Things to Think About When Buying Toilet Paper

When buying toilet paper, portable restroom operators often look for what’s available and how fast they can get it. This just-in-time inventory approach keeps cash flow available but may not provide the best price or quality. While convenience and costs matter, it’s also important to consider market differences, usage, and servicing needs. Improve your purchasing and inventory decisions by considering the following questions.

Is the Toilet Paper Safe for Your Setup?

PROs need toilet paper that breaks down fast and doesn’t clog hoses. You can buy septic-safe, fast-dissolving paper to stay on the safe side. But that’s not always an option. It might be out of your budget, unavailable, or not a great fit for your clients.

Some portable restroom operators find that standard single-ply toilet paper does a decent job. Still, it’s better to test it yourself before outfitting your portable restrooms or buying in bulk. Drop some sheets in water and see how fast they break up.

Does It Meet User and Servicing Needs?

When buying toilet paper, consider the people using it and how the different paper options affect servicing. For instance, jumbo rolls work best for portable restrooms with high usage volumes. Larger sheet counts mean fewer refills and less trash. There’s also less chance of running out of paper unexpectedly, which can lead to people coming up with their own solutions. But remember to check if the toilet paper fits your dispensers.

High-end event goers using your luxury trailers and portable restroom units expect higher-quality, softer toilet paper. Look for rapid-dissolving two-ply solutions or softer one-ply options. This is one area where you don’t want to skimp.

Festival goers and job site workers may not complain about the toilet paper’s texture, but you’ll get feedback if it falls apart in their hands. Since people at campsites, outdoor events, and construction sites may be wet or grimy, make sure your toilet paper can withstand the elements.

Can You Get Toilet Paper for Units Fast and Affordably?

Now, we come to the toughest part. Finding septic-safe toilet paper that’s soft enough for event clients or tough enough for construction workers and sized correctly to fit your dispensers while reducing refill frequency yet affordable and in stock. There’s no magic formula here. Every portable restroom operator should consider their budget, setup, and clients when buying toilet paper.

Here are some tips to help you choose the best options:

• Decide if you will use the same toilet paper for all clients and units or if you need different kinds for weddings versus job sites.
• Network with PROs in online forums to learn about brands or vendors that run out or a workaround they use for temporary restocking.
• Build relationships with industry vendors and ask if they can provide backorder reports or if their toilet paper had backorder issues over the past year.
• After choosing one or two solutions, test alternative brands or vendors. Create backup plans for low-budget, bulk purchases, local pickup, or fast delivery.

Match the Paper to the Job

When thinking about the qualities you look for in toilet paper, consider your budget, clients, and the job. Planning helps you make smarter purchases, preventing overstocking and stockouts while ensuring customer satisfaction along the way.

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