Linen is an essential aspect of running a successful holiday rental business. As a property owner, you have two options: you can either hire linen or supply it yourself. Both options come with their own pros and cons, and it’s important to consider each one carefully before making a decision.
Pros of Hiring Linen:
No Initial Cost Outlay: Hiring linen eliminates the need for an initial investment, as you only pay for the services on a per-use basis.
Professional Laundry Services: Hiring a commercial laundry service ensures that your linen will be cleaned and ironed to a high standard, giving your guests a more pleasant experience.
Convenient: Hiring linen is a convenient option as you don’t have to worry about storing and maintaining it between guests.
Cons of Hiring Linen:
Limited Choice: Hiring linen typically comes with a standard set of bedding and towels, which limits your choice in design and style.
Dependent on Availability: Hiring linen is dependent on availability, and there may be times when the service is not available, which could result in delays and inconvenience.
No Control Over Quality: Hiring linen means that you have no control over the quality of the products you receive, and it’s possible that the linen may not be up to the standard you expect.
Pros of Supplying Your Own Linen:
More Choice in Design: Supplying your own linen gives you the freedom to choose the designs, styles, and quality of the products you offer your guests.
Cost Effective: In the long run, buying your own linen can be cost-effective as you will not be paying for the services of a commercial laundry on a per-use basis.
Control Over Quality: Supplying your own linen gives you complete control over the quality of the products you offer your guests.
Cons of Supplying Your Own Linen:
Initial Cost Outlay: Supplying your own linen requires an initial investment, which can be a significant cost for a holiday rental business.
Storage: If you have multiple properties, storing and maintaining the linen between guests can become an issue.
Maintenance: Supplying your own linen requires you to have systems in place for ensuring that clean linen arrives in time for the cleaning team and that dirty linen is returned for washing.
In conclusion, there is no one size fits all for a short-term rental business. Often, geographical locations can limit the options you have, for example, a rural property vs. a property located in a city. Ultimately, the choice between hiring and supplying your own linen will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Careful consideration of the pros and cons of both options will help you make the right decision for your holiday rental business.
