Items left behind

[Kellie104]

Hello All,  so 3 guests have left items behind.  First guest was their 10 lb dogs shirt which I kindly mailed back to them for $5 and didn't charge.  Second guest a pair of nice slipper socks.  She said to knot them and use as a dog toy.  But instead washed and keeping for myself because they were in excellent shape and very nice. Third guests from last wkend a girls pair of casual sweat shorts and a grey and white Tommy Hilfiger beach towel.  I haven't contacted guest yet on these items because I am contemplating if I really want to because

1.  it will cost more than 5.00 to send back 2. I don't want to go thru hassle trying to get reimbursed if more than what I am willing to lose myself or even ask for reimbursement. 3.  I state in my guide book to make sure that everybody checks they have everything so nothing gets left behind. 4. I kind of figure to bad so sad for them.  Their loss.  Because if I forget something I figure that's my loss I should have done a better check before leaving and or figure if worth it then its my responsibility getting it back and would work that out.

What do u all do when guests leave what I would consider "minor" items?  My husband and I are very honest, nice and giving people so know that if it were a watch, wallet, phone,  something of value I would definitely contact them and work out getting it back.  But my thought for this time is "it's sweat shorts and a towel".  Going to cost more than 5.00 to mail back.

Your thoughts?  I am also now thinking that in my guide book of having a statement that reads if you forget any items the cost to return them is your responsibility.

Thank you.

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Kellie104 

I have mailed many things back to my guests, some had such a relaxing time they've left a closetful. My habit is to go in as they are out but still getting in the car, and check thoroughly the places things are ordinarily left. I ask them to please wait to drive off till I've done a check. If anything is there I will find it. 

[Sarah977]

@Kellie104  A host is under no obligation to return items left behind, although as you say, I think most hosts would contact the guests if it was an item of value, like a wallet, credit card, a ring, etc. 

But sweats and a towel? I'd keep things like that stashed away in a box for a couple weeks, in case the guest gets in touch about it, and only return them if the guest pays for your time and postage up front, but I wouldn't necessarily bother taking the initiative to message them about the left stuff.

[Colleen253]

@Kellie104 The word "prevention" can be applied to so many aspects of hosting. Early on, I got very tired of dealing with left behind items. Not only does it cost to return ship if needed, there is the time involved (time is money too) Time spent messaging with the guest about it, time to find a box, pack up stuff and go to the post office, or time set aside to meet the guest to return items. Ugh. Just a great big tedious and costly hassle. So I put a big note on the check out instructions page "Please check and DOUBLE check you have all your belongings. We regret we are unable to return or be responsible for forgotten items." Problem solved. It RARELY happens that things get left behind anymore.

[Sarah977]

It might depend on the circumstances, too. I found a guest's ratty old tee shirt wrapped up in the bedding, but as a home share host, I had seen him wear it a lot. So I thought it might have some sentimental value, as he otherwise didn't sport ratty old clothes.

Turns out it didn't, and he didn't care to get it back, but I did message him to ask.

[Colleen253]

@Sarah977 For sure. Full disclosure, since adding that line to the checkout instructions, I have had to return some items. One family (with 3 little kids) left a closet full of outdoor jackets. I sent those back. That was a big job, but had to be done. As you say, if it's something important or valuable, you have to deal with it. My intent is to prevent as much as possible. That tactic has largely fixed the issue, for me.

[Sarah977]

@Colleen253  When I was a toddler, I started dragging around the bumper pad from my crib- it  was the equivalent of a security blanket or favorite teddy bear. I dragged it around for years, until it was nothing more than a tiny, ratty scrap of cloth with some little bits of plastic attached, which I would roll between my fingers while sucking my thumb. I can still remember the comforting feeling.

When I was 5 years old, I had my tonsils removed (which was standard procedure back in the 50's if kids got sore throats). Of course I had my "binky" with me in the hospital bed. But when I woke up from the anaesthetic after the  surgery, my binky was nowhere to be found.

I was having a bit of a meltdown (I was never a tantum-thrower, but I was very distressed) and the nurses had to go on a big hunt for it, finally locating it in the garbage from the operating room. It was brought back to me, the nurse dangling this disgusting-looking 3 inch long string of old dirty cloth by the edge, and it would be hard for anyone to imagine how relieved I was. I think I was more attached to that thing than I was to my parents.

[Willene1]

I always let them know if anything was left behind and let them decide if they want it mailed back. They usually offer to pay the cost of shipping, but so far, it has been minor and I have just returned it at my cost.  I appreciate the offer and would definitely ask them for it if it was substantial however. If I was in their position, I would at least like to know if I had forgotten anything. 

On the flip side, we did have a guest take our dry bag that we provide for protecting their possessions at the beach or floating the channel.  He contacted me and offered to mail it back or pay for it.  I said “That’s okay, but thanks for letting me know. It happens” I’m kicking myself now as I don’t  have a suitable replacement and almost all our guests raved what a wonderful item it was to use.  Guess I’ve learned a lesson there. 

[Inna22]

I check for lost items as soon as they depart and ask they are in town to get them. Many ask to mail it back. To be honest, I decide if I should charge based on if they have already left feedback or not. If they have not, it is my good gesture to assure one. If the feedback has been exchanged- why not? I usually try to mail first class and only charge if it is over $10 though. I always save Amazon mailers. Most things will fit into those

[Laurelle3]

@Kellie104 I check my cottage as soon as possible for items left behind text them just incase they are close by and I say that I have left it on the front doorstep and they usually acknowledge and let me know what they require. I have not had to post back yet but I have put a list of items left behind in the welcome manual as a reminder. However, I  do like the idea that @Colleen253 mentions prevention and where she puts a note in the check out page. I have empathy with @Sarah977 and her "Binky" as a retired nurse I had seen many times a child being upset for the loss of their favourite blanket or toy. So far a child hasn't left anything behind yet.

[Helen427]

It's a legal requirement to keep items in storage so check what your legislation says.

Personally I tend to check the place as they are about to leave and make sure nothing is left behind.

Best to think how you would feel if those items were not returned to you.

Send them a message and ask them to pay towards costs to send them back,  @Kellie104 you never know what you may receive back as a Thanks, including Good Will and future Guest!

[M199]

And I'm still trying to find lost apartment keys from previous guest.  No where to be found😞 Even moved every piece of furniture.

[Kevin2172]

Our first guest we had as a host left his cocaine spoon in the bedroom but didn't ask for it back...

[Ryan2352]

LOL!  I can imagine that.  Would have been funny to have the local PD return it to them.

I have in my rules that any criminal activity will be forwarded to the local Sheriff's Department.

[Sarah977]

@Kevin2172  I found an interesting array of things in the small bathroom garbage can after a guest left. A working iphone with a cracked screen, and various drug paraphernalia. She wasn't a problematic guest aside from taking one of my good towels on a booze cruise and returning with someone else's threadbare towel.

I know that replacing a cell phone screen is expensive, but it seemed weird to throw an expensive working phone in the garbage.