remote managing an STR...how to deal with deliveries and supplies?

Question

I just bought a property in Florida which I plan to set up as an Airbnb. I plan to manage it myself but i am having a hard time solving a logistical problem:

how do remote managers deal with deliveries of supplies? For instance, if i need to buy soaps, toilet paper etc, I can order it online but where do I ship it?

Getting it delivered to the house would inconvenience the guests and/or it would  risk getting stolen.

How do people deal with deliveries??

Thanks

Filippo

John Underwood · Answer

Just send it to your cleaners.

Trent Reeve · Answer

I agree with John. Also, depending on where you are at in Florida, if it is a high STR area, cleaners may already supply soaps, etc. But if you arent using a company and have a consistent cleaner, I would talk to them about shipping directly to them.

Lisa Graesser · Answer

I do the same as Michael . I would ask the cleaners to pick something up if needed, pay them for the cost of supplies plus their time. I rarely need them to do that as I have a locked supply cabinet in the garage that I restock a couple of times a year when I am at the property. It also helps that I inform my guests that a starter supply of paper and plastic items are provided and ask them to replace any items they have used up. ( This may not be popular with others but I have never had a complaint and for the most part,  items used are replaced)

Michael Lipari · Answer

I have my cleaner go to the store and buy supplies and she will send me the receipt for me to reimburse her. This is in a remote mountain town in upstate NY. I'm sure you can find someone in Florida who can do the same. Have a supply closet inside where you can store months worth of supplies that's locked up so that guests cannot take everything. Have the cleaners put out enough for each stay from that closet.

Joseph Sauer · Answer

I agree with @John Underwood. Interview a few cleaners, make sure they'll either provide supplies or allow you to ship supplies to them. That should cover you. @Chris Forbush isn't wrong if you think you'll need a property manager/cohost, but if you've done you're homework then you can absolutely run an STR on your own from a distance.

Chris Watson · Answer

I have 5 in Florida and self manage.  Only one does the cleaner ask that I supply some things.  My work around is stock the owner's closet when I am at the property.  If more is needed, then I schedule a Walmart delivery an hour after checkout on the turn day when I know the cleaner will be there.  You could also instacart on the turn day.  I have self managed for 9 yrs (even while deployed to Afghanistan for 9 months), own 11 STRs and over 8.5hrs away from 6 properties so when people automatically say you need a manager expect that they are a manager themselves.  Self managing is about setting up people and processes.  I also try to visit all properties atleast quarterly.  Even those who have managers, I would suggest to visit quarterly as no one cares about your investment more than you.

Dan Na · Answer

I too recommend getting a PM to deal with the full end-to-end. However, if you're capable of manage everything as the broker in charge yourself then:1. Hire a local cleaner and manage them via2. Breezeway. With Breezeway on the backend you can also track the cleaning status of the property as well as manage your inventory remotely.

Henry Lazerow · Answer

You do not need a manager as above mention. Most STR won´t even be worth the hassle if pay manager fees. Just send to your cleaners house, once have built relationship with good cleaner its easy to manage. Have a handyman on call also who can help with repairs and even moving furniture etc.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

Curious what part of FL?

As stated above although you plan to remotely manage you still need "boots on the ground".  This is cleaners, general maintenance (handyman), and also specialty trades (electric, plumbing, roof, etc).

If you are in a popular part of FL you should not have a problem finding these people who are used to going the extra mile to accommodate remote owners.

Chris Forbush · Answer

You're definitely going to need to hire a property manager to help you when you won't be onsite. Sadly, there are people who will steal things and no cameras will stop them. I'd ask around the area your property is located in. Talk with realtors, contractors, other investors, etc. and find a list of about five property managers. Prepare a list of questions you'd like to ask them all, and go with the one that seems best aligned with your goals.

Then, if they work out well for you, recommend other clients to them to thank them for helping you. This business as I've learned is really all about networking and taking good care of those who take care of you.

I hope you have great success and I look forward to learning what you've learned as you continue to grow your business.

remote managing an STR...how to deal with deliveries and supplies?

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