eclipse is a boon for local businesses, including portable restroom rental companies. But it also comes with potential cellular outages and traffic congestion. Learn how to prepare for the 2024 eclipse and come out ahead without losing your cool by reading below.

Create a Pricing Strategy

Nearly every government agency is requesting bids for portable restrooms. And many PROs have been or will be inundated with calls. You have decisions — which contracts to bid or accept, how much to charge, and how much work you can realistically take on.

When thinking about pricing adjustments and potential jobs, consider the following factors:

• The route and traffic congestion
• Increased servicing and supplies
• Additional fuel and vehicle wear and tear
• Time spent planning logistics
• Business risks, including worker job site and road safety
• Adverse weather planning

Get Ready for the 2024 Eclipse

Even if it’s your first time navigating an eclipse event, you can use insights learned from the 2017 eclipse. Certain areas lost internet and cellular coverage. And traffic congestion was a major issue. Having backup plans for everything is crucial.

Based on the 2017 eclipse, here’s what PROs should do:

• Inform staff that you won’t be honoring time-off requests for a block of time before or after the eclipse (while respecting employment laws).
• Consider hiring temporary help from a staffing agency to prepare units, but don’t rely on them during the eclipse.
• Look into a secondary method of communication, such as two-way radios, if you’re in a total eclipse area.
• Have backup plans ready if cellular coverage or internet systems go down when it’s time to take payments.
• Create checklists so you know how much extra gas to buy before the weekend and remind employees to do the same.
• Decide if you should block off your parking lot and facilities to prevent eclipse tourists from wandering through or blocking entries and exits.
• Prepare alternative route options for employees to get to work and clients, and have paper copies and saved versions on mobile apps.
• Reschedule regular supply deliveries and order everything needed for the big day well in advance.
• Consider staff safety by providing them with certified solar eclipse glasses and having everyone check the batteries in their flashlights.
• Don’t forget to have a bad weather backup plan. Depending on your location, you could see many more or fewer people.

Managing Existing Customers and Emergencies

Be proactive by communicating with clients affected by local events. Consider servicing Monday units earlier and asking customers if they expect higher-than-average unit use during the eclipse. Share posts from local authorities on your social channels.

Also, have a template ready for anyone who answers the phone on April 8. Keep it short and precise. For instance, you could say, “We will resolve your emergency as soon as possible, but please expect longer-than-normal delays due to traffic congestion from the eclipse.” Post it on your social media pages and website. Let folks know that you’re working hard and appreciate their business.

Profitable Events

Yes, the 2024 eclipse could be a logistical nightmare for smaller areas overwhelmed with tourists. However, it could be highly profitable with the correct pricing strategy and planning. Moreover, you can satisfy current clients by communicating early and often.

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