Post by High Priestess on May 28, 2016 22:54:50 GMT
Kaye shared on Anecdotes Nov 2014
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-92308
What's your take regarding house supplies?
Is it sort of an "implied" duty or "out of courtesy" as a host to provide:1. tissue2. dishwashing liquid3. sponge4. disinfectant wipes5. laundry detergent6. etc. ?
Or is this something, unless explicitly specified as part of the deal / package, a guest should not expect a host to provide?
I understand that it is nice to have them as perks (or maybe it is a standard for all hosts)... but... there are boundaries somewhere right? What is the common practice?
16 comments
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Sonja
Sonja2 years ago
I would say yes on the dish washing liquid and sponge, or do you want the guests to leave dirty dishes for you or the next guests? The rest I'd say are optional extras.
I provide a pack of tissues in the room but not the other bits you listed.
Reply Like 1 reply
Deb
Deb2 years ago
I agree, also- make sure the sponge is new or looks like new.
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Hi Sonja,
I may have not been clear on that one. I do have dishwashing liquid at the sink. What I meant was dishwashing liquid for the dishwasher. It's there but I really never use it.
Reply Like
Sheryl
Sheryl 2 years ago
I provide all of these. Guests are asked to put their dishes in the dishwasher. I run it myself. I provide dish towels, a sponge and dish washing liquid so that they can wash them if the dishwasher is unavailable. I allow guests to use the washer and dryer. So, I provide laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
It is probably worth noting that my guests are all short term (7 days or less) and don't have access to the kitchen for cooking - - - just continental breakfast and snacks or leftovers that they bring into the house. So, their use of these amenities is limited.
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Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Thanks Sheryl,
I have experienced no issues with short term stays as well. It's with guests that are longer than that I am a little concerned with... like... 2 weeks or more.
Reply Like
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
I rent out a separate space on my property and provide the all the basic amenities required to use the facilities: dishwashing supplies, laundry supplies, bathroom supplies (towels, soap, shampoo, tp, tissues, first aid), garbage can liners, cleanup supplies. If I had a dishwasher, I'd supply detergent.
Reply Like
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Hi Serafina,
Probably you have these supplies also factored in through the place's nightly rates?
Kind Regards,
Kaye
Reply Like 5 replies
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
Yes, I do. Although it's an ongoing process figuring out the best rate and the average usage. Thus far it's been minimal. Sponges have weirdly been my biggest expense, because I want to leave guests a fresh sponge in the kitchen and they seem to get grungy so fast.
Julie and Eric
Julie and Eric2 years ago
Hi Serafina – I have found a great replacement for sponges - they look like kitchen wash clause with a scrubby material sewn to one side. They are mostly white so they go in the regular laundry with the linens. To answer Kaye's question I also provide all supplies but do not have a clothes washer for the guests to use. I don't provide wipes but do leave orange cleaning solution and rags because I want my guest to be able to clean up any mess they make. These items are inexpensive – tissue is a dollar. They don't really use it very much. My guests only stay seven days max.
Julie and Eric
Julie and Eric2 years ago
*wash cloths
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
Oh, nice idea on the cloths--I'll look for some. In the past year and a half of renting, my guests have only gone through one box of tissues, so that's not any real expense. And I should say, my guests don't have laundry facilities within the rental--I provide laundry service on request for guests. Generally, the only people who have needed it have been those staying for a few weeks or for an emergency accident--one or two bedwetting incidents, and a couple of spills. The only two-night guests I've done laundry for were a family of six on a two-week road trip, who I took pity on. They arrived late at night for a family reunion the next day, left sorted laundry on my doorstep at 7 am, and I returned it cleaned, dried, but unfolded before they got back that evening. Not a service I'd make a habit of, but I liked them, and it not much bother for me and a huge help to slightly overwhelmed parents not to have to spend a couple hours in the laundry mat.
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Supply that gets depleted fast is so far are paper towels.
Erik
Erik2 years ago
If more than one guest asks for it, then it is probably worth providing. I buy stuff in bulk from a cheap store (Walmart). To figure out what to offer, as yourself this: If you stayed at a hotel room that boasted having a kitchen, would you expect to find dishes, dishwasher liquid, and running water? Kitchens should come with certain amenities just like a bathroom should have soap, toilet paper and bath towels.
