Mark Your Calendars... We Have a First at Our Inn....

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Everyone get out your calendars, yesterday marks the day that we had our first tissue theft! And today marks the second.... Yes, I know, it may not be the first for everyone, but almost 20 years of business, 5 years at this location, it is our very first.
We had a long discussion between ourselves relating to when to put out the special holiday boxes. I bought a package of 8 of them and they are small boxes, so I didn't want to put them too early so that they were gone by the holiday. So, I put them out only on the 23rd. I collected the regular tissue boxes and put out the holiday ones on the afternoon of the 23rd.
In the last years, not one boxes was taken. Emptied by usage, but never taken. Heck, we even had one lovely couple actually REPLACE the used box. But never, ever stolen!
 
Stolen, you mean took it for the road?
Do you consider that theft?
 
Joey Bloggs said:
Stolen, you mean took it for the road?
Do you consider that theft?.
Click to expand...
Personally... absolutely! It's part of the amenities. It's not a personal sized, it's hundreds of tissues in a box. It's intended for use in the room. And since no one has EVER taken it before, I would think that it's pretty common to think of it as something you use while there, like the towels, the glasses, the slippers, the corkscrew. (And I would never take something like that without asking permission. Heck, I won't take fruit from the table without permission.)
Almost 20 years of doing B&B and never has anyone ever taken a single box until now. (And it's officially three boxes, in total).
 
Sugar Bear said:
Joey Bloggs said:
Stolen, you mean took it for the road?
Do you consider that theft?.
Click to expand...
Personally... absolutely! It's part of the amenities. It's not a personal sized, it's hundreds of tissues in a box. It's intended for use in the room. And since no one has EVER taken it before, I would think that it's pretty common to think of it as something you use while there, like the towels, the glasses, the slippers, the corkscrew. (And I would never take something like that without asking permission. Heck, I won't take fruit from the table without permission.)
Almost 20 years of doing B&B and never has anyone ever taken a single box until now. (And it's officially three boxes, in total).
.
Click to expand...
Oh. Better nail them down, like they do in hotels in those built in holders...ha
I learned many moons ago in an office environment to buy the PUFFS tissues as they have lotion in them. I found that those "glasses-wearing" office mates were the ones who kept using all my tissues. Once I changed the box lasted forever. I asked them, they said it smears our glasses...
Just a piece of useless trivia today, you know I am full of it. (STOP, I know what you are about to say Sugah B)
shades_smile.gif

 
How cute! You buy special holiday tissues! I'm putting that on the list for next year!
We've had quite a few boxes go walking. We have 2 in each room. No empties in the trash but also only one box in the room.
I have offered sick guests to just take the dang box with them rather than snuffling along looking for a store. I've reached into the cupboard and handed them a full box. Just get out of the house before I catch it!!!
It's annoying when someone thinks it's ok to just walk off with whatever wasn't stocked to be walked off with. Like mugs. Take the pens! Leave the mugs unless you buy them!
BTW, we just ordered shower caps. We have had a couple of blue haired grannies tell us they don't wash their hair everyday and they are used to finding shower caps in hotels. We have replaced those dang shower caps in every room everyday! I KNOW they are going home to be used for covering leftovers. That's what my mom does with them.
 
Joey Bloggs said:
Sugar Bear said:
Joey Bloggs said:
Stolen, you mean took it for the road?
Do you consider that theft?.
Click to expand...
Personally... absolutely! It's part of the amenities. It's not a personal sized, it's hundreds of tissues in a box. It's intended for use in the room. And since no one has EVER taken it before, I would think that it's pretty common to think of it as something you use while there, like the towels, the glasses, the slippers, the corkscrew. (And I would never take something like that without asking permission. Heck, I won't take fruit from the table without permission.)
Almost 20 years of doing B&B and never has anyone ever taken a single box until now. (And it's officially three boxes, in total).
.
Click to expand...
Oh. Better nail them down, like they do in hotels in those built in holders...ha
I learned many moons ago in an office environment to buy the PUFFS tissues as they have lotion in them. I found that those "glasses-wearing" office mates were the ones who kept using all my tissues. Once I changed the box lasted forever. I asked them, they said it smears our glasses...
Just a piece of useless trivia today, you know I am full of it. (STOP, I know what you are about to say Sugah B)
shades_smile.gif

