Hi there! My name is Adam, and I’m the owner of Luxury Portable Restroom Trailers. I’m excited you’re interested in starting your own luxury restroom trailer business. In less than a year of starting our business, we’ve nearly hit 100 bookings, and I’ve learned a lot along the way that I’d love to share with you.
Let’s dive into the key steps you need to follow to get started:
1. Find the Right Trailer
The first step is finding the right trailer. When you’re starting off, make sure your trailer has all the essentials that make it “luxury.” That means air conditioning, heating, running water, music, and spacious interiors. I personally recommend starting with a 2-Station trailer (1 men’s restroom with a toilet and urinal, and 1 women’s restroom). Why? Well, they’re the most affordable option compared to larger trailers and, honestly, the most popular. Most events you’ll cater to will likely have fewer than 200 guests, and a 2-Station is perfect for that.
Once you’ve picked out your trailer, it’s time to figure out the purchasing method. You’ll need to decide whether to pay in full or finance it. Most people go the financing route, which can cost you anywhere between $800 to $1,000 a month, depending on the trailer’s cost, delivery, and interest rates. But don’t forget to check your state’s regulations on permits, insurance, and licenses—these are ongoing costs that you’ll have to factor into your monthly expenses.
2. Stock Up on Supplies
Great, you’ve purchased your trailer! Now it’s time to gather all the supplies you’ll need to get started. Here’s a list of essential items to keep your operation running smoothly (Please don’t make fun of me if I forget some things):
Operation Supplies ($1,600 – $1,900)
- 100-foot 10 Gauge Extension Cord
- 100-foot Water Hose
- Proper Connection & Sewer Hose for waste tank drainage
- Wheel Chocks
- Generator that can power your trailer for at least 8 hours with A/C running
- Trailer Hitch Ball (make sure to get the right size)
- Registration and sales tax (varies by state)
Inside Supplies ($100 – $200)
- Toilet Seat Cover Dispenser (if your trailer doesn’t have one)
- Special toilet paper meant for waste tanks
- Paper towels (depending on your trailer’s dispenser type)
- Hand soap
- Floor mats (for under the urinal and around the toilet)
- Toilet seat covers
- Air fresheners
Cleaning Supplies ($100 – $200)
- Waste tank chemicals
- Garbage bags
- Disposal gloves
- Cleaning supplies (Lysol wipes, Windex, broom, mop, etc.)
3. Plan Your Brand
As soon as you’ve got your trailer, you should immediately start building your brand. The goal here is to be ready to start advertising as soon as your trailer is in hand. This means getting your business name, logo, domain name, email, website, and social media set up. The #1 priority is your website. It’s the foundation of your online presence and the hub where all your marketing efforts—social media and advertising—will lead potential clients.
4. Start Advertising
Once your trailer is ready and your online presence is in place, it’s time to start advertising. I highly recommend starting with Meta (Facebook/Instagram) because the cost of entry is low, and video ads work exceptionally well for this type of business. The bonus is that it not only drives traffic to your website but also builds your social media presence.
For a 2-Station Restroom Trailer, I recommend starting with a monthly ad budget between $500 and $700. This should be enough to generate interest and start bringing in inquiries for rentals.
5. Set Your Prices and Know Your Clients' Needs
Now that you’ve started getting inquiries, it’s time to decide how much to charge for a one-day rental. Pricing can vary depending on your location—different costs of living, average income, etc. We started low at around $500 just to get our foot in the door, and now we charge anywhere between $700 and $1,000 for a 2-Station.
Once you’ve established your pricing, you’ll need to learn to ask potential clients the right questions. You’ll need to know things like:
- Guest Count
- Water Availability
- Power Availability
- & More
These are crucial details to ensure the trailer meets the event’s needs and avoids any logistical hiccups.
6. You’ve Booked Your First Event—Congrats!
You’ve officially booked your first event, and you’re on your way to becoming a successful luxury restroom trailer rental business owner! It feels great, doesn’t it?
Looking Forward
This is just the beginning. We’ll be diving into more specific topics in future blogs, covering Marketing, Sales, Accounting, Customer Success, and much more to help you grow your business and ensure long-term success.
If you’re ready to get started, we can help you with everything from purchasing your trailer to website design, SEO, digital advertising, and more. Feel free to reach out if you need any guidance!
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