All Forum Posts by: Jon Martin

Beautiful machine! Not sure if I would want one in an STR though with so many parts, not knowing how to use it, potential for mess etc

I have an automatic machine that grinds the coffee, packs and dispenses. Makes an amazing shot of espresso, and pretty much idiot proof so long as you have your cleaner stay on top of the cleaning and maintenance. Even then I'm not sure I would ever put one in an STR.

I don't. I supply 2.5 oz shrink wrapped packages of ground coffee instead. As long as you have some kind of coffee I think most people are happy. 

If you purchase online, find a retailer that has the delivery window at the point of purchase. Then you should be able to narrow it down to a closer date afterwards. You should only have to do this with the largest items- mainly couches/chairs and dining sets. With everything else, Amazon can give you a fairly exact delivery date. 

Once you have those dates nailed down, have your setup team at the house opening the rest of the boxes and setting things up, that way you have someone to receive the delivery who is not just getting paid to wait around. 

ABNB and VRBO absolutely, but never felt the need to go with Booking. I have heard that it is great for European guests but that's not my target market. I have heard they are even worse than the aforementioned when it comes to caving into guests and refunds, although I can't speak to that from experience. 

As a consumer I always found the Booking platform to be especially clunky and outdated. 

 Imagine what our grandparents paid for TVs relative to their income, for a 12" BW box inside a cabinet that weighed 300 pounds, especially in today dollars . .. . 

AirDNA ran an analysis and Washer/Dryer units rented out at a higher daily rate and occupancy than those without. 

Dishwasher may not be a requirement but it certainly makes things easier for your guests and especially your cleaners. If guests leave a bunch of dirty dishes behind (which is more likely without a dishwasher) it could really bottleneck your turnovers. 

Is this for the guests to use or for your cleaners?

For guests, if it checks the "W/D" box then whatever fits will be fine, I don't think there is a true minimum. If anything machines get more expensive if they are smaller than that because it's more of a niche market. A solid chunk of guests will never use it anyways. 

If this is for your cleaners to use, then you will need something big, especially if you have more than 2 bedrooms. 
 

Good advice above on what's worth spending money on. If you buy junk then yes, you might only get 2-3 years (at best). Buy quality and it will last much longer. 

One hill I will die on is optimizing for minimal assembly. The time you spend (or pay someone) to assemble eats into the savings, plus these items tend to be lower quality to begin with. More parts means more failure points that wear and separate over time, especially stuff that is constantly moved and sat/slept on. 

For dining chairs, web restaurant store has some really nice fully welded metal chairs that are a single piece aside from the seat and back panels. Pretty much last forever and average out to $75 a piece. 

Yes, and separate bank accounts as well, or at least sub-accounts. Especially if you have partners. You will get accustomed to using certain cards for certain properties, unless you are the type of person who struggles with that. 

Once you are setup you will not be using credit cards too often. Put the bills on autopay directly to that card or direct debit from the checking account. 

Congrats on the purchase @Marc Shin! I would avoid Ikea or Wal Mart, the durability over time is poor and you will spend a lot of time (and/or money paying for help) assembling and unpacking the items. Sam's Club might have some OK couches but probably a more dated look. Avoid Wayfair as well, they are simply a middle man/drop shipper and they often 2-3X+ the price and have the other company ship it to you. 

Castlery and Article have very nice couches and chairs without breaking the bank. Them along with Pottery Barn and Joss & Main are good for dressers and nightstands, which IMO are the toughest to shop for. Most of the remainder of what you need can be found on Amazon. 

Good luck with your setup and launch!