Reply Like
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Thanks Erik,
I understand where you are coming from on this. That felt like obvious, but I guess it's just better to ask than not ask at all.
Has anyone come across guests that may have consumed so much of your supplies? How do you handle those? How do you regulate supplies for stays mid to long term?
Reply Like
Erik
Erik2 years ago
Hi Kaye, yea it is better to ask. I am figuring this out as I go along. When my first guests came, my listing said nothing about a kitchen. In fact, my kitchen was a mess, with two kittens living there. I didn't offer the kitchen to my guests, and they ended up going to Walmart and eating dinner on disposable plates and cups. They left a nice review, and I had provided what my listing promised, but I felt bad for having a house with no kitchen access. I now offer kitchen access. To date, I have already spent $200 (probably way more!) on supplies and at least $600 on extra bedding & towels, and I won't make my money back for a month or two, but long term, even if a few guests accidentally walk off with a towel, or use the dish soap too liberally, I will still be profitable. If not, I would have to raise my prices or close up shop! It would be a lot easier if your listing could offer "kitchen with no dishes or utensils whatsoever, no soap, no paper towels, and no dish drying rack, pots or pans," but I have a feeling that even if you are up front about it, you reviews may suffer.
Reply Like
Sheryl
Sheryl 2 years ago
I saw a listing that was for an entire house. The host does offer long term stays and in his description he says, "You'll have the basic supplies to last your first week, but you'll need to take care of your own if you stay longer." If I were to use this language, I'd amend it by mentioning which "basic supplies" I'd be providing.
Reply Like
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
I appreciate the insights.
Being clearer on services offered and ensuring that the bottom line remains in the black are challenges that I have to deal with as a host.
Reply Like
scott
scott2 years ago
I have been on the other side of this. Last December we (family of 4) arrived in a big apartment in Barcelona and there was nothing. No salt, pepper, sugar, oil, dishwashing supplies, toilet paper (and I have girls). Nothing. So the first thing I had to do that night was go looking for a shop. I worked it out when I left. The cleaner met us as we checked put and I surmised she is paid hardly anything and looks at stuff left behind as hers. Boy, I bet she has a lot of salt at home. I leave all the basics for guests and any stuff left behind by guests stays up there (except that really good cheese yesterday).
Reply Like 1 reply
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
I ran into the same situation in an apartment in Barcelona four years ago. It had toilet paper, but that was it in terms of supplies.
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Thanks Scott,
For sharing the other side of the coin.
I personally think, it is best not to leave stuff at the place. I agree, some items can be shared for the next guest. But what if it was something else that expires? Like bread, or some eggs. We don't want the next guest to get sick because of that right?
Reply Like
Erik
Erik2 years ago
I think what I am going to do is be very specific about what is offered and not. For example, perhaps I will list (and include a photo of) Frosted Flakes, 2% Milk, eggs, coffee, coffee filters, Non-Dairy creamer... the list goes on. I will make it my duty to keep these items stocked at all times. Anything else, like perhaps a bottle of wine left by another guest, or other food items, I may offer to guests as a bonus. This way, your guest is guaranteed certain items, and won't be stuck in a situation where they made a pot of hot coffee but have no creamer (that could lead to frustration). Also, offering this specific list will give you a checklist. Yes, it is extra work to keep these items stocked, but I am already doing this with my "bathroom kit" pictured in my Queen Suite listing. There is no confusion as to whether the guest needs to bring a toothbrush... it is clearly shown in the picture. As a matter of fact, I will go add a written list of bathroom kit items to my listing now. That way, it will be both photographed & listed. I will take a similar approach with the kitchen food. Hopefully it works out. So far, the bathroom kit has worked out well.
Reply Like 1 reply
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Thanks Rick! Looks like another session with the camera.
