Coffee/Tea tips

[Jakub113]

Hello everyone,

I am a host in Prague, Czech Republic and I have put a coffee machine with supply of coffee in my apartement for guests to use and enjoy free of charge. It has recently become a bit of a problem, because the supplies of coffee run out quite quickly. So I was thinking about putting a small "tip jar" next to the coffee machine with a sight that says something like "if you enjoyed our coffee feel free to leave small tip so other guests can enjoy it too"... What do you think about it? Is it even permited regarding airbnb policies? Thnx for answers and suggestion.

Jakub

[Ana2038 · Accepted solution]

@Jakub113 , personally, I would not put out a tip jar. I supply a starter pack of coffee, water and snacks to my guest that covers 2 days.  My listing nightly stays average 2-3 nights. I incorporate the cost of providing these items into my nightly rate.  You can either increase your nightly stay to help offset the cost of coffee and/or limit the amount provided to your guest.  

It helps if your coffee machine is a k-pod type coffee maker (provide 4 pods of single coffee servings) or if it is a standard coffee maker, supply a small jar of coffee to cover the first 2 days. Same can be done with your tea bags.  You can update your listing description or your welcoming guest message to state a complimentary starter supply of coffee is provided..etc…

[Frances3408]

@Jakub113. I always think its a compliment when guests use up supplies provided because it usually means you have nailed something they like. Similar to @Ana2038 I provide a starter pack of teas, coffee pods, sugar, hot chocolate satchels as well as individual condiments and milk tetra packs.

Dont ask guests for money, especially for things you list as available; just adjust your prices for an average usage rate. Most guests assume we are running hotels anyway and have come to expect these inclusions as standard.

[Joelle43]

Hello @Jakub113 

Totally agree with the comments left by @Frances3408  and @Ana2038 and would definitely not recommend asking your guests to contribute towards the coffee pods.  I would always expect to have to buy extra things when I stay in an Airbnb.

I have guests that stay from a minimum of 3 nights to much longer and feel that as a host I cannot be expected to cover their coffee consumption for that period of time so what I say on my listing is that I offer Nespresso pods for the first few days.  

I have a section in my description that I have entitled "What is included" and list what my guests can expect to find upon their arrival.

All the best

Joëlle

[Kacinda0]

i know it’s been over a year since you posted this question, but i wanted to add to the responses because i’ve experienced this tooo. i set out one coffee pod per guest per day they stay. i feel this is a fair amount, and don’t come away from it feeling the guest has cleared us out 🙃 super good question to raise and present to the group!

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Kacinda0 @Frances3408 @Jakub113 

This question shows up from time to time, so I'll offer my 10 cents! 

Most of our stays are 1 - 3 nights. We leave several dozen coffee pods, a jar of instant, packets of instant decaf and espresso, plus a couple dozen types of teas ( bags and loose) for various cultures, tastes, caffeine and herbal. We also leave a full box of hot chocolate packets. We do not want our guests to feel they need to conserve, and around here, everyone drinks a lot of coffee, tea and other hot beverages. Pampering our guests is our style. No one has ever "cleaned us out" or taken anything that we are aware of. 

[Kacinda0]

that u haven’t experienced that! i have!! and i want to bless our guests by providing a low cost stay, my coffee-policy works for me because of it and other factors. i don’t feel this “” response was in good taste. u do u, don’t criticize others on here please.