Is it OK to sell hotel toiletries on eBay?

tain

Pretty sure that tiny/small B&Bs that are struggling aren't going to be providing anything that stands any chance of being sold on Ebay to anyone.


By the very nature of this dilemma, the hotel must easily be able to afford to supply the toiletries because it's only the expensive hotels that are going to be supplying anything that would make more than a few pence on Ebay.

c-m

It makes not difference to the hotel if you use them or take them. Either way they can't re-use them for new guests.

Any open bottles would need to be thrown away.

Why on earth someone would want to sell or buy them though I don't know. you can get 1l of shampoo from ASDA for next to nothing and it's quality will be just as dire as those hotel bottles.

Places like Travel lodge do not supply toiletries, and many hotels have on the wall dispensers.

MamanDavies

I have holiday cottages and provide "complimentary" toiletries. So far this year I have had "removed because complimentary". 3 John Lewis white hand towels, 2 similar bath towels. 2 square pillow cases. Cups, teaspoons, kitchen knives, grill pan handle, porcelain toiletry holder, hand towel rail. Soap always goes missing, each is individually wrapped, so if left can be used again. I cannot get any form of recompense so as to prove who took them is almost impossible. If I could find any of them on eBay I would prosecute. So to all of you who think you have "paid" for them YOU HAVE NOT!

simonp

MamanDavies wrote: »

I have holiday cottages and provide "complimentary" toiletries. So far this year I have had "removed because complimentary". 3 John Lewis white hand towels, 2 similar bath towels. 2 square pillow cases. Cups, teaspoons, kitchen knives, grill pan handle, porcelain toiletry holder, hand towel rail. Soap always goes missing, each is individually wrapped, so if left can be used again. I cannot get any form of recompense so as to prove who took them is almost impossible. If I could find any of them on eBay I would prosecute. So to all of you who think you have "paid" for them YOU HAVE NOT!

To clarify we're talking about soaps and shampoos not towels and pillow cases - that's obviously quite different.

Plus you would have no hope 'prosecuting' anybody! Hope I never get to stay in one of your properties.

tain

Eliz22 wrote: »

If you have part used the toiletries and you take them with you to finish off then I think that's great. I hate to see useable stuff being thrown out, but if you take unused toiletries purely to sell, that is stealing in my eyes. If every guest took all the new toiletries then the cost of all those extra items would be added to everyone's hotel charges, so we all loose out.

Thankfully, the law doesn't operate through your eyes.

It's getting a little frustrating people banding 'theft' around a lot. It's NOT theft - theft isn't subjective, it's a defined criminal term.

However, it may be very immoral, and could have consequences beyond just the hotel having to pay out more (prices go up for everyone else, questions being asked of cleaners, etc.)

justjohn

Next time you go to a restaurant, Would it be ok to take the ketchup/salt and pepper?


then flog it ?? lol


oh and napkins they are always plentiful at a restaurant's.

nancybetty

Instead of making a little bit of money for yourself why not do what people in our local village do?

They donate soap, shampoo etc from hotels to our local food bank box in our church, after all it's not just food that these people need. That way it's a win win situation for everybody.

TBagpuss

MamanDavies wrote: »

I have holiday cottages and provide "complimentary" toiletries. So far this year I have had "removed because complimentary". 3 John Lewis white hand towels, 2 similar bath towels. 2 square pillow cases. Cups, teaspoons, kitchen knives, grill pan handle, porcelain toiletry holder, hand towel rail. Soap always goes missing, each is individually wrapped, so if left can be used again. I cannot get any form of recompense so as to prove who took them is almost impossible. If I could find any of them on eBay I would prosecute. So to all of you who think you have "paid" for them YOU HAVE NOT!

Towels and pillowcases etc are different, and you could consider doing as many hotels do, and adding something to your terms stating that those items are for sale, and listing what you would charge, and state that people are welcome to take them in which case they will be billed. Presumably you have provisions in the rental agreement about losses or breakages - if not, you need to add them. I don't understand how you don't know who is responsible - presumably the cottages are checked and cleaned between each set of visitors - if the towels are there when family A get the keys and not when the cottage is cleaned at the end of their holiday, then those are the people responsible either for taking the items, or for losing them.

With soap, I'm not clear how you know people are taking this as opposed to opening and using it?

TBagpuss

OP - if you take the unopened mini toiletries and use your own I don't think you are doing anything wrong - however, I would be surprised if it were cost effective. Additionally, if you are staying in the hotel on business there could be an issue as to whether you are entitled to profit from the employer paying for your hotel.

hidbehindthesofa

Well - this beggars belief !

Its one thing nicking stuff from hotels for your own use - but to nick it with the sole purpose of selling it on is a very unfortunate reflection of certain elements of society.

I can only assume such purveyors are registered as self employed and pay tax on the profit from their ill-gotten gains !