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
I believe in providing all the basics that you mention, and making sure that your price is not so very low that this poses any burden to you. I can't quite tell from your listing description if you live at the premises too, or if there are guests who dont' know each other there at the same time, but whenever there is more than one person/group in a place, it also just wouldn't make sense for everyone to be buying their own basic supplies. Three bottles of dish soap at the sink, each with a label on it saying, effectively, "don't use this it is mine, use yours"? 3-4 rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom, each belonging to a different guest/host? Some things just don't make sense to be used individually. So, just like with utilities costs, I figure these into the total price of the rental. If anyone is using an excessive amount of anything, bring it up with them...you might have the rare guest who steals a bottle of your laundry detergent or several rolls of TP, but I have not had that happen...guests are pretty good about reasonable use of supplies. I would venture to guess that excessive use of any supplies is probably so infrequent that the associated cost is minor. At least with individual guests. People booking whole groups or families seem to more often report excess usage.
Reply Like 1 reply
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
My husband and I has been working it out so far. I agree with you, and thus why I seek the community on their perspective. Honestly, raising rates would be one of those options I look at the last. This is because, I think this is a factor that is market driven, of which I have less control with.
Susan
Susan2 years ago
I provide tea bags and some coffee for the Italian mokka machine. Creamer? Never would use it myself so have never thought of it for guests. And 1l milk is too much to provide for short term guests (self catered apartment). I provide drinking water 1-2 bottles though. We have many bars and restaurants in walking distance and even mini supermarkets (all about 3 min walk) and open late. So my guest would not be starving. Oh, and of course I provide toilet paper. 2-3 roles. If guest stay longer, they have to buy more. And all kind of soap for hands, body, dishes and clothes. Shampoo, sponges, kitchen paper towels, tea towels, salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar and olive oil. Sometimes more, sometimes less. And as a surprise always: a bottle if wine. So the guests are happy. In case something goes wrong, the wine might made it up to them. In Italy you can find good wine for very little money. And I provide local wine to promote the wineries of the area.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
Although I hate it, I leave a container of powdered Coffeemate creamer in the rental. Trader Joe's sometimes has the half-pint shelf-stable packages of cream like one finds so readily in Europe, and I leave a few of those in the cupboard, because I like real cream in my coffee. But no guest has ever used one, so that won't be a purchase I'll repeat for them. I wish I could leave wine, but I think it's a bit risky here in the U.S. when not all guests are over 21. Occasionally when I have professionals working long hours, I'll text them in the evening and ask if they'd like me to leave a cold local brew or small carafe of wine in the fridge for them.
Deborah
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-92308
What's your take regarding house supplies?
Is it sort of an "implied" duty or "out of courtesy" as a host to provide:1. tissue2. dishwashing liquid3. sponge4. disinfectant wipes5. laundry detergent6. etc. ?
Or is this something, unless explicitly specified as part of the deal / package, a guest should not expect a host to provide?
I understand that it is nice to have them as perks (or maybe it is a standard for all hosts)... but... there are boundaries somewhere right? What is the common practice?
16 comments
Following
Like
Sonja
Sonja2 years ago
I would say yes on the dish washing liquid and sponge, or do you want the guests to leave dirty dishes for you or the next guests? The rest I'd say are optional extras.
I provide a pack of tissues in the room but not the other bits you listed.
Reply Like 1 reply
Deb
Deb2 years ago
I agree, also- make sure the sponge is new or looks like new.
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Hi Sonja,
I may have not been clear on that one. I do have dishwashing liquid at the sink. What I meant was dishwashing liquid for the dishwasher. It's there but I really never use it.
Reply Like
Sheryl
Sheryl 2 years ago
I provide all of these. Guests are asked to put their dishes in the dishwasher. I run it myself. I provide dish towels, a sponge and dish washing liquid so that they can wash them if the dishwasher is unavailable. I allow guests to use the washer and dryer. So, I provide laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
It is probably worth noting that my guests are all short term (7 days or less) and don't have access to the kitchen for cooking - - - just continental breakfast and snacks or leftovers that they bring into the house. So, their use of these amenities is limited.
Reply Like
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Thanks Sheryl,
I have experienced no issues with short term stays as well. It's with guests that are longer than that I am a little concerned with... like... 2 weeks or more.
Reply Like
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
I rent out a separate space on my property and provide the all the basic amenities required to use the facilities: dishwashing supplies, laundry supplies, bathroom supplies (towels, soap, shampoo, tp, tissues, first aid), garbage can liners, cleanup supplies. If I had a dishwasher, I'd supply detergent.
Reply Like
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Hi Serafina,
Probably you have these supplies also factored in through the place's nightly rates?
