7 Questions to Ask Before You Rent a Porta Potty
Two quotes for the same porta potty can differ by $100 or more once fees appear. These seven questions get you a true apples-to-apples price.
1. Does the price include delivery and pickup?
Ask whether the quoted price includes both delivery and pickup, or whether pickup is a separate removal fee at the end. Some companies quote a low unit price and add a delivery fee, a pickup fee and a removal fee. Our event prices include both, and job site quotes show one delivery-and-pickup line.
2. Are there fuel, card or admin fees?
Ask whether the total includes fuel surcharges, credit card fees, admin fees and tax. These can add $40–$60 to a single unit. Ask for the out-the-door total in writing. We do not charge fuel, card or admin fees; tax is the only addition.
3. Is 'monthly' a calendar month or 28 days?
Ask whether monthly billing means a calendar month or a 28-day cycle. Most porta potty companies, including ours, bill every 28 days, which adds up to 13 cycles a year instead of 12. Knowing this keeps a long job's budget accurate.
4. Is weekly cleaning included?
Ask whether weekly cleaning is included in a long rental or billed per visit. A pump-out visit costs real money, so a low rate without service is not a deal. Our 28-day rate includes one service every 7 days.
5. What is the cancellation policy?
Ask how late you can cancel for a full refund, and whether a date change costs anything. Plans change, especially for outdoor events, weather and job start dates. We allow free cancellation up to 24 business hours before delivery, and free date changes before that deadline when stock allows.
6. Who actually delivers the unit?
Ask whether the company owns the units and trucks or is a broker passing your order to another hauler. A broker can be fine, but you should know who to call if the unit does not show up. We are a local company with our own yard, trucks and drivers.
7. What happens if the unit is damaged?
Ask what counts as damage and how it is billed before you sign. Normal wear should never be billed. Vandalism, fire, graffiti and vehicle damage usually are. Locking the unit after events, lighting the area and staking the unit on windy lots all lower the risk.