When buying products for your hotel, motel, or B&B, it may not seem to matter whether you buy something specifically designed for commercial use versus standard products designed for the average consumer. This is often the case if you work at a small or independent property. Why not just buy any hair dryer, especially if it’s less expensive?
The truth is, the quality and grade of products DO matter, no matter the size or occupancy. Here are some of the reasons to consider buying commercial-grade products for your property whenever you can.
Durability and quality
Commercial-grade products are specifically made for long-term use and can manage the wear and tear caused by frequent handling. So, while you may save money in the short term by buying a consumer product, if you have to replace it more frequently because it breaks or malfunctions, you’ll end up spending more in the long run.
Liability
Liability goes hand in hand with durability and quality. Since commercial-grade products are built to withstand constant use and abuse, you have less risk of the item causing a problem. For instance, if your furniture isn’t made to withstand frequent usage or different weights, what happens when a guest falls through the chair and injures him or herself? Avoid such an issue by investing in products that are built just for your property’s needs.
Design
Commercial-grade products are designed with the target audience in mind – the manufacturer knows these items will be used at a hotel or other property where guest experience and comfort are key. So, they design their products to have features that cater to guests, such as smart technology or lighter weight. Your guests will notice and appreciate that you stock your property with thoughtful products.
Customer support
When buying consumer products, you usually have the option to tack on a warranty. However, you’re basically on your own if you have problems, or it takes a ton of legwork to find someone who will help you. Not true with commercial-grade products. When buying commercial A/V products, for example, you’ll likely receive long-term, dedicated support. This means you’ll get personal, on-site help with setting up your electronics, training your staff, and dealing with any future issues you may encounter.
The next time you’re debating whether to go with the standard product versus the commercial one, remember that when in doubt, commercial is usually the way to go.