Considerations
By Chelsea McCafferty
If you are thinking about going into the business of renting luxury restroom trailers you
will want to read what these professionals have to say about what you need to consider
Question: How has the special events market changed over the past five years and where is it going? How
must portable toilet operators adjust to meet demand?
Tim Blevins, President of Wellscargo C.O.G.:
“The special events industry in the past few years has become more demanding in their sanitation needs. The
average American has evolved from using outhouses at the turn of the 19th century up to present day with several
restrooms in every home. In portable sanitation the single portable toilet has been the mainstay for years. The past
few years has brought a proliferation of products that were not available before. As the general public has become
aware of such products their expectations have risen.
“Event promoters want there special events to be the greatest possible success. Their business survival depends on
it. It stands to reason if they want to stand out as a promoter they will need access to the best equipment. They
expect the local portable sanitation company to be able to step up to the plate with a range of products that are now
available. If the operator does not supply the expected upscale facilities, someone else must and will.
“There is a wide selection of small upscale restroom trailers available today. This is a definite departure from the
large expensive and cumbersome trucked units. Several smaller bumper pull units can serve the same purpose,
disperse the crowd and service smaller events after the large event is over. The semi trailer will never get to go to a
backyard wedding. The backyard event use to net a portable restroom operator a couple hundred dollars, small
upscale trailers can bring over a thousand dollars for the same event. The portable restroom operator must address
this need or he will end up simply pumping someone else’s trailer out for a hundred bucks or so... Many of the
smaller events will be corporate and sales related. In hard times these events actually increase in number. Election
years are also up time for special events.”
David Harling, President of Ameri-Can Engineering:
“Our view is that the special events market is growing geometrically both for operators and with regard to public
demand. In many markets, special events trailers are not plentiful and there is still that growing awareness of their
availability and use. For example, a customer of ours recently placed a trailer at a high end corporate event. Most of
the attendees had never seen a high class restroom trailer before and the wow factor provided by the trailer was the
talk of the event. The operator was on site as an attendant and the end result was she booked an additional five
events from that one event. That is the sort of geometric growth we see.”
John Kent, Account Manager of Advanced Containment Systems, Inc.:
“The trend is continuously reaching new limits. Each year the bar is being raised by the end users. As more of the
general public become aware of Restroom Trailers Vs. plastic porta potties, more events are demanding the
comfort and luxury of a Restroom Trailer.”
“We are seeing more demand from rental companies who service high end events. Weddings, corporate events, the
PGA Tour, and the US Open are a few of the most common events that require luxury Restroom Trailers. The
demand is both large and small. From the back yard weddings, to celebrities and political events. Especially with the
elections, we are seeing a large demand in the political arena. We have had two customers featured in articles
headlining the restroom trailers. When George Bush's speech takes a back seat to a Restroom Trailer, ironically
named the Presidential , there is something to be said. Just ask Edmunds Waste Removal, Inc. located in VA, who
was featured in the article.
“Recently I was contacted by CNN, as they were hosting the presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and
Barrack Obama. They were looking for up scale restrooms, and found humor in the name of ACSI's Presidential
restroom trailer, and remarked on how nice it was, but they were not Presidents yet.”
Question: What opportunities are there in the special events market today? What is the competition like?
How do you market these special event trailers in contrast to marketing regular, construction-style units?
Tim Blevins, President of Wellscargo C.O.G.:
“Opportunities abound. If the operator has no upscale restroom trailers he may not realize this. The market is
everywhere. I have an operator in Seminole Oklahoma that bought a trailer so he would look good at the rattle
snake roundup. He did not think he would have much other use for his trailer because of his remote location. He
contacted us a couple of weeks ago and asked to be removed from our rental directory. He stated he was working
8 days a week and had more business now than he could handle.
“Some new to this end of the industry worry about competition. The people in our rental directory tell a different
story as they are forced to work together many times as demand keeps increasing. Demand will increase with
every event. These are many times up scaled events where people attending have above average means and special
events of their own. If your trailers are nice, clean and look classy, who do you think they will call when they have
their event? We also supply a rental directory which many customers say brings in more than enough leads to pay
for their trailers. If you have such a listing or not you should seek out those in your area that service special events,
wedding planners, event promoters, the list is endless. Everyone has to go to the restroom and you just have let
them know what you have.
