Beverages, coffee, mineral water...how to manage this?

[Claudio346]

Hello everybody,

I'm Claudio from Ticino Switzerland and I'm going to have my first client in a few days.

I would like to offer an impressive staying to my guests and I'm wondering how to manage the additional features not directly linked to the accomodation package, like, coffee, water, snacks...

As a guest I normally like to found such features when I travel but as a Host, I don't know how to manage it.

Is there any golden rules?

Thanks in advance for any hints,

best,

Claudio.

[Kimberly54]

@Claudio346, ask the guests?  My last ones wanted warm water with lemon!  I have a basket of snacks and a couple of bottles of sparkling water in their room... and I always have fruit around.

No secrets, but you'll save yourself time and worry if you just ask? 

(You'll also need to be calmly prepared if you get a loooong list of what they'd like--I've had that happen once!)

Relax!  You'll have fun!

[Claudio346]

...warm water with lemon...that's funny 🙂

[Ana1136]

@Claudio346 it depends on your budget and prices in your country. I leave bottles of water in the fridge, leave coffee and tea bags in the kitchen and leave a bottle of wine and fruit bowl or chocolate on the dining table. Some hosts prepare everything in a big basket, some don't leave anything which is also fine. And I would suggest buying bigger quantities of everything just so you don't have to go shopping after every guest.

[Ned-And-Laura0]

I have a set of items I provide.  I never ask and just provide what I feel is appropriate.  I have a Kurig in the space so I leave some kcups along with packets of sugar and creamer.  I also leave a chocolate bar and some microwave popcorn.  For guests staying longer than one night I also leave a bottle of wine (Trader Joe's has some really good wine for $3.99 a bottle. )   I buy these items in bulk so I always have them on hand.

[Michael956]

On the desk in the guest room I put:  Locally produced chocolates; make up removal wipes; kleenex tissues; a pen; a bottle of mineral water; maps and local brochures.

In the kitchen I provide:  Coffee; tea; honey; sugar; milk; fruit;  a selection of local wines; basic cooking esentials like oil,  spices, etc.  

[Claudio346]

Thanks Ladys & Gents for the answer. Really appreciated.

As far as I can understand, there's no additional "earning" features you can offer.

All you can get cost-included and for free?

For example,  as guest, for a long staying I would love to have a bottle of wine for free, but I'm most likely buying a second bottle at the price deserverd.

Is this a kind of not wanted/allowed?

[Victoria567]

Hello@Claudio.

Do provide a welcome full basket of toiletries in the bedroom, also including hypoallergenic make up removal wipes ( reduces risk of stained towels), sanitary towels and tampons( always appreciated by women travellers and reduces risk of blood stained sheets)

Provide towels and face wash cloths as well as bath mats in the bathroom.

In the bedroom

I Provide two crystal glasses and two bottles of Highland Spring Water, once guests know that in Scotland our tap water is of the highest quality and safe to drink they use this, but I’ve no problem giving more small 300 ml bottles of water free of charge.

I provide a box of quality chocolates, a box of Kleenex.

For  added  value, you can chose to list as an extra to be paid such as

1) use of your laundry facilities at a cost of 5 Euro per load for washing machine including detergent, and 5 Euro per load for the electric drier, price clearly stated in your listing under photo of the amenity.

2) cost for a breakfast as a payable extra, but I factor in a great quality breakfast in my price for my accommodation.

In Switzerland, you have all those wonderful dairy products, Emmenthal, Gruyere, yoghurt, museli, breads, pastries,fresh croissants,  cured meats or cooked eggs , butter, scrambled, omelette, fried, poached etc....include a bowl of fresh fruit, a selection of herbal teas,traditional teas, hot chocolate ( Swiss chocolate= heaven), fabulous quality Italian coffee either as an expresso Mokka pot, or a cafetière.

I offer a full Continental breakfast and a fully cooked traditional Scottish breakfast including porridge and a homemade choice of a vegetarian option, such as a mushroom pastry, falafel or a feta and spinach filo parcels with homemade cous cous salad.

