Getting Ready for Another New Season

As we look ahead to the upcoming busy season, portable restroom operators face numerous challenges, from labor to supply chain concerns. At the same time, there is an immense opportunity to expand your business and increase sales. But, planning is vital to your success.

So, what can you expect in the upcoming months? Start by reflecting on things you’ve learned after two years of COVID while getting your fleet, staff, and supplies ready for the busy season. Here’s how to start.

Portable Restroom Industry Insights: Business Opportunities & Challenges

PROs faced many barriers over the past couple of years, from adopting digital sales activities to navigating long lead times for equipment and supplies. Of course, they were also tasked with keeping employees and customers safe while addressing increased demand for hand sanitizer and washing stations. Finding (and retaining) employees and getting critical parts and supplies continue to plague business owners.

Through the haze of restrictions and shut-downs, PROs also identified key opportunities in the industry, including:

• Reputational improvements by focusing on their essential business status
• Expansion efforts related to outdoor events and a boon in construction
• Realistic use cases for diversifying portable sanitation income streams
• Upsell potential associated with additional sinks or hand sanitizing stations

Prepare Your Fleet for the Busy Season

Assess your equipment and projected sales to determine which seasonal preparation activities your crew should focus on. Many PROs refurbish standard units and keep additional parts on hand to avoid having units out of service for extended periods. In addition, it’s vital to review maintenance lists and have deadlines for completing various tasks. Check in weekly with your team to track goal progress and identify potential issues, such as out-of-stock parts, early.

Managing inventory will also pose challenges throughout 2022. PROs should monitor prices closely and stock up on high-use items. Work with your vendors to determine lead times for supplies and equipment. Don’t forget to update your inventory software to reflect longer lead times so you can receive timely alerts when stock runs low.

Optimize Your Seasonal Hiring and Training Process

The labor shortage won’t ease any time soon, making it harder to find and keep good help. As a result, many PROs take on more job duties and start their seasonal hiring earlier than in previous years. But it may not be enough, especially if your process is outdated, leading to communication delays with job candidates and new hires.

Here are a few ways to improve your approach to hiring and training:

• Expand employment outreach efforts: Use free and paid channels to promote your job openings, compensation packages, and brand reputation.
• Reduce hiring barriers: Put your application online, encourage text messages and email conversations, and be prepared to hire on the spot.
• Digitalize the onboarding process: Let new hires review details and sign documents online so you can focus on training from day one.
• Outline your training objectives: Review your training process and ensure that you have accurate metrics in place to measure progress.

Tackle the New Season With Vigor

As PROs prepare to enter peak season, overcoming obstacles while embracing opportunities is critical to success. By optimizing the areas that cost you the most money (labor and inventory) while developing relationships with customers across several in-demand industries, like construction and events, it’s possible to see a high return this year.

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

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