How to Know When to Add More Toilets to Your Inventory

Every PRO has their own system of tracking and categorizing units. You rotate the old units and replace your inventory when running low. Making a purchasing decision isn’t easy when you’re tightening your budget, operating during the busy season, and estimating upcoming projects.

To meet the challenge, portable restroom operators must tweak tracking methods, improve their estimation skills, and understand the costs of purchasing units. This article explores ways PROs can make better decisions when adding more toilets to their inventory.

Use a System to Categorize and Track Your Fleet

A standard method used by PROs is rotating units. New toilets top off the event fleet. Older and well-worn restrooms move to the construction category. A drop in available event units signals a need to add more to your inventory. But, tracking units can get complicated. That’s why operators combine technology and traditional tools to manage fleets. For example:

• QR readers and mobile apps let you scan and see inventory counts in real-time.
• Inventory management software informs decisions from any location.
• Hardy metal plates and a spreadsheet keep it low-tech.

Regardless of how you categorize and track inventory, consistency is key. Get into a habit of assessing and rotating your toilets regularly.

Consider Buying Units When Fleet Numbers Drop

By keeping an eye on your nicest units, you’ll get a better idea of when to buy replacements. Look at data from previous years to see how many event units you deploy throughout the year. Then, review existing inventory. Use a cost analysis tool to:

• Compute the true cost of less expensive units versus higher quality toilets
• Calculate potential lifetime income from your unit
• Estimate the lifetime profit of adding more toilets

Also, remember to check units awaiting repairs. If your inventory is running low and your budget is tight, consider updating older models that aren’t quite ready for retirement. Although this is a temporary fix, it may buy you enough time to generate new bids that’ll pay for more toilets.

Make Proactive Purchase Decisions

Lastly, it’s vital to plan ahead. Longer lead times on new units may delay the arrival of your inventory. So, waiting until the last minute to secure toilets for a newly won contract can turn into a disaster. By estimating for events, anticipating new commitments, and being aware of open bids, you’ll have the information to make the best decision.

Plus, don’t forget to scour your calendar for local events that’ll put a good amount of your fleet in the field. Stay in touch with community leaders so you know what you’ll need over the next 12 months. Proactive efforts reduce the risk of running short or pleading with manufacturers to get new units on the road.

Strategically Add Toilets to Your Inventory

Is it time to assess your inventory? Avoid extra headaches and uncertainty by setting aside time to review your tracking, estimating, and buying processes. A few simple steps put control back into your hands. It gives you the confidence to bid while helping you increase your profits throughout the year.

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