“Believe it or not there is little call for trailers on construction sites. The greater cost of investment combined with a
rental rate, in most cases, makes it prohibitive. The exception to the rule is when large retailers do add-ons and
restroom remodels and do not want to lose valued customers due to poor comfort facilities. There also needs to be
a difference in how these up-scaled facilities are presented. The picture of a king sitting on a toilet may be ok at a
construction site portable but totally inappropriate at a back yard wedding. This is all about image—YOUR’S. Keep
signage small and a business name classy; no cute or corny slogans.”
David Harling, President of Ameri-Can Engineering:
“The opportunities for the special events market have grown considerably over the past several years. More events
are requiring restroom and shower trailers than ever before. Additionally, there are huge new opportunities as
schools, universities, municipalities, sport facilities, marinas, and golf clubs industries now use trailers for their
regular activities as well as large gatherings. This past year we have seen a lot of operators supplying trailers to
Lowes, Wall-Mart and other shopping venues for temporary use as their onsite faculties are remodeled.
“As for advertising, an operator must have a quality website that is easily Googled. I really believe the traditional
yellow pages and local directories are not used at all anymore as most people searching for service are going to do
it online. We receive many enquiries each week from our web site for people looking to rent in a particular
community. We are able to pass those enquiries along to our customers, but are always amazed at how a potential
rental customer will be able to find a far-flung manufacturer and not the local operator. The reason is generally that
there is no good web presence for that operator.
“Marketing a trailer can be fun. The best marketing is always onsite whenever a trailer is being used. A good
experience on the ground will result in attendees wanting that trailer provision for their event. The operator should
attend the event to ensure that all goes well, but most importantly to be able to meet the people there. It's that
geometrical market progression, 1 leads to 3, 3 leads to 9 and so on. Also many successful operators grow their
business initially by taking their trailer on the road in the local area; showing it to wedding planners, event
coordinators, camp grounds, marinas, show grounds, golf courses and every potential user in the area.”
John Kent, Account Manager of Advanced Containment Systems, Inc.:
“Every year many people get married, concerts, golf tournments, tennis matches, etc. There are always special
events. The market is strong right now, and only continues to grow. Most customers report continued growth in
special events. For many it is the saving grace in light of the construction market.
“The best marketing campaign is to get your customers to see the trailer in person. Pull it behind your truck while
running routes and let each customer see the trailer and go inside to feel the comfort. Portable restroom operators
don't always like to admit this, but most people do not like Porta potties—use that to your advantage.
“Women are a tremendous force in the special events market. They are often the decision-makers on many levels.
Most women despise porta potties and will leave an event early because of them. Men are less concerned about
facilities. Make a point to get women involved. They are your best assets.”
Question: How has the drop in the housing market affected operators in the special events market? Any
ideas on how this will continue to evolve?
Tim Blevins, President of Wellscargo C.O.G.:
“I don't see any great correlation between construction and special events. More people need something upbeat to
do when things are down. The fact that the two are not interdependent is a good thing. If one sector is down the
operator still has a means to carry on a profitable business.”
David Harling, President of Ameri-Can Engineering:
“We have not noticed any correlation between the housing market and the special event market. There are operators
who in the past have purchased commercial grade restroom trailers for the construction market. These people seem
to continue to place those trailers as they are most used on large commercial construction sites. There is also a
growing demand for industrial provision. A number of our customers acquire commercial grade restroom trailers
and showers for mid to long term rental provision at factories, refineries, distribution centers and other industrial
applications.”
John Kent, Account Manager of Advanced Containment Systems, Inc.:
“Currently all reports from operators say special events market is doing well. People are leary, but so far customers
say they plan to have a good year. Some customers have focused entirely on the special event market. They see a
large demand with few in their area to supply the restroom trailers.”
Question: What are the three most important things a portable sanitation operator must consider before
getting into the special events market?
Tim Blevins, President of Wellscargo C.O.G.:
“1. Customer Service. Clean restrooms must be delivered on time and working properly. Address all incoming calls
with respect and sincerity. Always return calls even if you don't have an answer. Have a helpful person answer the
phone as you will only get one chance to make a first impression. ‘Practice does not make perfect—Perfect
Practice makes perfect.’ Make it so
“2. Educate Potential Customers. Let everyone you can know you exist, what you have to offer and how to get
hold of you.
“3. Use proven products. Do your homework when searching for the trailer that’s right for you. Consider
reputation, quality, durability, warranty, parts supply and promotional support. You can't ask too many questions.”
