Sanitation Sophistication
LCD TVs, marble countertops, hardwood flooring and more — meet the new luxury portable restrooms
by Terah Shelton | Published in November 2008 Focus on Rentals | restrooms
Executive. VIP. Black tie. These words are often synonymous with luxury and privilege. But they’re not the names of suites, restaurants or even designer clothes. They describe portable restrooms. You may be more familiar with those blue and green boxes that often serve as restrooms at outdoor and other events. But there is much more to these fashionable portable facilities than that.
Lighting, heating, air conditioning, touch-free sinks with hot and cold water, vanity mirrors, and even flat-screen televisions are just a few of the lavish features portable restrooms offer.
“The best trailers offer an experience similar to the restroom in a fine hotel or restaurant,” says Bob Barton, vice president of marketing for United Site Services, which serves events of all sizes, from elegant black-tie fundraisers to massive public festivals. “Even the little details like a coat hook in every stall add to the convenience of the most luxurious trailer restrooms.”
By providing clean, comfortable, safe restrooms, you’re setting the stage for your event. “Set the bar high by making the restrooms a luxury that will not soon be forgotten,” says David E. Sauers Jr., president and co-founder of Royal Restrooms, a nationwide company specializing in full-service portable restrooms and portable shower trailer rentals.
Prices for these luxury units vary from market to market due to the cost of labor, waste disposal, local taxes and environmental fees, says Barton. However, the cost of sanitation services includes the rental of equipment, delivery, setup, paper supplies, service during the event if required, waste disposal and pickup at the end of the event. Sauers adds that Royal Restrooms trailers range from $400 to $1,500 per day, depending on the style and quantity of equipment of the restroom trailer.
Portable sanitation is something most planners don’t want to focus on when planning an event, Barton acknowledges, but an experienced full-service vendor can take over the burden of planning for portable restrooms, portable sinks and even showers for guests.
Selecting the Right Provider
There are a few things to consider when selecting a restroom provider. Sauers believes portable restroom providers should make you feel comfortable and at ease. “Their expertise and reputation should be proof that an event will be flawless and stress-free,” he says. “First and foremost, check the provider’s references. Then, ask for customer feedback from actual clients, and don’t take a brochure at face value for an actual quote.”
He also stresses the importance of having a contract, not only with the provider, but also with the event venue, to protect yourself and the event. The contract should outline specific items, such as the need for an attendant or any other special requests.
Look for suppliers that can work with you to plan sanitation services that are the right fit for the event’s style, attendance and budget. “You don’t want to put the wrong equipment on-site just because that is all the supplier has to offer,” says Barton. “A good supplier will be able to tailor the equipment and service plan to the needs of the specific event and then supply flawless service from initial delivery and setup through to final teardown.”
Nothing can ruin an event more than not having enough toilets, says Barton. “Your restroom vendor will be able to evaluate the needs. Just as every event is different, there is a different formula for evaluating how many restrooms will be needed,” he continues. “If an event is a wedding with an open bar and a party which will last into the wee hours of the morning, more restrooms will be needed as opposed to the same number of guests for an outdoor family festival with no alcohol being served.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting until the last minute or not providing enough sanitation are a few common mistakes event planners make when it comes to sanitation. “We will get calls on a Friday morning from someone with 5,000 people showing up on Saturday morning. Or a planner will get their heart set on a particular trailer that has been already booked by someone else,” Barton says. “Contact providers several months in advance to begin the planning process and reserve equipment.”
Overall, Sauer says event planners tend to focus on things deemed important to the overall satisfaction of the client, making restrooms an afterthought. “As a planner, choose what standard you want the event to set,” he says. “If the same port-a-potty that is seen at the event is also at the local construction site, a feeling of an upscale soiree may not be achieved. I can assure you that not everyone will try all the food or see all the flowers, but they will see and use the restrooms.”
5 Tips: Picking a Provider
{placement} While you don’t want portable restrooms to be the focal point of the event, convenience is critical. Do a site visit and select the location before the event and before the contract is finalized.
{coordination} Be ready to request an early delivery and setup from your restroom company to ensure fewer headaches for you and the company.
{due diligence} When selecting a restroom provider, inquire about the restrooms themselves. Make sure the company is consistent in its upkeep, quality and style. The last thing you want is not to get what you ordered or a facility that is older than you anticipated.
{questions} Do you want to have an attendant available during your event? Many planners choose this option to ensure the upkeep of the restrooms between guests.
{disabilities} Wheelchair-accessible and fully ADA-compliant restrooms are available in all styles from the most basic to the most deluxe.
— David E. Sauer Jr., Royal Restrooms