Kind Regards,
Kaye
Reply Like 5 replies
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
Yes, I do. Although it's an ongoing process figuring out the best rate and the average usage. Thus far it's been minimal. Sponges have weirdly been my biggest expense, because I want to leave guests a fresh sponge in the kitchen and they seem to get grungy so fast.
Julie and Eric
Julie and Eric2 years ago
Hi Serafina – I have found a great replacement for sponges - they look like kitchen wash clause with a scrubby material sewn to one side. They are mostly white so they go in the regular laundry with the linens. To answer Kaye's question I also provide all supplies but do not have a clothes washer for the guests to use. I don't provide wipes but do leave orange cleaning solution and rags because I want my guest to be able to clean up any mess they make. These items are inexpensive – tissue is a dollar. They don't really use it very much. My guests only stay seven days max.
Julie and Eric
Julie and Eric2 years ago
*wash cloths
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
Oh, nice idea on the cloths--I'll look for some. In the past year and a half of renting, my guests have only gone through one box of tissues, so that's not any real expense. And I should say, my guests don't have laundry facilities within the rental--I provide laundry service on request for guests. Generally, the only people who have needed it have been those staying for a few weeks or for an emergency accident--one or two bedwetting incidents, and a couple of spills. The only two-night guests I've done laundry for were a family of six on a two-week road trip, who I took pity on. They arrived late at night for a family reunion the next day, left sorted laundry on my doorstep at 7 am, and I returned it cleaned, dried, but unfolded before they got back that evening. Not a service I'd make a habit of, but I liked them, and it not much bother for me and a huge help to slightly overwhelmed parents not to have to spend a couple hours in the laundry mat.
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Supply that gets depleted fast is so far are paper towels.
Erik
Erik2 years ago
If more than one guest asks for it, then it is probably worth providing. I buy stuff in bulk from a cheap store (Walmart). To figure out what to offer, as yourself this: If you stayed at a hotel room that boasted having a kitchen, would you expect to find dishes, dishwasher liquid, and running water? Kitchens should come with certain amenities just like a bathroom should have soap, toilet paper and bath towels.
Reply Like
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Thanks Erik,
I understand where you are coming from on this. That felt like obvious, but I guess it's just better to ask than not ask at all.
Has anyone come across guests that may have consumed so much of your supplies? How do you handle those? How do you regulate supplies for stays mid to long term?
Reply Like
Erik
Erik2 years ago
Hi Kaye, yea it is better to ask. I am figuring this out as I go along. When my first guests came, my listing said nothing about a kitchen. In fact, my kitchen was a mess, with two kittens living there. I didn't offer the kitchen to my guests, and they ended up going to Walmart and eating dinner on disposable plates and cups. They left a nice review, and I had provided what my listing promised, but I felt bad for having a house with no kitchen access. I now offer kitchen access. To date, I have already spent $200 (probably way more!) on supplies and at least $600 on extra bedding & towels, and I won't make my money back for a month or two, but long term, even if a few guests accidentally walk off with a towel, or use the dish soap too liberally, I will still be profitable. If not, I would have to raise my prices or close up shop! It would be a lot easier if your listing could offer "kitchen with no dishes or utensils whatsoever, no soap, no paper towels, and no dish drying rack, pots or pans," but I have a feeling that even if you are up front about it, you reviews may suffer.
Reply Like
Sheryl
Sheryl 2 years ago
I saw a listing that was for an entire house. The host does offer long term stays and in his description he says, "You'll have the basic supplies to last your first week, but you'll need to take care of your own if you stay longer." If I were to use this language, I'd amend it by mentioning which "basic supplies" I'd be providing.
Reply Like
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
I appreciate the insights.
Being clearer on services offered and ensuring that the bottom line remains in the black are challenges that I have to deal with as a host.
Reply Like
scott
scott2 years ago
I have been on the other side of this. Last December we (family of 4) arrived in a big apartment in Barcelona and there was nothing. No salt, pepper, sugar, oil, dishwashing supplies, toilet paper (and I have girls). Nothing. So the first thing I had to do that night was go looking for a shop. I worked it out when I left. The cleaner met us as we checked put and I surmised she is paid hardly anything and looks at stuff left behind as hers. Boy, I bet she has a lot of salt at home. I leave all the basics for guests and any stuff left behind by guests stays up there (except that really good cheese yesterday).