.
Click to expand...
But, not going to nail them down.... but I hope this isn't a new trend either. I have enough trouble keeping them in stock in the winter.... or when there are teenage boys :)
 
Madeleine said:
How cute! You buy special holiday tissues! I'm putting that on the list for next year!
We've had quite a few boxes go walking. We have 2 in each room. No empties in the trash but also only one box in the room.
I have offered sick guests to just take the dang box with them rather than snuffling along looking for a store. I've reached into the cupboard and handed them a full box. Just get out of the house before I catch it!!!
It's annoying when someone thinks it's ok to just walk off with whatever wasn't stocked to be walked off with. Like mugs. Take the pens! Leave the mugs unless you buy them!
BTW, we just ordered shower caps. We have had a couple of blue haired grannies tell us they don't wash their hair everyday and they are used to finding shower caps in hotels. We have replaced those dang shower caps in every room everyday! I KNOW they are going home to be used for covering leftovers. That's what my mom does with them..
Click to expand...
The trick with shower caps is to get them as CHEAP as possible. You can get a shipment from the PRC for 10c a piece. 300 for $30. A few cheaper, like 9c
Well, I guess you know now to only put them in the room at the last minute... last year they were still there after New Years.
 
Sugar Bear said:
Madeleine said:
How cute! You buy special holiday tissues! I'm putting that on the list for next year!
We've had quite a few boxes go walking. We have 2 in each room. No empties in the trash but also only one box in the room.
I have offered sick guests to just take the dang box with them rather than snuffling along looking for a store. I've reached into the cupboard and handed them a full box. Just get out of the house before I catch it!!!
It's annoying when someone thinks it's ok to just walk off with whatever wasn't stocked to be walked off with. Like mugs. Take the pens! Leave the mugs unless you buy them!
BTW, we just ordered shower caps. We have had a couple of blue haired grannies tell us they don't wash their hair everyday and they are used to finding shower caps in hotels. We have replaced those dang shower caps in every room everyday! I KNOW they are going home to be used for covering leftovers. That's what my mom does with them..
Click to expand...
The trick with shower caps is to get them as CHEAP as possible. You can get a shipment from the PRC for 10c a piece. 300 for $30. A few cheaper, like 9c
Well, I guess you know now to only put them in the room at the last minute... last year they were still there after New Years.
.
Click to expand...
I'd put them in right after Thanksgiving. (Ours, not yours.) The most people could enjoy the festive look that way.
The wisest thing I ever did as a parent was to let my kids do their own laundry. We didn't have paper towels or tissues, just toilet paper. I never had to know... ;-)
 
we do shower caps but you have to ask - bought a box of 100 4 years ago, 100 shoe shine kits and 100 travel sewing kits - used about 10 sewing kits and 5 shower caps - in 4 years so not worried about it
 
Strangely, we've had two small soap pumps go missing in the last few weeks. One was New Years eve when friends-of-friends stayed with us after drinking a little too much at the bar we were all at. Luckily, our Inn is walking distance from the bar. But, how could we ask our new friends, who didn't have any bags or anything, if they took our soap? Very odd...
 
K9 said:
Strangely, we've had two small soap pumps go missing in the last few weeks. One was New Years eve when friends-of-friends stayed with us after drinking a little too much at the bar we were all at. Luckily, our Inn is walking distance from the bar. But, how could we ask our new friends, who didn't have any bags or anything, if they took our soap? Very odd....
Click to expand...
Look in unlikely places. Usually, when something goes "missing" we find it tucked in some out of the way location or covered with another object. Sometimes the alarm clock is in a kitchen drawer.
 
Silverspoon said:
K9 said:
Strangely, we've had two small soap pumps go missing in the last few weeks. One was New Years eve when friends-of-friends stayed with us after drinking a little too much at the bar we were all at. Luckily, our Inn is walking distance from the bar. But, how could we ask our new friends, who didn't have any bags or anything, if they took our soap? Very odd....
Click to expand...
Look in unlikely places. Usually, when something goes "missing" we find it tucked in some out of the way location or covered with another object. Sometimes the alarm clock is in a kitchen drawer.
.
Click to expand...
Silverspoon said:
Look in unlikely places.
Click to expand...
Yes. Every time I think to myself, well, those "nice" people stole my "whatever", I eventually find the whatever some place other than were it was supposed to be.
I'm sure this isn't the case with Sugar Bear's missing tissues, but I've been amazed at how often my mind immediately jumps to assuming the guest took it, and how often that turns out not to be the case.
 
