Tossing a Carrot Your Firm’s Way
We have written about the many forms of leases and the relationship with our landlord. But there are a few ‘carrots’ that can be thrown your way if you simply request them upfront.
Our first business we owned years ago which, at the time, was a novel concept of indoor swimming for dogs, produced more garbage than we realized. What we also discovered after we had executed our lease, was that we had nowhere to toss said garbage or recycling. Why? In the municipality we were located, commercial garbage pick up was by paid contract only. It was only provided free to residential locations not commercial. So for the duration of the lease over 3 years, we each took home the garbage the days we worked and added to our own residential garbage and recycling totes.
When you are looking at commercial office space, ask your potential landlord what the garbage and recycling pickup situation is at the site. This is something you may not even realize has to be discussed, but it absolutely does. We found out the hard way with our first business. Every location and landlord policy is different so do not take this for granted.
Our current building provides common space for garbage drop off on each floor. The totes are located in the same area near the freight elevator. We also have recycle totes strategically placed on each floor as well. You may be surprised how many water bottles or soda cans or boxes your business uses. It is good for people and the planet to have as many items recycled at your office as possible. A landlord who provides the additional service of recyclable totes about your building is both adding a service to your lease and being sustainable, the sign of a caring building owner.
If you currently find yourself in a lease at a building which does not provide garbage pickup or recyclable totes, simply ask. Since the Pandemic, commercial office space has been more plentiful and the tenant can seek perks that perhaps were not available in prior times. Using words like sustainable should at least make your landlord stop and think. And when your lease is next up for renewal, request garbage and recycling totes be provided, free to you.
Our place of work should be comfortable and clean. The more you can negotiate through your lease, the less you will have to worry about while trying to earn a living and running a small business. Garbage and recycling are no exception.
Be well.
