After 3 nights...

Ugh, this couple has been staying for the last 3 nights. I saw them a few times and, like I do, I asked them every morning if there was something that I could do for them or if they needed anything. "No, everything is nice."
Tonight, we talked about the chickens for quite a long time, when she suddenly jumps up and says "please come inside, I would like to show you something." She shows me a dirty plate and silver wear.
Thinking to myself -Ummm, yes, you have been in here for 3 nights, I see food everywhere, what do you want me to say? She complained that there was a less than shiny plate and some spotty silver wear in the kitchen.
After 3 nights? She cooked in there. Now she tells me that it was like that when she moved in? I said that I was sorry if this was like that when she moved in, and I asked her what she wanted me to do about that. She said "well, I will let you think about it and we will see what you come up with"
I don't think that I will think about it now that she said this to me.
Whaaaaat? I am stumped. If I had moved into a cottage and had found dishes to look questionable, I would either have washed them or complained right away. I am totally getting more upset as I type this post.

I would just trade them out with something that is shiny and not think about it again. My aunt would say "They are just looking for an excuse not to tip."

How ridiculous! Are the dishes in your cottage even washed by you? In our cottage the dishes are washed by the guests. We have a sign in the kitchen that's required by our health department saying that the dishes have been washed, but if they would like them sanitized, please speak with the innkeeper. Never once have we had someone complain.
All you can do is apologize and offer to clean them. No big deal.

I'd be upset too if someone took that attitude with me. If she brings it up say you wish she had mentioned it when you first asked so you could have done something about it.

I do not think getting upset about people with issues is healthy. It is a business with a myriad of clients. It is an educational opportunity to improve the process.
If you can determine how it happened, fix the process as best as possible.

After 3 nights - how are you to know if it was there when they arrived OR is it one of the plates THEY used?
IF/WHEN she brings it up, tell her you perhaps need to include a better dish washing sponge.
Caveat - it could have been in the stack of dishes and she just got to it. It is her attitude that gets ones back up. What does she think you are going to do - comp their stay because of a dirty dish?

We don't do the dishes in the cottages, and like you DB, the guests wash them. I have never had a complaint about any of this; however, I will change the way "we do business" and make dang sure that every piece of china will be looked at before we let someone in.
She came to the office this morning and informed me that they would be leaving today, they didn't need the 4th night. I knew that to begin with, so it had nothing to do with the dirty plate.
She included some smarta$$ remark at her goodbye by saying " now you have half a day to bring the china up to par". All I could do was smile at her and show her the bird in my mind.
And may I add, I am somewhat of a germaphobe - I would never take anyone's word for it. I would wash every dish and piece of silverware before ever using it. But that's just me

Iris said:

We don't do the dishes in the cottages, and like you DB, the guests wash them. I have never had a complaint about any of this; however, I will change the way "we do business" and make dang sure that every piece of china will be looked at before we let someone in.
She came to the office this morning and informed me that they would be leaving today, they didn't need the 4th night. I knew that to begin with, so it had nothing to do with the dirty plate.
She included some smarta$$ remark at her goodbye by saying " now you have half a day to bring the china up to par". All I could do was smile at her and show her the bird in my mind.
And may I add, I am somewhat of a germaphobe - I would never take anyone's word for it. I would wash every dish and piece of silverware before ever using it. But that's just me .

Click to expand...

One of the reasons I like cheap sets like Corelle or Glass. Durable and inexpensive enough to replace at a whim.
Now, if I could only get people to stop stealing forks and spoons.

Baby Puss said:

Iris said:

We don't do the dishes in the cottages, and like you DB, the guests wash them. I have never had a complaint about any of this; however, I will change the way "we do business" and make dang sure that every piece of china will be looked at before we let someone in.
She came to the office this morning and informed me that they would be leaving today, they didn't need the 4th night. I knew that to begin with, so it had nothing to do with the dirty plate.
She included some smarta$$ remark at her goodbye by saying " now you have half a day to bring the china up to par". All I could do was smile at her and show her the bird in my mind.
And may I add, I am somewhat of a germaphobe - I would never take anyone's word for it. I would wash every dish and piece of silverware before ever using it. But that's just me .