David Harling, President of Ameri-Can Engineering:
“1. The most important thing in our opinion is to know your market and you competition. Identify the initial
prospects for business in your area and approach them even before acquiring equipment to learn of their
expectations. We oftentimes create brochures for prospective customers that specifies the equipment and allows
the operator to do market research before buying.
“2. Understand how the equipment works and what is required to set up, service and operate.
“3. Learn the in's and out's of planning the event from negotiating the terms, arranging the logistics and all of the
customer service items. We have a checklist of those item for anyone wishing them. Also, attend the round tables
at PSAI events to learn from fellow operators.”
John Kent, Account Manager of Advanced Containment Systems, Inc.:
“Consider your market and target specific customer base. If you plan to service weddings, talk to wedding
planners, caterers, tent rental companies and find out what they are currently using. Let them know your intentions
and they will give you good suggestions. These are important friends to make when starting out, and they will bring
you lots of business.
“Talk to other operators with restroom trailers. Use the trade shows to meet people and ask questions. Every show
I encourage first time buyers to ask our seasoned operators questions. As a salesman, my advice only goes so far.
Don't take my word for it—ask trailer manufacturers for referrals. Most operators are willing to answer questions.
I have seen veteran operators mentor smaller, start-up companies. It is everyone’s best interest to work together
and keep the market strong. The last thing you want to do is come in with a new trailer and take bottom dollar
rates. Not only are you selling yourself short, but the market will suffer as well. Good business ethics will go a long
way in the Restroom Trailer industry. You can find good support with friendly competition. I often hear of
companies renting from each other or using another company to pump their trailer because it is out of their route.
“Product research cannot be emphasized enough. This year we have seen more new companies building restroom
trailers than previously. Some companies have only been in business one year. There is a wide difference between
manufacturers. It will benefit you to learn about each manufacturer. As with most products and services, the
lowest price usually equals the lowest quality. This is important for the long haul. The longer you own a trailer the
more times over it will pay for itself. The best advice is to speak with other operators and ask questions. Talk to
manufacturers and ask for referrals.
“I read many stories in the trade magazines regarding how to spec out a pumper truck, what is the best pump, best
truck chassis, and tank set up. Everyone agrees it is better to pay for quality up front then to pay for repairs later.
This is especially important from a reliability stand point in special events. They have much less tolerance for break
downs in the middle of an event. In the end you are paying, not only for quality, but for your own good name.”
Question: What advice would you give to a portable toilet operator who is considering getting into the
special events market?
Tim Blevins, President of Wellscargo C.O.G.:
“My advice would be do not procrastinate. Do your homework, start now and define your position in your own
mind. People every day are buying these units. These are people that knew nothing about sanitation. These are
people that knew nothing about renting out equipment. These are rental companies that knew nothing about
sanitation. The list goes on. You seldom get a second chance if you let others get turned on to the greater profit
potential. Will you really be satisfied to pump a rig for a hundred bucks that you could be raking in an additional
$900 a day, $1800 a weekend or $3800 a month?”
John Kent, Account Manager of Advanced Containment Systems, Inc.:
“Questions...ask plenty of questions, whether you’re speaking with end users or other operators. End users will tell
you what they want and expect in a restroom. Operators will give good advice on selling your service as well as
great suggestions on logistics.
“Update your website—your best selling tool is for the customer to see the trailer. It may not always be possible to
have them see the trailer in person. A good website is very important. Special event coordinators are not reading
your name off of porta potties at construction sites, or looking in the yellow pages. They want to look online and
see your website, look at floor plans, colors and interior amenities. I would rate having a good website as a top
priority to succeed.
“Create a plan to diversify your fleet. The most successful operators have trailers for all markets. This benefits you
in many ways. It gives your customers options and justifies a price range. If they want a cadillac, they pay the
cadillac price. If they are willing to settle for the Chevy, they pay the Chevy price.
“The differences between construction and special events are clear. Construction is rough tough men, who need a
place to go. Special events customers could be wearing suits and evening gowns. One of the best suggestions I can
give is to involve women from all angles. Women have a knack for picking interior colors, options and features. All
these will help you sell your service. Some of our best customers have their wives pick interior decor. From end
user stand point, women are driving the market. I've heard it said, ‘when in doubt, ask a woman.’”

Serving the American Liquid Waste Industry Since 2002