New portable restroom business owners often wonder, “How many units should I start with?” It’s crucial to find that “sweet spot” where you can effectively conduct operations and lay a solid foundation without overextending yourself. How many did you start your business with?
The number of portable restrooms you need depends on your business goals. New portable toilet rental business owners typically aim for one of these goals:
- Supplement Income with Future Expansion: If you plan to keep your day job and want to supplement your income, starting with 10 portable toilets can be a good strategy. It keeps costs down and allows you to gain industry experience.
- Expand an Existing Business: If you already own a similar service business (e.g., septic-pumping or equipment rental) and want to expand into portable restrooms, the number of units can vary widely. Starting with a single unit or two can be sufficient if your current business is already profitable. Larger enterprises with more capital might start with 100 units or more.
- Full-Time Portable Restroom Operator: For those aiming to operate a full-time portable restroom rental company, thorough planning is essential. Assess your service area, potential customers, demand, and competition. Pre-sell your services by reaching out to construction companies and event organizers to gauge interest.
Starting with 28 Units: A Proven Strategy
For full-time operators, many start with 28 portable restrooms or multiples of 28. This number is optimal because 28 units fit on a 53-foot semi-truck, making delivery cost-effective. Some businesses may start with 20 units to match their delivery trailer capacity.
With 28 units, you can expect to rent out about 20 in the first few months, which is manageable for daily maintenance and leaves you with time to market your business.The number of portable restrooms you start with should align with your business goals, whether you're supplementing income, expanding an existing business, or committing to a full-time operation. Proper planning and realistic expectations will set you on the path to success!
