Guest taking the entire stack of firewood

[Jane4997]

Hi all 

First time host with a strange event.

I have had full bags of firewood and kindling taken, with a couple of pieces left in the inside firewood stacker. It was a week's worth and the guest was staying one night only. They couldn't have gone through that much wood, and the ash pile left doesn't support very much being used. It is $30 a bag for the wood, and $20 a bag for the kindling. I'd like to ask for it back (I suspect she's going camping after my place) or I will charge her an additional $40 (she did leave a couple of pieces behind). I only received $165 a night - no cleaning fee, so was very reasonably priced accommodation for the area.  I also offer a new reverse cycle heating/cooling system which was used, so not like she needed to make a fire (I have the fireplace only as some people like a wood fire burning in a rural location). 

I want to send a message like this: 

I've noticed that most of the firewood and kindling has gone. There was enough for the full week and for the next guests but now it's not there. It was too much wood to have burnt through the night. We now have only the few pieces of dry wood you left in the bags for the next guests. This was around $40 worth of wood. Also the fire tongs have gone as well. I'm unsure if you thought it was complimentary and was allowed to be taken. It's for guests use but we request that you please return the extra that has been taken, or if you'd like to keep it for your personal usage, I can charge your account the $40 to replace. Which one would you prefer?

Do you think this is ok? How would you handle it or word it? 

Thanks!

[Brian3831]

I would not respond this way, Airbnb always leans towards the guest just like VRBO and bookings.com. You have to be more diplomatic

Hi (name), I really hope you enjoyed your stay :-). If there's anything I can do to make your stay better in the future if you choose our place again please let me know.  Just a quick note—we noticed that a significant amount of the firewood was used during your stay, roughly what we typically stock for about a week. 

No worries at all, just for future reference we usually ask guests to be mindful of usage or bring additional wood if planning extended use. We appreciate your understanding!

Personally I wouldn't send it but use this message if you choose. 

[Jane4997]

I'm thinking of reporting it to police as theft, because sadly, it wasn't used... it was taken. I absolutely hear what you say about the site leaning towards guests.

However, I want to stamp this out now and for the future where it's deemed ok to take what you know isn't yours and not really an ammenity like a tiny bottle of shampoo. 

I have blocked her as a first step.

[Frances3408]

@Jane4997 . If you havent already you should join our Airbnb South Coast NSW Host Club which is now up and running under Host Resources in your listing. A question on firewood use for an indoor fireplace was asked by another host only a few days ago!

Also be aware that postings here on CC are publicly visible except I believe under Host Circle or within Host Club .

[Jane4997]

Oh thanks! That would be great. I shall try and find you and join. Thanks so much for your advice and support

[Jane4997]

It's saying I have none available in my area. There must be a cut off of something near Cooma! LOL