I was reading this at the table while playing a game this evening. I asked the three across from me what they thought "Is it stealing to take a box of tissue from a guest room" I said, like in a hotel...
One said No way! The other said Yes! The third said, and I quote "Only if it was unopened"
To that I laughed, and said "My sentiments exactly!" ha ha and NO, the third was not related to me in any way.
 
ONE TIME I can recall these type things going walking, and I know for a fact who and why. Moving daughter into a dorm, so I know for a fact they took the hand soap and kleenex and the rest with them!
 
Arks said:
Silverspoon said:
K9 said:
Strangely, we've had two small soap pumps go missing in the last few weeks. One was New Years eve when friends-of-friends stayed with us after drinking a little too much at the bar we were all at. Luckily, our Inn is walking distance from the bar. But, how could we ask our new friends, who didn't have any bags or anything, if they took our soap? Very odd....
Click to expand...
Look in unlikely places. Usually, when something goes "missing" we find it tucked in some out of the way location or covered with another object. Sometimes the alarm clock is in a kitchen drawer.
.
Click to expand...
Silverspoon said:
Look in unlikely places.
Click to expand...
Yes. Every time I think to myself, well, those "nice" people stole my "whatever", I eventually find the whatever some place other than were it was supposed to be.
I'm sure this isn't the case with Sugar Bear's missing tissues, but I've been amazed at how often my mind immediately jumps to assuming the guest took it, and how often that turns out not to be the case.
.
Click to expand...
Arks said:
Silverspoon said:
Look in unlikely places.
Click to expand...
Yes. Every time I think to myself, well, those "nice" people stole my "whatever", I eventually find the whatever some place other than were it was supposed to be.
I'm sure this isn't the case with Sugar Bear's missing tissues, but I've been amazed at how often my mind immediately jumps to assuming the guest took it, and how often that turns out not to be the case.
Click to expand...
Ditto
 
Joey Bloggs said:
I was reading this at the table while playing a game this evening. I asked the three across from me what they thought "Is it stealing to take a box of tissue from a guest room" I said, like in a hotel...
One said No way! The other said Yes! The third said, and I quote "Only if it was unopened"
To that I laughed, and said "My sentiments exactly!" ha ha and NO, the third was not related to me in any way..
Click to expand...
I guess it depends on where you are from. The few that I have asked all said the same thing, did they ask? If they didn't, it's stealing, if they did, it's not. Then again, almost everyone I asked was either from this country or Europe. It may just be cultural. But I think the fact that in all the years of innkeeper no one has ever taken it... is a clear indication that innately people know that it's not theirs to take, especially considering that it was a very special box for the holidays.
 
Silverspoon said:
K9 said:
Strangely, we've had two small soap pumps go missing in the last few weeks. One was New Years eve when friends-of-friends stayed with us after drinking a little too much at the bar we were all at. Luckily, our Inn is walking distance from the bar. But, how could we ask our new friends, who didn't have any bags or anything, if they took our soap? Very odd....
Click to expand...
Look in unlikely places. Usually, when something goes "missing" we find it tucked in some out of the way location or covered with another object. Sometimes the alarm clock is in a kitchen drawer.
.
Click to expand...
Silverspoon said:
Look in unlikely places. Usually, when something goes "missing" we find it tucked in some out of the way location or covered with another object. Sometimes the alarm clock is in a kitchen drawer.
Click to expand...
I thought a hair dryer had taken a walk - thinking it got into the luggage inadvertently when my KIDS left. Went out and bought another - not a big deal item. Well several months later when straightening the "extra towels" on the shelf in that room found the hair dryer. It had slipped behind the stack of towels.
 