Reply Like 1 reply
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
I ran into the same situation in an apartment in Barcelona four years ago. It had toilet paper, but that was it in terms of supplies.
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Thanks Scott,
For sharing the other side of the coin.
I personally think, it is best not to leave stuff at the place. I agree, some items can be shared for the next guest. But what if it was something else that expires? Like bread, or some eggs. We don't want the next guest to get sick because of that right?
Reply Like
Erik
Erik2 years ago
I think what I am going to do is be very specific about what is offered and not. For example, perhaps I will list (and include a photo of) Frosted Flakes, 2% Milk, eggs, coffee, coffee filters, Non-Dairy creamer... the list goes on. I will make it my duty to keep these items stocked at all times. Anything else, like perhaps a bottle of wine left by another guest, or other food items, I may offer to guests as a bonus. This way, your guest is guaranteed certain items, and won't be stuck in a situation where they made a pot of hot coffee but have no creamer (that could lead to frustration). Also, offering this specific list will give you a checklist. Yes, it is extra work to keep these items stocked, but I am already doing this with my "bathroom kit" pictured in my Queen Suite listing. There is no confusion as to whether the guest needs to bring a toothbrush... it is clearly shown in the picture. As a matter of fact, I will go add a written list of bathroom kit items to my listing now. That way, it will be both photographed & listed. I will take a similar approach with the kitchen food. Hopefully it works out. So far, the bathroom kit has worked out well.
Reply Like 1 reply
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
Thanks Rick! Looks like another session with the camera.
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
I believe in providing all the basics that you mention, and making sure that your price is not so very low that this poses any burden to you. I can't quite tell from your listing description if you live at the premises too, or if there are guests who dont' know each other there at the same time, but whenever there is more than one person/group in a place, it also just wouldn't make sense for everyone to be buying their own basic supplies. Three bottles of dish soap at the sink, each with a label on it saying, effectively, "don't use this it is mine, use yours"? 3-4 rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom, each belonging to a different guest/host? Some things just don't make sense to be used individually. So, just like with utilities costs, I figure these into the total price of the rental. If anyone is using an excessive amount of anything, bring it up with them...you might have the rare guest who steals a bottle of your laundry detergent or several rolls of TP, but I have not had that happen...guests are pretty good about reasonable use of supplies. I would venture to guess that excessive use of any supplies is probably so infrequent that the associated cost is minor. At least with individual guests. People booking whole groups or families seem to more often report excess usage.
Reply Like 1 reply
Kaye
Kaye2 years ago
My husband and I has been working it out so far. I agree with you, and thus why I seek the community on their perspective. Honestly, raising rates would be one of those options I look at the last. This is because, I think this is a factor that is market driven, of which I have less control with.
Susan
Susan2 years ago
I provide tea bags and some coffee for the Italian mokka machine. Creamer? Never would use it myself so have never thought of it for guests. And 1l milk is too much to provide for short term guests (self catered apartment). I provide drinking water 1-2 bottles though. We have many bars and restaurants in walking distance and even mini supermarkets (all about 3 min walk) and open late. So my guest would not be starving. Oh, and of course I provide toilet paper. 2-3 roles. If guest stay longer, they have to buy more. And all kind of soap for hands, body, dishes and clothes. Shampoo, sponges, kitchen paper towels, tea towels, salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar and olive oil. Sometimes more, sometimes less. And as a surprise always: a bottle if wine. So the guests are happy. In case something goes wrong, the wine might made it up to them. In Italy you can find good wine for very little money. And I provide local wine to promote the wineries of the area.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
Although I hate it, I leave a container of powdered Coffeemate creamer in the rental. Trader Joe's sometimes has the half-pint shelf-stable packages of cream like one finds so readily in Europe, and I leave a few of those in the cupboard, because I like real cream in my coffee. But no guest has ever used one, so that won't be a purchase I'll repeat for them. I wish I could leave wine, but I think it's a bit risky here in the U.S. when not all guests are over 21. Occasionally when I have professionals working long hours, I'll text them in the evening and ask if they'd like me to leave a cold local brew or small carafe of wine in the fridge for them.
Deborah