Post by High Priestess on Nov 10, 2015 14:11:00 GMT
Amanda shared Nov 9 2015
Excessive toilet paper use
I rent out 2 rooms through AirBnB. Recently I had a month-long reservation
combined with several shorter reservations.
I noticed that the TP was disappearing at an alarming rate and had to
re-stock 2 – 3 times a week vs 1x/week or less. A couple of shorter term guests even notified
me that they were completely out of TP; something that has never happened
before (I replaced immediately).
Curious, I mentioned this to the guest who was staying for a month.
His response was that he used more TP than most people because he had a hemorrhoid
condition, and applied a prescription.
He didn’t want to use something more expensive for application (tissues,
cotton squares, etc.) or put it in the toilet because it was a medication.
I admit, I was a little gob smacked. I told him that I supplied TP for regular and
normal guest use, not for personal health conditions, and that I supplied it based on guests sharing a bathroom. I told him it would be
helpful if he could pick up a couple of rolls of TP for his personal use and he
got pretty upset, indicating that it was my job to supply TP, no matter how much
he used.
Am I crazy?
Rosanne
Holy shit ! (literally)....I guess the only thing you can do is stock up and hope you can keep him in TP until he leaves! You may want to buy the cheapest TP you can find. That may scratch a bit & maybe he wont use as much. This is really too much.
Amanda
LOL. yes, it's probably the quirkiest thing I've encountered so far as a host.
Vanessa and Rachid
Best response ever Rosanne!! I literally laughed out loud!
Carrie
I don't think you're crazy, but you may be driving yourself a bit crazy over a small thing... I use more toilet paper than most because I have to pee more often than most. If any host ever suggested that I'd have to supply my own TP for anything above & beyond normal use I'd be pretty put off.
Amanda
Well, I don't consider a personal health condition that requires multiple applications a day of prescription medicine normal and regular use.
Amanda
Oops, cut myself off before I could finish. At the same time, I totally see your point, Carrie. What's interesting is that, if I were a non=resident host, he'd probably have been buying his own TP 2 weeks ago.
Carrie
No, I'm not saying its normal use at all... but still, it's toilet paper. It's not like you're including breakfast & he's eating two dozen organic eggs every morning.
Susan
Although I just had a couple who polished off a dozen eggs in a day and a half. We barely go through a dozen eggs in a week and that's when I'm baking!
Rosanne
Your place is beautiful & inexpensive. You should up the price a few dollars to cover the cost of the TP ! The other thing you could do is put extra rolls of TP in the other bedroom so they always have some. If the man with the problem needs more, he can buy it. You can also buy the big double rolls - they last a lot longer.
Amanda
Thanks Rosanne, for the tip of double rolls! And to put extra TP in the other guests bedroom.
Rosanne
After just returning a few months ago from two months in Italy - TP is a very sensitive subject for me. You have to carry TP with you everywhere. Most of the time you cant find a toilet, and when you do, no TP. When I got home I went out and bought 36 rolls of double sized. I swore I would never go without it again. I agree, if you were renting out an empty flat - you could start the guest out with a few rolls and then they would be on their own. But, since you share a space & bathroom, you have to put in a good supply. Go to Walmart and stock up on the big double rolls.
Deborah
No, you're not crazy or unreasonable in asking that he supply his own products (TP or kleenex, or paper towels, handerchiefs, wipettes, or whatever is best) for his personal uses. I have run into this issue before --- not the same exact situation, but a similar situation of someone essentially expecting me to pay for their personal supplies.
I think the difficulty with this particular issue is that it is probably too difficult or sensitive a thing to try to differentiate , in this case, what is "personal use" versus what is "normal use". Basically, my approach would be that if a person is needing to use the TP at the time that they use the toilet, then regardless how much they need at that point (unless the amount needed is appallingly excessive) , I would feel obligated to supply them, since the use is a common use, albeit the amount used is excessive due to a uniquely personal situaiton.
I think it would be a different matter if the person was not using the TP when using the facilities (toilet) but rather taking your TP and bringing it to their room and using it for something else, or using the TP in the bathroom, but not when using the toilet. The situaiton I had was like that in that (1) some (long -term) guests were asking that I buy them boxes of kleenex for their personal use, and that is not something I normally supply. (2) Since I didn't supply kleenex, some guests were taking the toilet paper that I do supply, and using that for kleenex, meaning they were taking supplies intended for a common purpose and appropriating them for a different, personal purpose.
Amanda
Yes, I see what you mean, Deborah. I actually do have a nice variety of supplies for guests, from kleenex to travel size shampoos, soaps, Q-Tips, etc in case they've forgotten something. Next time I'll bite my tongue, even though if I'd done something like this, my mother would have smacked me upside the head for being inconsiderate and rude to others.
Rosanne
I never thought about supplying tampons. Good idea. I'll put a small box under the sink.
