August 27, 2019: Among professional contractors who rented equipment in the past year, a majority expects to increase reliance on rental in the year ahead, according to a survey of contractors released by the American Rental Association (ARA).
The “Rental Customer Needs Study,” conducted by RSG, an independent research firm for ARA, found that 93% of professional contractors surveyed rented equipment in the last year. Of those who rented, 92% planned to rent as least as much as last year and 52% expected to increase renting over the next year.
The study found that aerial lifts and scaffolding are among the most popular rental items rented by contractors. Reasons for renting included: it made more financial sense than buying equipment (45%); they needed equipment for immediate use and did not want to purchase (43%); and they needed to use the equipment infrequently or only for a short time period (43%).
Contractors who expect to rent more next year will do so because they plan to use what they currently rent more frequently or they plan to take on more quick-turnaround projects, the study concluded.
More than 90% of survey participants said rental locations are doing an excellent job of providing their customers with satisfying experiences. According to the study, there are five key things that professional contractors want from their local rental company:
Tony Conant, ARA CEO, said the research findings will help guide ARA members in their mission to deliver a premier rental experience.
“We invested in this study to better understand the evolving needs and preferences of contractors,” Conant said. “It’s exciting that so many professional contractors are thinking of rental first for their equipment needs. With these new research insights, our rental members will have information and knowledge to better serve the needs of this segment.”
Data for the study came from surveys of various types of contractors including residential building, specialty, non-residential and commercial building, landscape, utility, road and highway construction, site development/earthmoving, and more.
Full survey results are available to ARA members on the ARA website, www.ararental.org. Nonmembers can download a free white paper at www.ararental.org. ARA offers a rental store locator at www.RentalHQ.com for association members.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
