Nothing puts a guest in a worse mood than setting down their suitcase and realizing they forgot their shampoo. That mood gets even worse when they realize their vacation rental doesn’t have any on hand.
Avoid unhappy guests by restocking essential supplies before they run out. This post guides vacation rental hosts through the process of Airbnb supply restocking and what to include in the restocking kit. Plus, we’ll provide tips and tricks for keeping track of supply levels and great property management solutions for streamlining the process.
Why Are Airbnb Supplies Important?
One of the defining features that sets vacation rentals apart from hotels is the local hometown feel. But to be truly cozy and comfortable, guests need to have all the supplies they would find at a hotel. Without simple items like soap and shampoo, guests might feel like they are staying in a camping cabin instead of a proper vacation rental.
After a long day of travel, the last thing a guest wants to do is go to the store to pick up supplies. To keep guests happy, hosts need to make sure that their rental is regularly restocked.
What Airbnb Amenities Should I Provide Guests?
Think about the items that are “just always there” in your cabinets. When you have a spill, you reach for a paper towel; when you shower, you look for shampoo. You simply expect these types of items in any vacation rental. While not an exhaustive list, below are a few essential Airbnb supplies to always have on hand:
Bathroom Supplies
Hand soap, body wash, and toilet paper (at least two rolls) are a must for a well-stocked bathroom. Consider offering travel-size toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion.
Think about whether you’d like to provide eco-friendly, organic, locally sourced, or handcrafted guest soaps, which can be a subtle way to support your brand. Individually wrapped items like bar soap can appeal to some guests, while refillable soap dispensers or pump bottles might attract those who value sustainability.
In short, be sure to have the following bathroom supplies on hand:
Shampoo and conditioner
Bodywash
Handsoap
Body lotion
Single-use makeup remover wipes
Toilet paper
Kitchen Supplies
The kitchen should be stocked with basics that make meal prep and cleaning easy. Hand soap, dish soap, and dishwasher detergent are uncompromisable for maintaining cleanliness.
Including supplies like all-purpose cleaners, sponges, and cleaning gloves can help guests keep the space tidy. Provide these kitchen supplies for a successful stay:
Hand soap
Dish soap
Dishwasher detergent
All-purpose cleaner
Sponges
Cleaning gloves
Paper towels
Disinfectant wipes
Trash bags
The above Airbnb supplies will help guests feel comfortable and enhance their entire stay. But don’t just stop at providing basic necessities – go the extra mile to make your Airbnb stand out from others. This could include a welcome basket with bath salts or even a personalized note.
How Much Should I Spend on Airbnb Supplies?
To understand how much you should spend on Airbnb supplies, you should first understand your target avatar. Do you market to budget travelers, or are you hosting folks looking to splurge on their honeymoon?
Another factor to consider is how the quality of supplies you choose reflects your brand. Consider a chic-looking soap dispenser that unleashes a delightful aromatherapy-infused liquid. This type of soap interacts with more than one of your senses and appeals to a luxury clientele. On the other hand, a backpacker might not mind the grocery store-brand bar soap.
You want to strike a balance between cost and quality. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest options, remember that your Airbnb supplies are an investment in your guest experience. Intertwining your supplies with the overall vision of your vacation rental provides a consistent and comfortable experience throughout the property.
Of course, nicer Airbnb supplies require a higher investment. To keep things affordable, calculate these costs into your nightly rate.
This way, you can maintain a high standard without compromising your profitability. You can offer a well-stocked and welcoming space without feeling the pinch on your margins.
Benefits of Local Professional Airbnb Management
If all of these tasks feel overwhelming – don’t worry! Working with a professional Airbnb management company takes away the stress of running your listings.
Management companies, like Short Turns, bulk purchase supplies. This allows them to pass significant cost savings onto rental owners.
These companies have tried-and-true selections that promise the products chosen are high-quality and will please guests of all demographics. By handling supply management, these services provide a hassle-free experience for property owners, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their rental business.
Pro Tips for Airbnb Supply Restocking
Streamline restocking your Airbnb supplies with a few clever strategies. Here are some practical tips to make restocking easier:
Get organized: Categorize your supplies and designate a specific storage area. This helps keep track of inventory and stay efficient.
Choose affordable quality: Invest in affordable yet durable items. Look for cost-effective products that balance price and quality.
Use a checklist: Create a detailed checklist of supplies. Update this list regularly based on guest feedback and usage patterns.
Buy in bulk: Purchasing supplies in bulk will save you money in the long run.
Create a replenishment schedule: Establish a regular schedule for restocking supplies. Consistent checks help maintain supply levels and avoid last-minute rushes.
Document with photos or videos: To make restocking easier for your cleaning team, document the organization of supplies with photos or videos. Clear visual references guarantee everything is consistently placed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to provide for Airbnb guests?
Provide Airbnb supplies in the bathroom, like shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, and toilet paper. In the kitchen, provide essentials like sponges, garbage bags, and all-purpose cleaner. Replenish these items regularly to maintain guest satisfaction and positive reviews.
Where is the best place to buy supplies for Airbnb?
The best way to receive supplies is to work with an Airbnb property management company that will take care of buying and restocking supplies for you. The other best places to buy supplies for Airbnbs include wholesale stores, online bulk retailers, or local supermarkets.
Are Airbnb hosts required to provide toiletries?
Airbnb hosts are not required to provide vacation rental toiletries, but it’s recommended. Airbnb toiletries are often considered essential amenities that guests expect when booking a stay.
Should I provide shampoo in Airbnb?
Providing shampoo in an Airbnb is a personal choice, but it’s a commonly expected amenity for guests. It adds convenience and comfort for travelers who may not have brought their own toiletries. Additionally, providing small bottles or travel-sized containers can be cost-effective for hosts in the long run.
Key Takeaways
Ensuring your Airbnb is well-stocked with essential supplies like toiletries, kitchen essentials, and cleaning products plays an important role in securing positive reviews. While hosts aren’t required to provide certain amenities, doing so will set your Airbnb listing apart in the competitive hospitality industry.
Consider using Short Turns Airbnb Management for all your supply and restocking needs to simplify this process. This service can streamline your operations and guarantee that your short-term rental is always ready to impress. Start using Short Turns today and effortlessly elevate your guest experience.