Suzanne
Amanda, I recently had nearly the opposite TP situation from yours. We recently hosted a family of guests from Venezuela. The mom was absolutely thrilled, and made sure to tell me that she was blown away by all the tp I provided. Mind you I do whole house only, an supply a roll on each holder, and 2-3 rolls in the cabinets in each bathroom. It seems that tp is difficult to get in Venezuela!
nathalie
As your place is inexpensive , no you are not crazy. But these issues will happen regularly. One will use more water, another one more electricity, the 3rd one more central heating or AC or coffee etc. Renting is an average. You will earn more with some guests and less with others. Your price must include them.
Amanda
Great point, Natalie, it's about averages. I think it's always more challenging with longer term guests. And honestly, it was a first for me and I just couldn't figure out what was going on - why so much TP was disappearing into the waste basket and other guests asking me to provide more TP (interestingly, he never did). I didn't yell at him or anything, I made a calm suggestion that it would be helpful if he picked up a roll of TP while he was out and about, since he was using it for a personal health condition. Guess I learned. And I'll look to raising my prices. They're above the seasonal rates (not by much, a few dollars) AirBnB suggests for this time of year, so it will be interesting to see what happens.
Jeannette
I would tend to argue the opposite (to nathalie's example). Let the TP hogging guest know that you keep rates low on the understanding that supplies will be used at a normal level, and that this guest, in particular, will push up rates for himself and others ... that might reform the behavior.
nathalie
I do agree with you Jeannette. There a 2 economic models. 1 based on an average of the consumption. 1 which is low cost where the price is so low that you hardly earn some money but in the low cost model (used by airlines companies) , any extra is paying. They earn money thanks to extra costs. As i do not want to claim money anytime, i have an average price. But you are right, low cost airlines companies took the market and traditional companies have some cash problems now.
Hassen
Some may use water when go to wc. It's more hygienic
Rosanne
Most people dont have bidets in the US.
Jeannette
That's changing -- look at the raves for the Lux bidet attachment on Amazon. And yes, TP is pretty hopeless compared to water at ensuring cleanliness.
Hassen
300 millions out of 7 billions is less than 5%. Many countries have a water tap with a flexible hose others have the luxury to install a spray nozzle and when those customed do not find they just fill up a plastic water bottle
Rosanne
So Amanda can just run a garden hose into her bathroom or fill up a plastic water bottle. But, then how does one dry off these intimate parts of the body? If they use a towel instead of TP - I think I'd rather buy the extra TP and have them use that.
Hassen
You made lough high and loud Rosanne. I love your imaginative scénario which in fact is an actual one. How do you think people did before TP? Anyway i offer both so guest has choice depending on cultural behaviour.
Rosanne
Rosannea day ago
I try to find the humor in everything - it helps a lot ! I think before TP people used leaves. So, Amanda, just put a big black trash bag full of leaves next to the toilet & tell your guest he is in the jungle - even if he cant see the forest for the leaves....LOL.....
Hassen
AND you need to advise Amanda on how to keep the leaves green all time before use otherwise they turn brown just like coloured TP and as extension for being environmentally friendly both come from wood which is water fed itsel so back to mother nature again.
Amanda
Seems like I've provided an interesting topic for discussion and a little bit of host humor at least. Thank you everyone, for your suggestions.
Rosanne
We are not laughing at your expense, Amanda. All paper products are an expense. I supply kleenex and TP but it does come out of your nightly rate. That is why I add a $ 5 charge for an extra guest. (to wipe her butt and blow her nose)....lol....Keep smiling. Your next guests will be great!
Mark
my concern would not be the expense of the toilet paper, but more of the toilet plugging up. If it was my guest, i would consider purchasing a bidet that attaches to the toilet. I purchased one for myself... i think it was about $30 USD. It was an easy installment to the existing toilet.
Hassen
Thanks Mark; then starts the countdown of US dwellers having bidets )
Mark
I got very accustomed to the hand sprayer in SE Asia. Really, if a seagull caps on my arm, am I satisfied with a wipe off? I want to wash my arm ASAP
Amanda
Oh Rosanne, I know that other hosts are chuckling with me on this one, not at my expense. I debated about whether to even post it, but honestly, who else would I go to except my fellow AirBnB hosts? :-)
Rosanne
Yep. You hear just about everything on here! lol...
Suzanne
As a person with colon problems myself, I have to say that your guest is out of line. I would have taken it upon myself to purchase extra tp rather than have you notice that it was disappearance! Hence , add another vote for NO - you're not crazy!!
Chantal
New TP rule; one sheet per guest, HA!
Rosanne
You laugh. But, when I was in Monaco, the girls stood in the doorway of the bathrooms and they sold TP by the square piece. I forget how much they charged, but this was a real first for me. I guess they left it up to you to know how many squares you would need for # 1 & # 2.