Click to expand...

One of the reasons I like cheap sets like Corelle or Glass. Durable and inexpensive enough to replace at a whim.
Now, if I could only get people to stop stealing forks and spoons.
.

Click to expand...

aww Use plastic forks they will stay! for sure. LOL Class or..... common. Our loss is pairing knives.

I have one room with a kitchenette and if the guests used the dishes I take them all to my main kitchen and run through the dishwasher just to be safe. Sometimes the guests wash them but they do not get them clean enough or there are smudges.

Iris said:

We don't do the dishes in the cottages, and like you DB, the guests wash them. I have never had a complaint about any of this; however, I will change the way "we do business" and make dang sure that every piece of china will be looked at before we let someone in.
She came to the office this morning and informed me that they would be leaving today, they didn't need the 4th night. I knew that to begin with, so it had nothing to do with the dirty plate.
She included some smarta$$ remark at her goodbye by saying " now you have half a day to bring the china up to par". All I could do was smile at her and show her the bird in my mind.
And may I add, I am somewhat of a germaphobe - I would never take anyone's word for it. I would wash every dish and piece of silverware before ever using it. But that's just me .

Click to expand...

Ooh sassy comeback time. Hold me back. What a bitch.

Flower said:

Baby Puss said:

Iris said:

We don't do the dishes in the cottages, and like you DB, the guests wash them. I have never had a complaint about any of this; however, I will change the way "we do business" and make dang sure that every piece of china will be looked at before we let someone in.
She came to the office this morning and informed me that they would be leaving today, they didn't need the 4th night. I knew that to begin with, so it had nothing to do with the dirty plate.
She included some smarta$$ remark at her goodbye by saying " now you have half a day to bring the china up to par". All I could do was smile at her and show her the bird in my mind.
And may I add, I am somewhat of a germaphobe - I would never take anyone's word for it. I would wash every dish and piece of silverware before ever using it. But that's just me .

Click to expand...

One of the reasons I like cheap sets like Corelle or Glass. Durable and inexpensive enough to replace at a whim.
Now, if I could only get people to stop stealing forks and spoons.
.

Click to expand...

aww Use plastic forks they will stay! for sure. LOL Class or..... common. Our loss is pairing knives.
.

Click to expand...

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!

Baby Puss said:

Flower said:

Baby Puss said:

Iris said:

We don't do the dishes in the cottages, and like you DB, the guests wash them. I have never had a complaint about any of this; however, I will change the way "we do business" and make dang sure that every piece of china will be looked at before we let someone in.
She came to the office this morning and informed me that they would be leaving today, they didn't need the 4th night. I knew that to begin with, so it had nothing to do with the dirty plate.
She included some smarta$$ remark at her goodbye by saying " now you have half a day to bring the china up to par". All I could do was smile at her and show her the bird in my mind.
And may I add, I am somewhat of a germaphobe - I would never take anyone's word for it. I would wash every dish and piece of silverware before ever using it. But that's just me .

Click to expand...

One of the reasons I like cheap sets like Corelle or Glass. Durable and inexpensive enough to replace at a whim.
Now, if I could only get people to stop stealing forks and spoons.
.

Click to expand...

aww Use plastic forks they will stay! for sure. LOL Class or..... common. Our loss is pairing knives.
.

Click to expand...

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!
.

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!

Click to expand...

Ha! how about pillows, yes, another batch of pillows gone and their pillows from home have made their way into my pillow cases. Magic

Iris said:

Baby Puss said:

Flower said:

Baby Puss said:

Iris said:

We don't do the dishes in the cottages, and like you DB, the guests wash them. I have never had a complaint about any of this; however, I will change the way "we do business" and make dang sure that every piece of china will be looked at before we let someone in.
She came to the office this morning and informed me that they would be leaving today, they didn't need the 4th night. I knew that to begin with, so it had nothing to do with the dirty plate.
She included some smarta$$ remark at her goodbye by saying " now you have half a day to bring the china up to par". All I could do was smile at her and show her the bird in my mind.
And may I add, I am somewhat of a germaphobe - I would never take anyone's word for it. I would wash every dish and piece of silverware before ever using it. But that's just me .

