"Runner" for STR Operations

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"Runner" for STR Operations

Leon Lee
Real Estate Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2016 · 286 posts · 67 votes

Hi, Fellow BPers

I've been hearing from a few groups about using "runners" for simple operational tasks. I'm curious to get some insights from you all. Specifically, I'm wondering (1) what kinds of tasks you usually assign to these runners, (2) how much you pay them (either per hour or per month), and (3) where you find people for this role. Considering how spread out short-term rental properties can be, not to mention the rising costs of gas and wear and tear on vehicles, I'm really interested in how you all manage this.

Thanks a lot! 

Lee

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Jen LeViseur
Investor · Bentonville, AR · Member since 2023 · 19 posts · 12 votes
2y

Hey @Leon Lee we are in three markets have an operations assistant in all (basically a runner). We have them do quality checks after every turn, take inventory, receive supplies and restock them, run errands and any other tasks that need to get done like changing batteries, etc. We pay them by the hour depending on market $15-$20/hr. We have found good success with Care.com, our network and Facebook.

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  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    2y

    I've never needed a runner.

    My cleaners handle turnovers.

    I schedule routine maintenance.

    I get a handyman for unscheduled repairs.

    1Reply
  • Jen LeViseur
    Investor · Bentonville, AR · Member since 2023 · 19 posts · 12 votes
    2y

    Hey @Leon Lee we are in three markets have an operations assistant in all (basically a runner). We have them do quality checks after every turn, take inventory, receive supplies and restock them, run errands and any other tasks that need to get done like changing batteries, etc. We pay them by the hour depending on market $15-$20/hr. We have found good success with Care.com, our network and Facebook.

    2Reply
  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y

    Have you tried paying your cleaners or usual handyman for the extra tasks?

    [email protected]813-563-0877
    Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Michael Alexander
    Rental Property Investor · Washington DC · Member since 2023 · 61 posts · 26 votes
    2y

    There is an app called Rental Runner. Think of it like a task rabbit for the rental community. 

    https://rentalrunner.com/

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  • Neal Z.
    Miami · Member since 2013 · 42 posts · 24 votes
    2y
    Quote from @John Underwood:

    I've never needed a runner.

    My cleaners handle turnovers.

    I schedule routine maintenance.

    I get a handyman for unscheduled repairs.


     Same here. It's a "nice to have" but not a necessity. Unless you have a whole slew of properties with constant little stuff being done, it's likely not enough to justify someone outside of your cleaners. 

    1Reply
  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Runners are helpful for many different things that a cleaner would not like to make a special trip to a property for. This could include checking on pipes to make sure they haven't frozen in sub-zero temps, walking the property to make sure the cleaner is doing their job correctly, running a package over in-between guests, or running an item over to a guest that may have ended up not working after their arrival...like a coffee pot. Unless you want an "inspector" walking the property at every turnover, it's nice to have someone on hand to run over and do-little things for around $20 or so. Many hosts use family, friends, friends of friends, or even college students looking to make a little extra money as a STR runner.

    [email protected]330-557-3021
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  • Tony C.
    Rental Property Investor · Herndon, VA · Member since 2022 · 9 posts · 4 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Michael Alexander:

    There is an app called Rental Runner. Think of it like a task rabbit for the rental community. 

    https://rentalrunner.com/

    Thanks for the shot out Michael! I’m a host myself and just trying to provide something useful to the hosting world.
    1Reply
  • Zachary Cain Humphrey
    Investor · KY · Member since 2022 · 204 posts · 77 votes
    2y

    Cleaner has always done this for us. 

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