How this toilet rental company increased their revenue by 200% + saved $24,000 a year | Nomadic Washrooms

Tim: Okay then. Thanks, Stu, for jumping on this call with me. I think a good place to start would be for you to introduce yourself, tell us about your company, the types of events you cater to, and the equipment you specialize in.

Stu: Thanks, Tim. My name is Stu Richards, and I run Nomadic Washrooms with my wife, Kate. Essentially, we are a toilet hire business, but where we differentiate ourselves from our competitors is that all our toilets resemble shepherd's huts.

We started in 2019 and have grown from one trailer to a network of 30 trailers across the country. Kate and I operate two yards: our main depot and head office in Mid Wales, Welshpool, and a satellite yard in Thame, Oxfordshire. Two years ago, we expanded our business by launching a franchise. We now have three franchisees operating in Colchester, Essex; East Sussex; and Leeds, covering the North.

Tim: You mentioned looking for franchisees in the Southwest. What about Scotland or Ireland?

Stu: Yes, we would like to expand into Northern Ireland, as it’s easier logistically with the EU and currency. As for Scotland, we are hoping to find someone near the Borders to cover that area. However, our next major growth area is the Southwest, from Bristol down to Exeter.

Tim: If someone watching this video is interested in becoming a franchisee, how can they get in touch with you?

Stu: They can visit our website at www.nomadicwashrooms.co.uk. There’s a dedicated franchise section with some basic details. Interested individuals can drop me an email, and we will send them a franchise brochure with further information. If both parties are keen to proceed, our franchise consultant will guide them through the process, including financials, to ensure the right fit.

Business Challenges and Solutions

Tim: Before using Marquee Tech, what were your main business challenges, and what made you consider using software like ours?

Stu: When we started with one trailer, it was easy to manage. However, as we grew to five, ten, and then fifteen trailers, organising logistics became a nightmare—handling quotes, tracking trailer locations, managing yards, and scheduling deliveries.

We explored several CRM systems, but none were tailored to the events industry. After extensive research, we came across Marquee Tech, and it was a perfect match for our needs.

Tim: Did you find us through the website, or did another supplier recommend us?

Stu: I believe it was through another supplier, though I can’t recall who. We then had a call with your team and you seemed like great people to work with. Once we saw how the system worked, we knew it was the right choice.

Key Features and Benefits

Tim: What are the top three features of Marquee Tech that benefit you the most?

Stu:

1. Quote Building: Creating quotes is incredibly easy. We use prebuilt sample quotes for different trailer types, making the process seamless. If adjustments are needed, we can modify them quickly.
2. Client Portal: Our clients love the professional-looking portal where they receive their quotes, view images, see pricing, and accept terms and conditions. The streamlined process significantly enhances our customer experience.
3. Delivery Notes & Scheduling: Sending delivery notes to our drivers is now effortless. The new feature allows us to assign tasks, track job completion, and update clients in real time. This has dramatically reduced the number of calls between our drivers and the office.

Tim: In terms of time savings and efficiency, what are the biggest improvements since switching to Marquee Tech?

Stu:

• Inquiry Management: Previously, we sifted through emails to manage inquiries. Now, all inquiries from our website are automatically posted to our dashboard, allowing us to respond and generate quotes instantly.
• Quote Generation: What used to be a manual process in Excel and Word is now automated. Changes to quotes are quick and straightforward, saving hours of work.
• System Integration: We no longer need multiple platforms like Google Calendar, Excel, and Xero. Everything is managed within Marquee Tech, reducing redundant work.
• Staff Efficiency: We haven't needed to hire additional admin staff, which has saved us approximately £24,000–£30,000 annually.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Tim: Have you seen a reduction in expensive mistakes since implementing Marquee Tech?

Stu: Absolutely. Before  Marquee Tech, we accidentally double-booked a trailer due to an outdated Google Calendar. This mistake cost us about £1,000 in sub-hiring fees. With Marquee Tech, double-booking is no longer an issue, as the system automatically tracks availability.

Team Collaboration and Event Execution

Tim: You mentioned earlier that the new job run feature improves communication between office staff and on-site teams. Have you seen improvements in team collaboration during busy seasons?

Stu: Definitely. Before, drivers would receive multiple emails daily, leading to confusion and extra phone calls. With Marquee Tech, all job details are in one place, reducing calls and stress. The system also allows real-time tracking of job progress, improving communication with clients.

Customer Feedback

Tim: You’ve mentioned that event suppliers praise your professional-looking quotes. What about private clients, like those booking for weddings?

Stu: Our clients love the streamlined process—from the initial website inquiry to quoting, invoicing, and booking. The user-friendly experience helps us win jobs, as our quotes look professional and visually appealing compared to text-heavy Word or Xero documents.

Tangible Business Results

Tim: Have you seen any measurable improvements in terms of time saved, profit margins, or increased bookings?

Stu:

• Staff Savings: We saved £24,000–£30,000 by not needing extra administrative staff.
• Business Growth: Our revenue increased by 200% in the past nine months. While not entirely due to Marquee Tech, its efficiency enabled us to scale confidently.

Recommendation to Other Businesses

Tim: If another rental business, especially one specializing in toilet trailers or shower units, is considering Marquee Tech, what would you say to them?

Stu: I highly recommend it. We collaborate with other toilet hire companies and always advocate for Marquee Tech. Many companies we work with already use it, and we require all our franchisees to adopt it. The system works seamlessly for toilet hire businesses, as it follows the same logistical principles.

Tim: That’s fantastic to hear! Thanks, Stu, for sharing your insights.

Stu: My pleasure. Thanks for having me.

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