Click to expand...

One of the reasons I like cheap sets like Corelle or Glass. Durable and inexpensive enough to replace at a whim.
Now, if I could only get people to stop stealing forks and spoons.
.

Click to expand...

aww Use plastic forks they will stay! for sure. LOL Class or..... common. Our loss is pairing knives.
.

Click to expand...

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!
.

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!

Click to expand...

Ha! how about pillows, yes, another batch of pillows gone and their pillows from home have made their way into my pillow cases. Magic
.

Click to expand...

You need a sign: These pillows may be purchased for $XX. Any pillows found in pillowcases that are NOT our pillows will be billed $XX + $10 service fee. (Your shopping time must be worth at least that if not more.)

gillumhouse said:

Iris said:

Baby Puss said:

Flower said:

Baby Puss said:

Iris said:

We don't do the dishes in the cottages, and like you DB, the guests wash them. I have never had a complaint about any of this; however, I will change the way "we do business" and make dang sure that every piece of china will be looked at before we let someone in.
She came to the office this morning and informed me that they would be leaving today, they didn't need the 4th night. I knew that to begin with, so it had nothing to do with the dirty plate.
She included some smarta$$ remark at her goodbye by saying " now you have half a day to bring the china up to par". All I could do was smile at her and show her the bird in my mind.
And may I add, I am somewhat of a germaphobe - I would never take anyone's word for it. I would wash every dish and piece of silverware before ever using it. But that's just me .

Click to expand...

One of the reasons I like cheap sets like Corelle or Glass. Durable and inexpensive enough to replace at a whim.
Now, if I could only get people to stop stealing forks and spoons.
.

Click to expand...

aww Use plastic forks they will stay! for sure. LOL Class or..... common. Our loss is pairing knives.
.

Click to expand...

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!
.

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!

Click to expand...

Ha! how about pillows, yes, another batch of pillows gone and their pillows from home have made their way into my pillow cases. Magic
.

Click to expand...

You need a sign: These pillows may be purchased for $XX. Any pillows found in pillowcases that are NOT our pillows will be billed $XX + $10 service fee. (Your shopping time must be worth at least that if not more.)
.

Click to expand...

gillumhouse said:

You need a sign: These pillows may be purchased for $XX. Any pillows found in pillowcases that are NOT our pillows will be billed $XX + $10 service fee. (Your shopping time must be worth at least that if not more.)

Click to expand...

Yes, something like: Love our pillows? Take them home! For $xx each. Please check at the office for brand new, unused pillows!

Iris said:

Baby Puss said:

Flower said:

Baby Puss said:

Iris said:

We don't do the dishes in the cottages, and like you DB, the guests wash them. I have never had a complaint about any of this; however, I will change the way "we do business" and make dang sure that every piece of china will be looked at before we let someone in.
She came to the office this morning and informed me that they would be leaving today, they didn't need the 4th night. I knew that to begin with, so it had nothing to do with the dirty plate.
She included some smarta$$ remark at her goodbye by saying " now you have half a day to bring the china up to par". All I could do was smile at her and show her the bird in my mind.
And may I add, I am somewhat of a germaphobe - I would never take anyone's word for it. I would wash every dish and piece of silverware before ever using it. But that's just me .

Click to expand...

One of the reasons I like cheap sets like Corelle or Glass. Durable and inexpensive enough to replace at a whim.
Now, if I could only get people to stop stealing forks and spoons.
.

Click to expand...

aww Use plastic forks they will stay! for sure. LOL Class or..... common. Our loss is pairing knives.
.

Click to expand...

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!
.

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!

Click to expand...

Ha! how about pillows, yes, another batch of pillows gone and their pillows from home have made their way into my pillow cases. Magic
.

Click to expand...

