[Market Research] STR Operators: Would a 20-30% supply cost reduction be valuable?

[Mark Marcelletti]

Airbnb/Short Term Rental investors - I'm helping a client with global sourcing experience validate a business idea and wondering if this would actually move the needle for you...

The concept: A done-for-you supply chain service that sources your recurring STR supplies (towels, toiletries, linens, etc.) directly from vetted factories in China, adds your custom branding, and ships everything consolidated to save you 20-30% vs. retail.

So instead of multiple Amazon/Costco runs or risky Alibaba orders, you'd get:

• Branded amenities (your logo on shampoo bottles, towels, etc.)
• Bundled shipments every 30-60 days
• Quality control and inspection handled
• Boutique guest experience at wholesale prices

Example: One operator projected $20K+ annual savings on 50+ units just by switching their towel and toiletry sourcing.

The tradeoff: 30-day lead times vs. same-day pickup, and you'd need to plan inventory ahead.

Honest question for operators with 10+ units: Are you spending $200-500+ per unit annually on supplies, or constantly dealing with inconsistent quality/stockouts?

Looking for brutally honest feedback this week - what am I missing here?

Quick poll in comments: 

👍 = I'd definitely try this
🤔 = Interesting but not sure
👎 = Wouldn't work for my business

And tell me why!

Thanks in advance for keeping it real! 🙏

[Garrett Brown]

Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

Hey Mark - Its not a bad idea at all, but I do not think the average investor here will take advantage of this.  I however as a PM managing 65+ units and am used to ordering in bulk would likely seriously consider this.  Good luck!

 Andrew nailed it on the head. 

I love the idea of branding on everything, though, which is the major selling point to me.