A Lesson in Restroom Maintenance
Part 1: Battery-Powered, Touch-Free Dispensers Improve Hygiene, Sustainability
Part 2: Restroom Hand Towels: Calculating Product Costs
Part 3: Soap Dispensers: Cost and Hygiene Considerations
Part 4: Waste Containers: Consider Placement, Size, Design
Part 5: PRODUCT FOCUS: Restrooms
Restroom Hand Towels: Calculating Product Costs
By Maurice Dixon - August 2010
Before making final product decisions, managers need to ask questions to understand as much as possible about the product in question. For example, is the product proprietary? Does the paper-towel dispenser lock the manager into specifying a particular type of paper towel? It is more advisable to buy a non-proprietary item that allows for future changes.
An equally important evaluation in calculating cost is to determine the number of hand dries per roll of cloth towels or per case of paper towels. This process can require research, but it is essential in measuring the return on the investment of each option.
Vendors can help managers in these evaluations by installing various product options for a test period. Many vendors also offer evaluation and survey forms that can help managers narrow the decision.
