Managing toilet paper, paper towels, soap, batteries, sponges, dish pods, and more across dozens (or hundreds) of short-term rental properties in multiple states is no small feat. Yet at FIBI, it’s a seamless part of our operational engine. Our systems are designed to make sure every guest has what they need—without asking our investors to lift a finger.
While supply management might seem like a minor detail, poor execution here can lead to guest complaints, refund requests, and bad reviews that directly impact your bottom line. That’s why our process isn’t just “buy more supplies.” It’s a coordinated system that keeps our homes consistently stocked while controlling operational costs.
📦 Who Handles Supply Ordering? We Do. Period.
As a full-service short-term rental management company, FIBI handles 100% of guest consumable restocking. Property owners never need to worry about buying toilet paper, dropping off paper towels, or rushing to the store because the dish soap ran out.
Our team orders all guest-facing consumables—including:
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Hand soap
- Dish soap
- Dishwasher pods
- Trash bags
- Coffee supplies
- Brand-new sponges for every guest
- Batteries & lightbulbs
We also track seasonal needs and guest expectations, adjusting supply types and quantities based on the region, time of year, and property type. Our goal: keep guests comfortable and 5-star ready at all times.
🧼 Cleaners Provide Cleaning Supplies (We Don’t Send Them)
FIBI provides all the guest-facing items, but we require our third-party cleaners to supply their own cleaning materials. This includes:
- Vacuums
- Mops & brooms
- Disinfectants & sprays
- Microfiber cloths
- Specialty tools
This expectation ensures that cleaners remain self-sufficient and reduces logistical complications that would otherwise slow down turnover timelines or increase shipping costs.
You can read more about why we require this in Blog 7: Why Cleaners Bring Their Own Supplies (And Why It Matters).
🔁 How We Track Supply Inventory Across Markets
We use a hybrid system between our Cleaning Coordination Department and our cleaning vendors to monitor supply levels. Here’s how it works:
- At Every Turnover: Cleaners submit a quick cleaning form with photos or video of the space. That includes any supplies running low or missing.
- Cleaner Feedback: Cleaners let us know in the form which supplies they’re low on—allowing us to re-order proactively before it becomes a guest issue
- Auditing the Footage: Our internal team reviews documentation and flags missing items (no sponge in the kitchen? Roll of toilet paper not visible? We catch it).
- Automated Reorders: Supplies are shipped directly to the cleaner or to a centralized address, depending on the setup for that market.
This system allows us to restock on time, minimize waste, and avoid both overspending and under-stocking.
📉 Why Inventory Management Helps You Earn More
Here’s the link many managers miss: supply management is a revenue-protecting tool. When a guest checks in and finds no toilet paper, no paper towels, or a used sponge in the sink, that experience creates immediate dissatisfaction—leading to:
- Bad reviews
- Refund requests
- Reduced occupancy
- Lower nightly rates
By contrast, when your property is always guest-ready with the right supplies, reviews go up, cancellations go down, and pricing power increases.
That’s why our supply systems are directly connected to our broader goal: maximizing revenue while creating a hands-off experience for our investors.