( I am a very keen home cook)

I make homemade Scottish traditional scones, or even homemade  Italian biscotti and homemade organic jams and honey from my bees.

I also do not accept bookings from Nut allergies, food allergies, food intolerances or allergies as after this August I had more allergies during a couple of weeks in August than I had in over 3 decades, working as a pharmacist in the NHS in Scotland.......I’m really not interested in an ambulance chasing lawyer nor is my family home suited to such specialist dietary needs or personal needs as there would be the issue of cross contamination by possible allergens.

I do not provide tea and coffee making facilities in the bedrooms as I had an issue early on in my hosting experience, of hot cup marks on my top quality furniture and guests making up strong smelling, instant pot noodles which also stain rugs, carpets, towels, bed linens etc

[Ned-And-Laura0]

First, don't charge for alcohol...ever.  Unless you have a liquor license it is illegial to sell alcohol.  You can give it away to guests over 21, but that's it.  But I think there should be an easy way to upcharge for other things.  I stayed at a lakeside cottage and really wished there were kayaks available.  But they are expensive to purchase and the host would not make any extra money on them.  It would be great if hosts could have the option of adding a fee for use of extra things like that to cover the costs.  There is the request money  feature I guess, but that is designed for addition guests or damages and the guests can refuse to pay.

[Victoria567]

Hi@Ned and !aura

I have my charges clearly stated in my listing for the use of my laundry facilities.

If I were you seeing you have such a fabulous outdoor location, try the cost of one kayak and include this service and factor into your overall price whether the guest uses it or not.

Whatever you Do HAVE cast iron insurance regarding this service and make sure your guests sign a waiver against personal injury etc.......beware the ambulance chaser!

[Claudio346]

Thanks to everybody for the exhaustive answers.

I will adapt my listing following your recommendation.

One last question. 

Ho do you charge the extras? For example the washing machine usage, how do you control the usage and charge back?

(by the way for this fist accomodation I will give it for free since I've not listed it in the amenities)

[Victoria567]

.

Hello @Claudio0

I live on my large property, so I do NOT show the guests or allow them to operate the machines themselves incase they break them or abuse the service by sneaking in extra loads of washing, or use the machines,at ridiculous times of the night disturbing other guests.

Another important thing is keys......would you give your house keys to a complete stranger?

or have a complete stranger in your home alone?........I don’t, and I suggest you do likewise.

This season I had an entitled girl from Utah, point blank refuse to pay up for the use of these facilities AFTER she used them.

From now on, I ask for a cash payment of £10 up front and I immediately give the guest a written receipt stating cost,

For use of washing machine and 1 hour use of electric tumble drier £10 received with thanks from guest XYZ and the date.

I use a one hour wash program and ask guest if they want a cold wash, or a 30C, or 40C wash and they decide what they choose.

For the electric tumble drier it is 1 hour maximum time, either low heat or high heat, chosen by the guest. 

I supervise them loading their own washing in the mavhinescas overloading your machines will unbalance the spinning drum and leave you with a broken machine.

So if it’s 2 loads it is 2 times the price......no one gives you free electricity!

Make sure you have a photo of your machine on your listing and state the PRICE PER LOAD, to be paid for each appliance, as on the air bnb amenities box ,is states free or for a fee.

Make sure your fee is clearly listed.

Also you may have to charge for air conditioning,( I would factor it,into my total price) here in Scotland, no one has air conditioning due to the climate.....we call ours a window!

[Claudio346]

Thanks Victoria, I think that for the beginning I will be more tolerant but your great suggestions will be carefully evaluated.

[Fred13]

@Claudio0 Perhaps start with a basic 'package' and like @Kimberly0 suggested - ask questions of every departing guest. And also take note of guest behavior.   Do not overcommit to anything at first (ie. washer machine usage) nor put yourself in a position to have to play the 'heavy' about controlling the use of anything.

    Any aspect that proves a hassle - eliminate it, for nothing has to be.  The goal is to make hosting 'fun'. 

[Victoria567]

@Fred0

Simetimes you have to the heavy.....regarding supervision of loading or unloading the washing machine and drier, otherwise Im quite amusing and laid back......Ommmmmmm!