3 Facts Rental Store Owners Want You to Know
We sat down with Andrew Heesacker of Arvada Rent-Alls to discuss what he wishes customers knew about the equipment rental industry. Based in Arvada, Colorado, Heesacker’s company specializes in equipment for homeowner use and professional-grade contractor equipment rental.
As a business owner, he has encountered every type of customer and situation — and knows that both first-time and seasoned customers can have questions surrounding the rental process.
Stores want to partner with you
Instead of navigating projects on your own, turn to the experts for guidance. Stores are ready to turn your brilliant idea into a finished piece of work, quickly and effectively.
1. You don’t have to be knowledgeable
If you have an end goal, but aren’t sure how to reach it, store employees can help. In fact, they’re excited and willing to share their insight. You might not be confident in what to rent, but they are. Being immersed in the industry and working with customers every day has taught them a thing or two about the right equipment for the job.
“One of our main goals at Arvada is to ensure every customer gets the right tool for the job. Even if they come in with a tool in mind, we’re going to ask them: ‘What is it for?’ We want them to succeed and sometimes, their project is better suited for another, more efficient tool,” Heesacker says.
Some contractors work with project engineers who specify the equipment needed for the job. The store takes their order, gets it on the books and that’s that. Whether youneed a mentor for your weekend project or an extension of your team, rental stores are ready to assist you. Here are the steps you’ll take throughout the rental process:
- Find what you need — Browse the website or call the store to discuss your needs.
- Reserve it — Make it yours for the day and time you need it.
- Secure the item — Whether you’re picking it up or having it delivered, a technician will demonstrate safe usage and provide you with return instructions.
- Get your job done — Use your rental item as planned.
- Return the item — The store will unload and inspect the item, and finalize the paperwork.
2. You can reserve tools quickly and conveniently
Many stores use an online reservation system, alongside taking orders over the phone. That means you can reserve tools months ahead of time, during off hours and even for pickup ASAP — as long as what you need is available. It’s easy and it’s fast.
“We live in the Amazon era,” Heesacker says. “As rental providers, we work to offer that same convenient, timely experience. Some people prefer to pick up the phone and others prefer to reserve equipment from the couch, late at night. It’s important that we provide options.”
If you can’t find what you’re looking for online, pick up the phone. There’s a good chance the store can help.
3. You can get the help you need – anytime!
Does your rental equipment need servicing? Did something break? Need help with operation? Timely communication is crucial in each of these circumstances. The rental store will do everything in its power to get a mechanic to you, deliver a replacement or walk you through instructions over the phone.
The same goes for renters who have a change of plans. If your project isn’t getting done on time, pick up the phone — you can likely keep the equipment for a longer time period than originally specified.
Or perhaps as a contractor you have an upcoming project that requires multiple excavators. Even if the equipment rental store doesn’t currently carry the amount you need, they may be willing to invest in a few more.
“We’re actually getting ready to do that with 40-foot scissor lifts,” Heesacker says. “We’ve had up to 32s, but one of our larger customers needs 40s. Next year, they’ll have multiple 40-foot scissors on rent at any given time, so that’s a situation where the investment makes sense. I’m thrilled that we can fulfill that need for them.”
If you are searching for a rental partner, look for knowledgeable businesses that prioritize open communication. This list of ARA-backed rental stores is a great place to start.