I recently helped a client set up a a home for a short term rental, one month to be exact. These jobs are quite simple to effect as the client usually has a property lined up and all I need to do is arrange the rental furniture, whitegoods and kitchenware.
On this occasion I used a different supplier than normal to access a 'cost effective' range of products and because this particular supplier could arrange delivery to the property in the two day window I had to get the porject done. All good. Friday came, I signed for the goods and the client received the items when he unlocked the property (as I could not be there at the same time). I went to the property the following morning to see an elated client due to the fact the job had been on time and budget. I installed a few pieces and set the kitchenware. We then arranged a collection date for the rentals and parted company.
The month flew past (as they tend to do) and I went back to the property to collect everything from my inventory that I had dropped off and everything was there and fine. The furniture hire company collected theirs and everything was fine, until they got back to their warehouse. A coffee table was missing. This is not a call a stager wants to get, it leaves us between a supplier who we want an ongoing relationship with and a client whom we are trying to impress so they recommend us to other potential clients.
I rang my client who advised me that the coffee table never arrived, yet he had signed my contract which detailed the item. He had not mentioned anything was missing in the consignment, worse still had I not bought it up he wouldn't have mentioned it at all. He paid in full and in advance yet never mentioned a refund for the missing item. The rental company, however, was quick to say they never deliver a part order, everything is double checked. Worse still, I had signed for the inventory off-site to where they delivered it.
This situation caused issues all around. The rental company wanted replacement, I signed for something I was not present for and the client swears it didn't arrive. I was left with no choice but to follow up the rental clause with my client, and prepare an invoice for the replacement cost.
Just before I mailed it though, the rental company called me. I had requested a full inventory stocktake when the issue arose and nothing, but when I demanded a second check, guess what? Yep, they found it. Crisis narrowly avoided...but only just.
I guess there is a moral to this story - whatever goes into the property must come out. Ensure your check rental inventory to make sure it is all there and in good condition. Remember even your best suppliers can make mistakes that could leave you in the middle of a tough situation, both financially and professionally.
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