Sugar Bear said:
Joey Bloggs said:
I was reading this at the table while playing a game this evening. I asked the three across from me what they thought "Is it stealing to take a box of tissue from a guest room" I said, like in a hotel...
One said No way! The other said Yes! The third said, and I quote "Only if it was unopened"
To that I laughed, and said "My sentiments exactly!" ha ha and NO, the third was not related to me in any way..
Click to expand...
I guess it depends on where you are from. The few that I have asked all said the same thing, did they ask? If they didn't, it's stealing, if they did, it's not. Then again, almost everyone I asked was either from this country or Europe. It may just be cultural. But I think the fact that in all the years of innkeeper no one has ever taken it... is a clear indication that innately people know that it's not theirs to take, especially considering that it was a very special box for the holidays.
.
Click to expand...
Sugar Bear said:
I guess it depends on where you are from. The few that I have asked all said the same thing, did they ask? If they didn't, it's stealing, if they did, it's not. Then again, almost everyone I asked was either from this country or Europe. It may just be cultural. But I think the fact that in all the years of innkeeper no one has ever taken it... is a clear indication that innately people know that it's not theirs to take, especially considering that it was a very special box for the holidays.
Click to expand...
I guess the special box made it more noticeable. I think our kleenex had gone missing, most of the time they last forever, so I don't really care. Considering a box of tissue is under a dollar, it doesn't worry me. Your special box was different, I understand that.
Note- I just had to go back to the original subject to see if we are still talking about a box of tissues...okay we are.
shades_smile.gif

 
Joey Bloggs said:
Sugar Bear said:
Joey Bloggs said:
I was reading this at the table while playing a game this evening. I asked the three across from me what they thought "Is it stealing to take a box of tissue from a guest room" I said, like in a hotel...
One said No way! The other said Yes! The third said, and I quote "Only if it was unopened"
To that I laughed, and said "My sentiments exactly!" ha ha and NO, the third was not related to me in any way..
Click to expand...
I guess it depends on where you are from. The few that I have asked all said the same thing, did they ask? If they didn't, it's stealing, if they did, it's not. Then again, almost everyone I asked was either from this country or Europe. It may just be cultural. But I think the fact that in all the years of innkeeper no one has ever taken it... is a clear indication that innately people know that it's not theirs to take, especially considering that it was a very special box for the holidays.
.
Click to expand...
Sugar Bear said:
I guess it depends on where you are from. The few that I have asked all said the same thing, did they ask? If they didn't, it's stealing, if they did, it's not. Then again, almost everyone I asked was either from this country or Europe. It may just be cultural. But I think the fact that in all the years of innkeeper no one has ever taken it... is a clear indication that innately people know that it's not theirs to take, especially considering that it was a very special box for the holidays.
Click to expand...
I guess the special box made it more noticeable. I think our kleenex had gone missing, most of the time they last forever, so I don't really care. Considering a box of tissue is under a dollar, it doesn't worry me. Your special box was different, I understand that.
Note- I just had to go back to the original subject to see if we are still talking about a box of tissues...okay we are.
shades_smile.gif

.
Click to expand...
Yes, we are talking about a box of tissues. Normally 75c at most. These special boxes were well over $2 each and part of the holiday decor, if you like. Still, almost 2 decades and not one taken and then 3 in a matter of 2 days... but then again it was the members of the same family tree.
Had they asked, I would have given them a box of tissues (not those ones, since they were part of the decor.)
And to be 100% honest, I personally would feel shame if I took a box of tissue or even a roll of toilet paper from a hotel without asking. That's my upbringing, I guess.
 
K9 said:
Strangely, we've had two small soap pumps go missing in the last few weeks. One was New Years eve when friends-of-friends stayed with us after drinking a little too much at the bar we were all at. Luckily, our Inn is walking distance from the bar. But, how could we ask our new friends, who didn't have any bags or anything, if they took our soap? Very odd....
Click to expand...
K9 said:
Strangely, we've had two small soap pumps go missing in the last few weeks. One was New Years eve when friends-of-friends stayed with us after drinking a little too much at the bar we were all at. Luckily, our Inn is walking distance from the bar. But, how could we ask our new friends, who didn't have any bags or anything, if they took our soap? Very odd...
Click to expand...
Did you charge them for the room? Sounds like an unplanned extension of the party.
 

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