Excessive toilet paper use
I rent out 2 rooms through AirBnB. Recently I had a month-long reservation
combined with several shorter reservations.
I noticed that the TP was disappearing at an alarming rate and had to
re-stock 2 – 3 times a week vs 1x/week or less. A couple of shorter term guests even notified
me that they were completely out of TP; something that has never happened
before (I replaced immediately).
Curious, I mentioned this to the guest who was staying for a month.
His response was that he used more TP than most people because he had a hemorrhoid
condition, and applied a prescription.
He didn’t want to use something more expensive for application (tissues,
cotton squares, etc.) or put it in the toilet because it was a medication.
I admit, I was a little gob smacked. I told him that I supplied TP for regular and
normal guest use, not for personal health conditions, and that I supplied it based on guests sharing a bathroom. I told him it would be
helpful if he could pick up a couple of rolls of TP for his personal use and he
got pretty upset, indicating that it was my job to supply TP, no matter how much
he used.
Am I crazy?
Rosanne
Holy shit ! (literally)....I guess the only thing you can do is stock up and hope you can keep him in TP until he leaves! You may want to buy the cheapest TP you can find. That may scratch a bit & maybe he wont use as much. This is really too much.
Amanda
LOL. yes, it's probably the quirkiest thing I've encountered so far as a host.
Vanessa and Rachid
Best response ever Rosanne!! I literally laughed out loud!
Carrie
I don't think you're crazy, but you may be driving yourself a bit crazy over a small thing... I use more toilet paper than most because I have to pee more often than most. If any host ever suggested that I'd have to supply my own TP for anything above & beyond normal use I'd be pretty put off.
Amanda
Well, I don't consider a personal health condition that requires multiple applications a day of prescription medicine normal and regular use.
Amanda
Oops, cut myself off before I could finish. At the same time, I totally see your point, Carrie. What's interesting is that, if I were a non=resident host, he'd probably have been buying his own TP 2 weeks ago.
Carrie
No, I'm not saying its normal use at all... but still, it's toilet paper. It's not like you're including breakfast & he's eating two dozen organic eggs every morning.
Susan
Although I just had a couple who polished off a dozen eggs in a day and a half. We barely go through a dozen eggs in a week and that's when I'm baking!
Rosanne
Your place is beautiful & inexpensive. You should up the price a few dollars to cover the cost of the TP ! The other thing you could do is put extra rolls of TP in the other bedroom so they always have some. If the man with the problem needs more, he can buy it. You can also buy the big double rolls - they last a lot longer.
Amanda
Thanks Rosanne, for the tip of double rolls! And to put extra TP in the other guests bedroom.
Rosanne
After just returning a few months ago from two months in Italy - TP is a very sensitive subject for me. You have to carry TP with you everywhere. Most of the time you cant find a toilet, and when you do, no TP. When I got home I went out and bought 36 rolls of double sized. I swore I would never go without it again. I agree, if you were renting out an empty flat - you could start the guest out with a few rolls and then they would be on their own. But, since you share a space & bathroom, you have to put in a good supply. Go to Walmart and stock up on the big double rolls.
Deborah
No, you're not crazy or unreasonable in asking that he supply his own products (TP or kleenex, or paper towels, handerchiefs, wipettes, or whatever is best) for his personal uses. I have run into this issue before --- not the same exact situation, but a similar situation of someone essentially expecting me to pay for their personal supplies.
I think the difficulty with this particular issue is that it is probably too difficult or sensitive a thing to try to differentiate , in this case, what is "personal use" versus what is "normal use". Basically, my approach would be that if a person is needing to use the TP at the time that they use the toilet, then regardless how much they need at that point (unless the amount needed is appallingly excessive) , I would feel obligated to supply them, since the use is a common use, albeit the amount used is excessive due to a uniquely personal situaiton.
I think it would be a different matter if the person was not using the TP when using the facilities (toilet) but rather taking your TP and bringing it to their room and using it for something else, or using the TP in the bathroom, but not when using the toilet. The situaiton I had was like that in that (1) some (long -term) guests were asking that I buy them boxes of kleenex for their personal use, and that is not something I normally supply. (2) Since I didn't supply kleenex, some guests were taking the toilet paper that I do supply, and using that for kleenex, meaning they were taking supplies intended for a common purpose and appropriating them for a different, personal purpose.
Amanda
Yes, I see what you mean, Deborah. I actually do have a nice variety of supplies for guests, from kleenex to travel size shampoos, soaps, Q-Tips, etc in case they've forgotten something. Next time I'll bite my tongue, even though if I'd done something like this, my mother would have smacked me upside the head for being inconsiderate and rude to others.
Rosanne
I never thought about supplying tampons. Good idea. I'll put a small box under the sink.
