How to Buy During Tough Times

Market volatility or supply chain disruptions complicate purchasing decisions. Challenges (and stress levels) increase when operational costs creep up. Knowing how to buy during tough times can protect your cash flow and margins.

Discover tips and best practices for buying equipment or inventory in today’s uncertain economy and whatever comes next.

Use Data to Make Buying Decisions

A minor disruption in an otherwise stable market doesn’t immediately change prices or availability. But the environment shifts fast when global supply chains bottom out. Problems with oil supplies cause volatility in the resin market, which directly affects the portable restroom industry.

To decide if you should buy now or wait, look at these factors:

• Severity: What’s the impact on production or transportation? For example, the cold snap in January 2026 was minor compared to the fallout from Hurricane Ida after Winter Storm Uri in 2021.
• Scope: Is it regional and contained to one type of material, or does it affect supply chains worldwide? This spring (2026), the impact is widespread across commodities, industries, and locations.
• Duration: How long will it take to fix? Storm repairs happen within days or weeks. War-related infrastructure damage, supply route closures, or government-imposed tariffs may impact prices and availability for months or years.
• Current market: How much wiggle room did the market have initially? Ramping up production can buffer the effects of short-term disruptions. Once capacity is reached, shortages can occur, and plastic manufacturing costs rise.

Compare the Costs of Buying Now vs. Waiting

An ongoing mismatch between supply and demand increases the cost of doing business, leading to price hikes. Some suppliers add flat fees or surcharges, while others apply a percentage to some or all products. Sales reps may offer a ballpark figure so you can calculate the difference between buying now and waiting.

Also consider:

• Freight costs, which are market-based and fluctuate substantially
• Fallback options if conditions worsen and you can’t afford higher future prices
• Costs of waiting, such as downtime, missed opportunities, or unfulfilled contract obligations
• The likelihood of additional price increases or higher financing rates

Optimize the Cost per Unit Shipped

Freight quotes reflect real-time fuel costs and trucking capacity. Get the most value by filling space when possible. When getting a quote, ask how full the load is and the price per unit for your desired quantity. Compare this rate to different order sizes to see if it makes sense to add or remove units. You may also be able to mix toilets, sinks, and ADA units to utilize space better.

Prepare to Move Fast on a Quote

To secure current rates, you may have only a week or less to confirm a purchase, and many freight quotes expire in 48 hours. If multiple people need to sign off, communicate with them before requesting a quote. Clarify deadlines and which channels you’ll use to discuss and approve quotes. Line up your financials so you can identify potential early-bird savings that offset interest from financing big purchases.

Check Inventory and Prioritize Purchases

Restocking the essentials before a price hike can save money, prevent downtime, and give you peace of mind. Go over yearly stock quantities and flag items that are likely to have long lead times or price increases. Do the same for equipment purchases. Focus on high-impact assets first, which are restroom units or supplies that contribute to your company’s profitability or efficiency. Order what you can afford and use immediately.

Buy Smarter During Tough Times

In today’s market, timing affects purchase price and availability. Getting in front of price spikes can prevent margins from eroding and help you to seize opportunities in a climate where competitors may fall behind.

Looking to Take Your Portable Restroom Business to the NEXT LEVEL? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Operating A Portable Restroom Business.”

Thinking About GETTING INTO the Portable Restroom Industry? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Starting A Portable Restroom Business.”