The future of rentals is in specialization

The future of rentals is in specialization. Contrary to the prevailing industry trend of the “one stop shop” concept, moving toward a reduction of your product offering and narrowing your customer base is where the future lies.

For over 16 years I have had the opportunity to run, purchase, and investigate over 50 different rental companies. Over that time, I have found that specialty companies are significantly more profitable than general rental companies. When analyzing the finance statements of public companies, those with reduced product offerings (2 or 3) have at least twice the bottom line profit of general line companies. Through this series, I will explain why the history of business development leads in this direction, and how specialization improves sales coverage, operational efficiency, customer value, and company profitability.

The concept of specialization is not new to business nor is the logic hard to understand; It is the break from traditional rental business practices that is hard to adjust too. Dropping long serving product lines and saying, “we no longer carry that product,” are difficult changes to implement. Historically we have relied on the desire to give the customer anything they want to keep a competitor out. The end result of this practice is that rental companies are no able to provide value, in the form of knowledge in the product and application, to the customer.

Until next time, give this idea some thought relative to how you currently do business. I look forward to reading your feedback and debating this issue with you.

Harry Hoyer

8 Tips to Manage Your Argo in Water

The argo is designed to be amphibious, but safely operating the unit in water requires a skilled operator. Due to numerous water related argo incidents this year, Pioneer has compiled a short list of 8 tips to help you safely manage an argo in water.

1. Get Training! Pioneer's Argo Water Training course teaches operators how to properly enter and exit a body of water, and maneuver the unit while in the water. Learning these techniques in a controlled environment will allow you to be ready to combat any terrain safely.
2. Properly install drain plugs. Not properly installing the plugs, before entering the water, can cause the unit to sink or capsize.
3. Have a plan. Before entering the water establish an entry, exit, and winching strategy.
4. Do not operate a tracked argo in water with a current. Tracked argos do not have the same propulsion as untracked units.
5. Balance the load. Before entering the water stabilize the unit by ensuring that both your passengers and cargo are properly balanced.
6. Use your body to maintain a stable argo. While in the water, shift your body weight in the Argo, as required, to maintain stability.
   
7. Wear your PFD. Safety is paramount so ensure all passengers wear their personal flotation devices.
8. Do not overload the unit. Always be sure that the the argo's load (including yourself, all passengers, and your gear) does not exceed 700lbs.

These are just a small selection of water tips, for more information, or other safe operating procedures, be sure to enroll in one of Pioneer's Offroad Equipment safety courses.

Please fell free to add any more comments or suggestions below.