Tips to minimize workers’ compensation costs. By William J. Lynott Workers’ compensation costs can become a major expense. Almost every business in the United States that has employees must deal with the cost of workers’ compensation. Take these steps to help keep workers’ comp costs under control. Smart hiring comes first Within the limits imposed [...]

Sandy’s U-Rent Party Store evolves with the times in the Pacific Northwest. Say “Walla Walla” in the United States and people are bound to think “onions.” True enough—Walla Walla, Wash., is known for producing the large sweet onions that are available every June through August. But for many years Walla Walla County has also been [...]

Understand how business credit differs from personal credit. By William J. Lynott Business credit works the same way as personal credit in many respects, but there are some important differences. Information about business credit transactions is gathered by the business credit agencies to create a business credit report. Identification includes business name and address, and [...]

Don’t assume that a general liability or business owner’s insurance policy will cover you in a lawsuit related to employment practices. By Brian K. Hall The case for EPLI Don’t assume that a general liability or business owner’s insurance policy will cover you in a lawsuit related to employment practices. A rental business wouldn’t face [...]

Deck the halls, and take a tax deduction. By Mark E. Battersby Tent renters and event planners are experts at throwing parties, but may have less understanding of the tax implications of such expenses when they throw their own holiday parties or give gifts, bonuses or awards. These are often tax deductible, but can also [...]

Adding party inventory and event services to tent rental offers opportunities for growth and new customers, especially when companies find the right niche. By Pamela Mills-Senn Entrepreneurial spirits—and the tent rental industry is full of them—are seldom content for long. Their businesses rarely remain static, but instead are characterized by a mindset always on the [...]

The permitting process for tent installations can be fraught with frustration, but there are strategies for satisfying code officials while serving customers. As president and CEO of Big 4 Party Rentals and Event Solutions, Rob Roberts is an expert in filing for permits and working with code officials on tent installations in northern California. There’s [...]

Protecting your company in the eye of the storm. By James R. Waite, Esq. The United States has suffered a recent spike of severe weather events. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. has experienced an average of 4.8 “billion dollar” weather events per year since 1980 (in 2012 adjusted dollars). [...]

Partnering with a competitor is a little like getting married—choose your partner carefully, and you both may reap rewards. By Brant McWilliams The question of competition vs. collaboration is a complex and challenging issue for any business or industry. The nature of the tent and event rental industry magnifies the need to carefully analyze the [...]

By James R. Waite, Esq. Q: Whose responsibility is it to create emergency evacuation plans for tents? A: In the past, this responsibility has typically fallen on the event planner or equipment lessee (customer). Fortunately for rental operators, these parties continue to shoulder much of the responsibility, but that is likely to change, at least [...]