Theft of Room Items

[Eman1730]

Good day ladies and gentlemen, has anyone experienced theft of Room Items, TV Remote Control , pillow case etc  after check out, and how to deal with situations like that. Your advice is very needed. Thanks Eman. 

[Shelley159]

Hi @Eman1730 

First, make very sure an item is really missing. Small items do turn up in the strangest and most unexpected places, and not always right away.

You do have the option of clicking "Request money" on the guest reservation, and asking the guest to pay for missing items. I would strongly advise against doing this for something as small as a pillowcase. The guest may very well dispute taking the item, the battle to get it refunded can get drawn out, and all along you'll have to keep the review process in mind. Rather build up your own fund in a savings account over time, so you can use it to replace minor missing or broken items.

Perhaps others will disagree, but for me, the remote control would also qualify as something small that I would replace without asking (again, first make sure it's really missing!). DSTV remotes are widely available on Takealot and in some supermarkets - it's good to keep a spare anyway, as they break. The same goes for TV remotes - it's good to keep a universal remote control on hand so you can just bring it out as needed.

[Eman1730]

Thanks @Shelley159 , for your advice, it well noted.

[Paula]

Hello @Eman1730, It’s great to see so many hosts sharing their experiences here. How did you end up approaching this situation?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Eman1730 We experienced 'theft' of towels and a remote control. Luckily we did nothing quickly as both items were found towards the end of the clean.

[Eman1730]

Thanks @Mike-And-Jane0 , I also only noticed after the guest has left.

[Marie8425]

@Eman1730 

From years Hosting, I agree remotes turn up in the strangest places.  Sometimes an accidental packing.  I use generic cheap remotes that when one is missing I can jyst replace.  I put a cost like occasional broken dish fund I calculate in my cost.

Pillowases happen drove me nuts I asked.  A lot of people just automatically like no elbows on the table that is how you store dirty laundry. Haha  I keep extra pillow cases.  

It depends what is missing a pillowcase or artwork on your walls.  

People do things absently no ill intent and if you chase for a remote you have a negative reaction.

[Eman1730]

@Eman1730 what surprises me is why any body will be interested in taking  a pillow case off the pillow when you booked a room for only one night. The gust who took the remote wanted overstay his time and he left offended. It cost me more to replaced the remote than he payed for the room, let a lone the cost of laundry for the linen.

So that was big lost for me. But thanks for the advice, it has given me an insight.