Although the business sounds dirty portable
toilets are good money makers. There are three areas of investment, building the
toilets, selling the units wholesale/retail or toilet rentals.
The most profitable sector is portable toilet
rentals. The business involves serious safety protocols, feces handling,
storage and disposal.
To run the enterprise you need adequate
training and experience. Portable toilets are popular and they provide an essential
service to the general public.
The toilets are used to complement existing
facilities in densely populated locations. Places that need such facilities are
public events such as weddings, musical concerts, markets, sports events and
trade shows.
Any location with heavy human traffic is
ideal for portable toilets. The toilets come in various designs, colors and functionality.
They are usually built with water-resistant plastic material.
Ideal Locations
for Public Toilets
- Event centers
- Wedding venues
- Public parks
- Concerts
- Award ceremonies
- Open markets
- Car parks
- Sports centers
- Trade shows
- Government
establishments
- State parks
- Construction
sites
- Camp grounds
Cost and Earnings
One of the major attractions is the re-usability of the toilet. They are designed too last and are easily cleaned and
disinfected.
The major challenges include daily maintenance and
safe waste disposal. The toilets are moderately priced based on size,
functionality and manufacturer.
An investor could make regular income through
one off rental or long duration contracts. Both business templates are
lucrative with little overheads.
You could charge per hour, day or month based
on the number of toilets you provide. Before starting a portable toilet business
you need to put a few things in place.
Make sure your prices are reasonable and
competitive. Factor other parameters when working on an estimate. Actively
secure long lease contracts because they are more profitable and provides
steady income.
Different kinds
of Portable Toilets
Portable toilets are similar to residential
toilets except the latter uses septic tanks.
Portable units are made from water resistant material and fitted with
sewage collection units.
The sewer tanks are located at the base of
the unit for collection and easy disposal. There are different kinds of
portable toilets in the market. Each manufacturer has his own specification and
design.
There are a few things to lookout for when buying a portable toilet. The toilet should have a flushing system, a basin
and tank unit.
Other criteria are a sewer connectable unit,
mobility, hand basin and combined toilet /urinary unit. There are some cheaper
designs without flushing system or hand basins.
There are also luxury portable units with
upgraded features. However the uniting factor is availability of water tanks,
sewer connectable units and easy mobility.
Premium Units
|
Basic Units
|
Water tank
|
Drums
|
Flushing
system
|
Non-Flushing
System
|
Hand Basin
|
No- Hand
Basin
|
Sewer Unit
|
Sewer Unit
|
Mobile
|
Semi-
Mobile
|
Toilet and
Urinary Unit
|
Toilet
Unit
|
How to Start
Portable Toilet Business
Cary out a
Feasibility Study
Carry out a feasibility study of your
community and write a portable rental business plan. Select a business name and
register the company as a sole proprietorship business.
You need a permit to handle and dispose sewer waste.
Other requirements are operational license, insurance cover and tax
considerations.
Purchase the
Toilets
Find
manufacturers of such facilitates in your country. The more functions the toilet has
the higher the cost.
Purchase your equipment directly from
manufacturers or wholesalers. You can start off with five toilets which could conveniently accommodate 200 people.
Other supplies you need include toilet
brushes, gloves, toilet paper, disinfectants and buckets.
A List of
Equipment for Portable Toilet Business
- Deodorants
- Toilet paper
- Safety gear
- Brushes
- Detergent
- Portable toilet
- Truck
- Office equipment
- Buckets
- Water tanks
Storage Facility
You need a storage facility to warehouse the
equipment. You could build a large shed at home or lease a small storage space.
An open but secure land is also ideal.
You also need an administrative office to
handle request and contracts. If you have limited funding turn a room in your
house into an office. All you need is a dedicated telephone, computer, printer,
fax machine and modem.
Transportation
Transportation is an integral part of
portable toilet business. You could purchase a large truck or lease
accordingly.
Owning your own truck is very coat effective.
You need to carry the units to and from location including daily maintenance.
Staff
You don’t need too many staff to run the
business. The staffs you need are cleaners and sewage handlers, secretary and
driver.
The staff should be hardworking and
dedicated. Proper training is essential for sewage handlers including
protective gear. You would need insurance cover for your staff and an
employment identification number.
Promoting the
Portable Toilet Business
Promote the business through advertisement in
electronic and print media. Use newspaper publications, flyers, billboards and
signage boards.
Advertise your services in classified websites
and through a blog. Build a website targeted at your local community and drive
traffic through social media engagement.
Conclusion
Your business may be subject to zoning and
you need a state approved dump site. Visit your local health department for
more information.
The business is hazardous so proper safety
protocols are essential. You could join an association in your area for support
and networking. Start with only five units and gradually increase inventory as
the business expands.
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