What's the best money-saving tip you learned as a host?

[Rebecca]

Hi everyone 👋

Every host approaches hosting a little differently. Some focus on routines, others on systems and many pick up small habits over time that help things run more smoothly.

That being said, many hosts also discover practical money-saving hosting tips through experience. So I wanted to ask: what’s the best money-saving tip you’ve learned as a host?

It could be a simple habit, a change you made over time, or a money-saving hosting tip you’d recommend to others.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Rebecca

[Andrea6232]

Buongiorno @Rebecca ,

I'll answer your question with a provocation: if a host is looking for a tip to save money, they're probably not doing the best for their guests 😂

That's my opinion, but I can change it 😉

Andrea

[Rebecca]

Hi @Andrea6232 👋

Your comment is certainly interesting. Have you changed your mind from seeing the other comments here? 😊

[Andrea6232]

@Rebecca  of course, if I can save money and get the same result, I'm not saying I won't do it 😂 but what I'm not looking for is every possible way to save money😁

[Greystone0]

Hi @Rebecca  - I have applied for "trade" discounts from any resource that offers a 'trade' discount. These are usually reserved for design or construction trades but I have used my STR permit and a few other methods to secure a 'trade' discount and enjoyed a 20% trade discount on things that I planned to purchase anyway (wall paper, bedding, lighting fixtures, plumbing, toilets, faucets, furniture).

Second hand: I am a garage sale, thrift store, estate sale JUNKIE! By definition, our short term rental has 'used' stuff so finding gems at these resources has been lots of fun. 

For example, keeping ample stock of wine glasses is no small issue! And I want a nice wine glass! But they break all the time! So I purchase really, really nice sets from these resources for great prices and I am proud to display them and when they break I am less distraught!  And you never know what you may find: snow sleds for $3 dollars (same model I paid $45 for), pottery barn coffee table that I wanted anyway, garden hose that I needed, garage ladder that I needed, and so on.

[Rebecca]

I love a good thrift bargain @Greystone0! It's crazy what people throw away or tip, because it doesn't suit them anymore. Great tip on the trade discounts. I suppose as a business owner you're eligabile for these discounts?  😊

[Greystone0]

Hi @Rebecca  - thrift bargains!!

Trade discounts - I have been able to find ways to qualify for many trade discounts, most have used my STR permit as a sort of proof of business along with various other items that they require. It just depends on what they offer in terms of meeting their requirement and then I try to figure out how I can qualify.

[Rebecca]

Great tips - thanks for sharing @Greystone0 😍

[Mark5729]

We try to keep out STR a classy higher end and more expensive rental and pride ourselves in getting all 5 star reviews.  But, we do take advantage of advertised sales on quality bedding & towels. We buy bulk laundry detergent, soaps, TP & PT at Sam's Club or COSCO.

Sometimes we fine quality decor, dishes, kitchen, grill utensils and smaller furniture items at thrift stores or garage sales.

Sometimes ordering online for hot tub chemicals and other things plus using our cash back credit card when possible for not only purchases, but gas, electric, internet, trash, and other monthly charges run through our card gives us a few cents back or my favorite, get a credit card that builds miles for your personal travel and make your business pay for business travel, using the card of course and saving the travel miles for personal. The secret is use it when possible but being able to turn those rewards into a personal benefit. 

Blessing to all,

Mark 

[Rebecca]

These are some great tips @Mark5729 - thanks so much for sharing them here! 😍 

Bulk buying seems to be great, especially when you don't change the products regularly. Do you tend to stick with products, towels/sheets that you know work well for your home? 

[Ella8007]

I’m always looking for smart ways to cut costs without affecting guest experience, while still investing in small essentials like a rainbow printer test page when needed. Whether it’s supplies, utilities, automation, or small operational changes.

[Rebecca]

Hi @Ella8007 👋

Thanks for sharing. What's a rainbow test page? 

[Amanda3370]

Bonjour @Rebecca,

Mon meilleur conseil pour économiser sans dégrader l'expérience : standardiser.
J'ai choisi 1 modèle de draps/serviettes (qualitatifs mais faciles à remplacer) et j'achète en lots quand il y a des promos. Idem pour les consommables (papier toilette, sacs poubelle, pastilles LV), achetés en gros.
Et côté énergie : ampoules LED partout + mousseurs fixateurs d'eau sur les robinets/douche, c'est louable rapidement.

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Google Translation added by Community Manager:  

Certainly! Here’s your text translated into native British English:

Hello @Rebecca,

My top tip for saving money without compromising on the guest experience is to standardise wherever possible.

I’ve chosen one style of bed linen and towels (good quality but easy to replace) and I buy them in bulk whenever there’s an offer. I do the same for consumables (toilet paper, bin bags, dishwasher tablets), buying in large quantities.

And when it comes to energy: I use LED bulbs throughout and fit water-saving aerators on taps and showers—it pays off quickly!

Let me know if you need any further help or a different tone!