Tent renters manage information with technology

October 1, 2011  |  Features, Management

Technology helps tent renters keep customers in the loop. By Jamie Swedberg What’s the first rule of communicating with tent rental customers? Answer the phone when it rings. “We have a rule that the phone has to be answered by the second ring or I’m off the wall, I’m up out …
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Working in challenging environments

October 1, 2011  |  Management

Weather, economy challenge tent rental business decisions. By Kathy Schaefer The season is drawing to a close in the Midwest with yet more weather unpredictability. I’m sure all tent companies experience their own seasons no matter what climate they are in, but this year we have all, at one ti…
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Red Hat Rentals expands for success

October 1, 2011  |  Industry News, Management

Red Hat Rentals offers big-city options to rural East Texas. In 2001, when the Jones family—Andy, Susan and Billy—decided to open the tent and event rental arm of their equipment rental company in rural East Texas, they didn’t let the fact that their small town lacked the populatio…
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Know the signs of employee theft

October 1, 2011  |  Management

By William J. Lynott It’s only natural for you to place a great deal of trust in your employees. “We’re like one big family,” is a refrain often heard in entrepreneurial ranks. That’s as it should be—but it’s important to keep your guard up. The unfortunate …
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Skilled employees are the most valuable asset

August 1, 2011  |  Management

A team of dedicated employees rises to the demands of an unprecedented season. By Kathy Schaefer Summer is here and the heat is literally on. Three storms in three weeks involving high winds and hail have changed our awning production schedule. Normally, we would be winding down at this time of year…
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Tent rental software data maximizes profit

August 1, 2011  |  Features, Management

Use the financial and inventory data generated by tent rental software to maximize profit. By Jamie Swedberg The right software—and the right use of it—can make all the difference in today’s economy. “Some companies use software that’s not really aimed at tent and event…
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Cash in on tax write-offs for capital investments

August 1, 2011  |  Management

By Mark E. Battersby Thanks to the 100-percent “bonus” depreciation write-offs created by the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010, many U.S. tent and event rental businesses are discovering that capital investments in equipment are more afforda…
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Building the workforce

June 1, 2011  |  Features, Management

Equipping apprentices to enter the specialty fabrics industry. By Sigrid Tornquist Without tradespeople onsite we wouldn’t have the knowledge to make our products,” says Wendy Tankard, administration director of Baytex Manufacturing Co., Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. “And if we don…
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Write a solid rental agreement

June 1, 2011  |  Management, Safety & Codes

By Matthew Davis When getting an insurance quote for your rental business, the insurer will usually ask for a copy of your current rental agreement. (If it doesn’t, find a new insurance company.) Why is this document an important part of the underwriting process? What is the insurance company …
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Increase profits with smart branding

June 1, 2011  |  Features, Markets

Smart branding helps customers look beyond price. By Brenda Haines What prompts a customer to choose your company over another? For many companies, the frustrating answer is price. If you don’t want to compete exclusively on price, you need to build a strong emotional connection with your cust…
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