Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/951699
W EEKLY EDITION MAR 7, 2018 Putting the "Special" In Your Events …co ntinued By Karleen Kos, PSAI Executive Director • Think of ways to stand out. Some companies use customized units that are decorated with wraps that look different than a standard portable toilet. Others have units that are colors reserved for certain types of events (e.g., pink for breast cancer or women/girl - focused parties; school colors for sporting events, etc.). • Even if you have fairly common equipment, you can probably find ways for your company to stand out on something other than price. Do you offe r hot/cold running water in your hand wash stations? Are all of your service technicians PSAI certified? Do you provide an on site attendant? If so, flaunt it. Even if you're not the only company that offers soap with lotion in it or trash cans in your eve nt package – if you are the only one that calls attention to it, the customer will notice you in a way they won't if you treat your service as a commodity. • If you don't get a nibble, don't give up. Send the planners a note after their event and congratulat e them. Tell them you're available to talk if they ever feel the need to explore other portable sanitation companies or to add some equipment/services you can uniquely provide. Customer Communication The effectiveness of your communication with customers is probably going to make more difference than just about anything else you can control. In the PSAI's training course we cover the basics of this extensively. Here are a few things to remembe r: • Make sure you fully understand the event by asking a lot of questions and documenting the answers. Discuss things like: o Location and type of event (race, wedding, art fair, etc.) o Date(s) and time(s) of the event – specify the hours for attendees vs hours for staff/workers o Whether the event is open to the public to determine if ADA and other rules apply o What is the estimated total attendance? Make sure you know the numbers for attendees/guests (broken down by men/women/children), event staff/workers, outside food vendors, security/police, and people with special need s (wheel chairs, etc.) o Estimated peak attendance, food/beverage availability, and average length of stay by attendees o The size of the event area and expected traffic flow o Any special circumstances or needs such as delivery/set up requirements (time restri ctions, fencing, etc.), road restrictions, venue security or impediments to trucks arriving or departing the event site, terrain issues (lack of flat surfaces, need for ramps or other path of travel accommodations, mud in wet conditions, etc.) o Anticipated nighttime use – need for lighting or security o Need for power, potable water, or other ancillary services • An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – so be sure you have things in writing. Most companies find it best to have a standard service agreem ent that spells out: o The number and type of units and other equipment that will be provided o When the equipment will be delivered and picked up o When service will be provided and how to reach you for additional service if needed sooner tha n expected CO NTINUED ON PAGE 3 P AGE 2