Take a black marker and write your name on the pillow, then wash and dry, so it won't stain. Put it back into the pillow protector. They should stay longer.

gillumhouse said:

Iris said:

Baby Puss said:

Flower said:

Baby Puss said:

Iris said:

We don't do the dishes in the cottages, and like you DB, the guests wash them. I have never had a complaint about any of this; however, I will change the way "we do business" and make dang sure that every piece of china will be looked at before we let someone in.
She came to the office this morning and informed me that they would be leaving today, they didn't need the 4th night. I knew that to begin with, so it had nothing to do with the dirty plate.
She included some smarta$$ remark at her goodbye by saying " now you have half a day to bring the china up to par". All I could do was smile at her and show her the bird in my mind.
And may I add, I am somewhat of a germaphobe - I would never take anyone's word for it. I would wash every dish and piece of silverware before ever using it. But that's just me .

Click to expand...

One of the reasons I like cheap sets like Corelle or Glass. Durable and inexpensive enough to replace at a whim.
Now, if I could only get people to stop stealing forks and spoons.
.

Click to expand...

aww Use plastic forks they will stay! for sure. LOL Class or..... common. Our loss is pairing knives.
.

Click to expand...

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!
.

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!

Click to expand...

Ha! how about pillows, yes, another batch of pillows gone and their pillows from home have made their way into my pillow cases. Magic
.

Click to expand...

You need a sign: These pillows may be purchased for $XX. Any pillows found in pillowcases that are NOT our pillows will be billed $XX + $10 service fee. (Your shopping time must be worth at least that if not more.)
.

Click to expand...

And to think, they are nothing special. I gave up on buying special pillows a long time ago.
I am just stumped and so surprised at people. You would think they are low lives. Well they might be but they drive swanky cars, wear expensive clothing, are professionals

gillumhouse said:

Iris said:

Baby Puss said:

Flower said:

Baby Puss said:

Iris said:

We don't do the dishes in the cottages, and like you DB, the guests wash them. I have never had a complaint about any of this; however, I will change the way "we do business" and make dang sure that every piece of china will be looked at before we let someone in.
She came to the office this morning and informed me that they would be leaving today, they didn't need the 4th night. I knew that to begin with, so it had nothing to do with the dirty plate.
She included some smarta$$ remark at her goodbye by saying " now you have half a day to bring the china up to par". All I could do was smile at her and show her the bird in my mind.
And may I add, I am somewhat of a germaphobe - I would never take anyone's word for it. I would wash every dish and piece of silverware before ever using it. But that's just me .

Click to expand...

One of the reasons I like cheap sets like Corelle or Glass. Durable and inexpensive enough to replace at a whim.
Now, if I could only get people to stop stealing forks and spoons.
.

Click to expand...

aww Use plastic forks they will stay! for sure. LOL Class or..... common. Our loss is pairing knives.
.

Click to expand...

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!
.

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!

Click to expand...

Ha! how about pillows, yes, another batch of pillows gone and their pillows from home have made their way into my pillow cases. Magic
.

Click to expand...

You need a sign: These pillows may be purchased for $XX. Any pillows found in pillowcases that are NOT our pillows will be billed $XX + $10 service fee. (Your shopping time must be worth at least that if not more.)
.

Click to expand...

Yes ! Yes By George I think that is a good one.

Iris said:

gillumhouse said:

Iris said:

Baby Puss said:

Flower said:

Baby Puss said:

Iris said:

We don't do the dishes in the cottages, and like you DB, the guests wash them. I have never had a complaint about any of this; however, I will change the way "we do business" and make dang sure that every piece of china will be looked at before we let someone in.
She came to the office this morning and informed me that they would be leaving today, they didn't need the 4th night. I knew that to begin with, so it had nothing to do with the dirty plate.
She included some smarta$$ remark at her goodbye by saying " now you have half a day to bring the china up to par". All I could do was smile at her and show her the bird in my mind.
And may I add, I am somewhat of a germaphobe - I would never take anyone's word for it. I would wash every dish and piece of silverware before ever using it. But that's just me .

Click to expand...

