When you think of renting a cargo trailer, what comes to mind first?
A quality company that will stand behind their trailer? Or the most affordable option available? Do you choose the company with the most additional services, even if you don’t use them all? Is it the more known brand name or the less known business?
We are going to take a look at the small business trailer company against the more known big box trailer companies. It might make you think twice against where you want to direct your patronage.
(You may be forced to rent from one of the large trailer rental companies if your renting a trailer one way)!
The Pros and Cons of a Small Business
Benefits of A Mom & Pop Rental Shop
- High Quality. Small businesses are likely to sink time and investment into their trailers. If they only have a small fleet, they want to give their clientele quality and know that their items are going to last a long time.
- Appreciation for Clients. If you are a regular renter, the business owners are likely to know who you are and treat you with high regard. You won’t be another number in the system. Personal greetings and appreciation for your orders make a difference! They will care about your rental experience and concerns.
- Your Support Matters. You know your money will be going to support a local family. It won’t necessarily be making the top dogs a fortune, but your business will help put a kiddo through sports or going towards someone’s retirement.
Downsides of a Mom & Pop Rental Shop
- Low Inventory. There may not be as much to choose from when renting your cargo trailer. They may not have the size you need when you need it. You may end up needing to settle for something that doesn’t quite fit your needs.
- Pay More. You are likely to pay more than a better known rental brand, due to the higher costs of a small business. You may not receive discounts and you will probably be required to partake in the rental insurance, as the inventory is lower and it may cost the shop owner more in the long run.
- Availability. Making your rental request may require more preparation and advance notice. The available trailers may not coincide with your timeframe. If you need something on a whim, there may not be trailers at the ready.
The Pros and Cons of a Large Brand
Benefits of a Large Brand Rental Shop
- High Inventory. The great thing about options, if you decide at the last minute that you need a different size, a larger shop is likely to accommodate your need. The fleet of trailers is likely to be more. Big Trailer Rentals
- Lower Prices. At a larger shop, there are likely to be discounts or upgrades because they can afford to lose a little money in the long run for more potential business or referrals. The brand won’t really be losing out in the end.
- No Insurance Required. Insurance is offered, but is not necessary. A large shop is likely not to care about small dings or scratches. You won’t be charged extra fees if the damage is extremely minimal as they take that into account in their pricing.
Downsides to a Large Brand Rental Shop
- No Personal Touch. A big box company is likely not to care about you and your story. They won’t know you from the next person, and there won’t be genuine concern for your rental experience. They won’t care to better themselves, because there will be another person in line to use their services.
- Support Big Wigs. Your support and money is going to pad the bank accounts of the higher ups. The “little guys” in customer service get paid a minimum for doing all the heavy lifting, so to speak.
- Low Quality. The trailers you are renting are likely to be lower quality, as they don’t tend to fix or replace parts unless it’s completely non functional. The trailer could end up blowing a tire on your watch, making it inconvenient for you.
As you can see, there is much to consider when making your rental trailer decisions. Not to mention the decision of whether to rent an enclosed cargo trailer or an open utility trailer.
The amount of time you need the rental services, and the cargo in which you are towing will definitely make a difference in your choice to rent from a small company or from a large corporation. Excellent customer service is essential to some people, while the best possible pricing is non-negotiable to others.
It’s all about your preferences and what you are willing to support! It’s YOUR choice. Just give these points a little consideration and you will make the right choice for you and your situation! That’s the wonderful thing about this country.
The freedom to choose!