Supplies provided for guests - what is enough?

[Sarah4533]

I'm new to ABB this year with 2 cottages on the same lake in MI.  My very first reservation was for a 6 week stay - yay!  So I got everything ready - provided a boat load of cleaning, laundry supplies and various sundries but they may not last the whole 6 weeks.  Am I expected to replenish their consumable items like toilet paper and laundry soap for example?   My feeling is that I'm not expected to but wanted to hear some feedback from others on this.  

Of course, I will resupply and provide these items for the next weekender or week stays.  

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

@Sarah4533  I suggest providing a solid week's worth of TP along with the usual amount of consumables you stock for shorter stays. When welcoming the guests, you can refer to it as a "starter pack" and give helpful directions to the nearest store where they can top up as needed. 

[Huma0]

@Sarah4533 

I host long term guests in my own house and whatever I offer in terms of guest consumables I continue to provide for the entire stay. However, I would probably not expect to do this for long term stays if I was off site. I think it's reasonable for people to buy their own toilet paper etc. after a certain period of time.

It's up to you really, but the important thing is to be upfront and clear about it in your listing but also reiterate this in the messaging with any long term guests as not everyone reads the whole listing. @Anonymous 's suggestion of saying you provide a starter pack with such and such is good. It helps to manage expectations because different guests come with different expectations.

I've hosted a guest who told me she was unhappy at one listing because there wasn't enough toilet paper for the entire (short) stay and when she called the host to ask for more, was told no, she needed to buy it herself. The same guest got a bad review when she and a friend stayed in a listing and used some of the laundry detergent they found there (as well as some other stuff). She had assumed since it was at the listing that it was for their use as they were renting an entire unit. I am guessing that the host kept it there to wash linens at change over, but how were the guests to know that?

Whatever you do, just make it clear to guests beforehand.

[Michael3014]

Basically same ? Re paper towels left 4 rolls for a start 30 day stay.

[Michael3014]

As far as supplies anything not for guests use goes in locked shed on property.

[Michael3014]

Since there is a W/D guests up until now 

have used it for their own clothing 

This is my first long stay. I think the guests I would change linens if the wanted me to. I am guessing they will do it themselves.

I saw someone had an issue, with guests using laundry soap. If WD is listed and supplies are on hand seems to me guest is correct to feel that they are allowed to use supplies.