One of the reasons I like cheap sets like Corelle or Glass. Durable and inexpensive enough to replace at a whim.
Now, if I could only get people to stop stealing forks and spoons.
.

Click to expand...

aww Use plastic forks they will stay! for sure. LOL Class or..... common. Our loss is pairing knives.
.

Click to expand...

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!
.

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!

Click to expand...

Ha! how about pillows, yes, another batch of pillows gone and their pillows from home have made their way into my pillow cases. Magic
.

Click to expand...

You need a sign: These pillows may be purchased for $XX. Any pillows found in pillowcases that are NOT our pillows will be billed $XX + $10 service fee. (Your shopping time must be worth at least that if not more.)
.

Click to expand...

And to think, they are nothing special. I gave up on buying special pillows a long time ago.
I am just stumped and so surprised at people. You would think they are low lives. Well they might be but they drive swanky cars, wear expensive clothing, are professionals
.

Click to expand...

As long as a pillow is washable (some of the new ones aren't) you can soak it in a tub of dish soap (so that the soap mats the fibers). Then wash. Dry in the dryer with some tennis balls. They should come back pretty well. Heck, they might want to steal them back the next time.
Stolen from XXXX B&B is also nice to write on the pillows. Means they have to get a thick pillow protector to hide their thievery. (Write on both sides and put a thick pillow protector.... of course then they may steal the pillow protector as well.)

Baby Puss said:

Iris said:

gillumhouse said:

Iris said:

Baby Puss said:

Flower said:

Baby Puss said:

Iris said:

We don't do the dishes in the cottages, and like you DB, the guests wash them. I have never had a complaint about any of this; however, I will change the way "we do business" and make dang sure that every piece of china will be looked at before we let someone in.
She came to the office this morning and informed me that they would be leaving today, they didn't need the 4th night. I knew that to begin with, so it had nothing to do with the dirty plate.
She included some smarta$$ remark at her goodbye by saying " now you have half a day to bring the china up to par". All I could do was smile at her and show her the bird in my mind.
And may I add, I am somewhat of a germaphobe - I would never take anyone's word for it. I would wash every dish and piece of silverware before ever using it. But that's just me .

Click to expand...

One of the reasons I like cheap sets like Corelle or Glass. Durable and inexpensive enough to replace at a whim.
Now, if I could only get people to stop stealing forks and spoons.
.

Click to expand...

aww Use plastic forks they will stay! for sure. LOL Class or..... common. Our loss is pairing knives.
.

Click to expand...

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!
.

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

I'm so out of teaspoons that it's not even funny!

Click to expand...

Ha! how about pillows, yes, another batch of pillows gone and their pillows from home have made their way into my pillow cases. Magic
.

Click to expand...

You need a sign: These pillows may be purchased for $XX. Any pillows found in pillowcases that are NOT our pillows will be billed $XX + $10 service fee. (Your shopping time must be worth at least that if not more.)
.

Click to expand...

And to think, they are nothing special. I gave up on buying special pillows a long time ago.
I am just stumped and so surprised at people. You would think they are low lives. Well they might be but they drive swanky cars, wear expensive clothing, are professionals
.

Click to expand...

As long as a pillow is washable (some of the new ones aren't) you can soak it in a tub of dish soap (so that the soap mats the fibers). Then wash. Dry in the dryer with some tennis balls. They should come back pretty well. Heck, they might want to steal them back the next time.
Stolen from XXXX B&B is also nice to write on the pillows. Means they have to get a thick pillow protector to hide their thievery. (Write on both sides and put a thick pillow protector.... of course then they may steal the pillow protector as well.)
.

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

As long as a pillow is washable (some of the new ones aren't) you can soak it in a tub of dish soap (so that the soap mats the fibers). Then wash. Dry in the dryer with some tennis balls. They should come back pretty well. Heck, they might want to steal them back the next time.
Stolen from XXXX B&B is also nice to write on the pillows. Means they have to get a thick pillow protector to hide their thievery. (Write on both sides and put a thick pillow protector.... of course then they may steal the pillow protector as well.)

Click to expand...

heheh