Suzanne
Amanda, I recently had nearly the opposite TP situation from yours. We recently hosted a family of guests from Venezuela. The mom was absolutely thrilled, and made sure to tell me that she was blown away by all the tp I provided. Mind you I do whole house only, an supply a roll on each holder, and 2-3 rolls in the cabinets in each bathroom. It seems that tp is difficult to get in Venezuela!
nathalie
As your place is inexpensive , no you are not crazy. But these issues will happen regularly. One will use more water, another one more electricity, the 3rd one more central heating or AC or coffee etc. Renting is an average. You will earn more with some guests and less with others. Your price must include them.
Amanda
Great point, Natalie, it's about averages. I think it's always more challenging with longer term guests. And honestly, it was a first for me and I just couldn't figure out what was going on - why so much TP was disappearing into the waste basket and other guests asking me to provide more TP (interestingly, he never did). I didn't yell at him or anything, I made a calm suggestion that it would be helpful if he picked up a roll of TP while he was out and about, since he was using it for a personal health condition. Guess I learned. And I'll look to raising my prices. They're above the seasonal rates (not by much, a few dollars) AirBnB suggests for this time of year, so it will be interesting to see what happens.
Jeannette
I would tend to argue the opposite (to nathalie's example). Let the TP hogging guest know that you keep rates low on the understanding that supplies will be used at a normal level, and that this guest, in particular, will push up rates for himself and others ... that might reform the behavior.
nathalie
I do agree with you Jeannette. There a 2 economic models. 1 based on an average of the consumption. 1 which is low cost where the price is so low that you hardly earn some money but in the low cost model (used by airlines companies) , any extra is paying. They earn money thanks to extra costs. As i do not want to claim money anytime, i have an average price. But you are right, low cost airlines companies took the market and traditional companies have some cash problems now.
Hassen
Some may use water when go to wc. It's more hygienic
Rosanne
Most people dont have bidets in the US.
Jeannette
That's changing -- look at the raves for the Lux bidet attachment on Amazon. And yes, TP is pretty hopeless compared to water at ensuring cleanliness.
Hassen
300 millions out of 7 billions is less than 5%. Many countries have a water tap with a flexible hose others have the luxury to install a spray nozzle and when those customed do not find they just fill up a plastic water bottle
Rosanne
So Amanda can just run a garden hose into her bathroom or fill up a plastic water bottle. But, then how does one dry off these intimate parts of the body? If they use a towel instead of TP - I think I'd rather buy the extra TP and have them use that.
Hassen
You made lough high and loud Rosanne. I love your imaginative scénario which in fact is an actual one. How do you think people did before TP? Anyway i offer both so guest has choice depending on cultural behaviour.
Rosanne
Rosannea day ago
I try to find the humor in everything - it helps a lot ! I think before TP people used leaves. So, Amanda, just put a big black trash bag full of leaves next to the toilet & tell your guest he is in the jungle - even if he cant see the forest for the leaves....LOL.....
Hassen
AND you need to advise Amanda on how to keep the leaves green all time before use otherwise they turn brown just like coloured TP and as extension for being environmentally friendly both come from wood which is water fed itsel so back to mother nature again.
Amanda
Seems like I've provided an interesting topic for discussion and a little bit of host humor at least. Thank you everyone, for your suggestions.
Rosanne
We are not laughing at your expense, Amanda. All paper products are an expense. I supply kleenex and TP but it does come out of your nightly rate. That is why I add a $ 5 charge for an extra guest. (to wipe her butt and blow her nose)....lol....Keep smiling. Your next guests will be great!
Mark
my concern would not be the expense of the toilet paper, but more of the toilet plugging up. If it was my guest, i would consider purchasing a bidet that attaches to the toilet. I purchased one for myself... i think it was about $30 USD. It was an easy installment to the existing toilet.
Hassen
Thanks Mark; then starts the countdown of US dwellers having bidets )
Mark
I got very accustomed to the hand sprayer in SE Asia. Really, if a seagull caps on my arm, am I satisfied with a wipe off? I want to wash my arm ASAP
Amanda
Oh Rosanne, I know that other hosts are chuckling with me on this one, not at my expense. I debated about whether to even post it, but honestly, who else would I go to except my fellow AirBnB hosts? :-)
Rosanne
Yep. You hear just about everything on here! lol...
Suzanne
As a person with colon problems myself, I have to say that your guest is out of line. I would have taken it upon myself to purchase extra tp rather than have you notice that it was disappearance! Hence , add another vote for NO - you're not crazy!!
Chantal
New TP rule; one sheet per guest, HA!
Rosanne
You laugh. But, when I was in Monaco, the girls stood in the doorway of the bathrooms and they sold TP by the square piece. I forget how much they charged, but this was a real first for me. I guess they left it up to you to know how many squares you would need for # 1 & # 2.