Some tasks can take up too much of your time. Here’s a look at what you should consider outsourcing to keep your B&B running smoothly.

Running a Bed & Breakfast can be a labour of love—but at some point, you might wonder if you can handle it all by yourself. The day-to-day demands of managing bookings, preparing meals, and keeping the rooms spotless can add up quickly, especially as your B&B grows. So, how do you decide when it’s time to hire help or outsource tasks like cleaning and laundry?

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In this episode, I’ll explore the pros and cons of staffing versus outsourcing for small B&Bs, how to find reliable help, and tips for managing staff or vendors effectively.

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Should You Hire Staff or Outsource Services?

One of the most common questions small B&B owners face is whether to hire staff or outsource services. The answer depends on your specific needs, budget, and the size of your B&B. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each option.

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Hiring Staff: The Pros & Cons 

When you hire staff, you have a dedicated team who works closely with you to ensure everything runs smoothly. This can be especially helpful if you have a lot of repeat guests or a consistent workload that requires reliable, full-time help.

Pros of Hiring Staff: 

• Consistency: Having the same people around means they get to know your B&B’s routines and expectations. This helps maintain consistency in service, which guests appreciate.

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• Loyalty and Dedication: Employees who work solely for your B&B are more likely to develop loyalty and go the extra mile to make sure guests are happy.

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• Flexibility: Since they are on your payroll, you can adjust their tasks based on the day’s needs, whether it’s more breakfast prep or helping with check-ins.

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Cons of Hiring Staff: 

• Higher Costs: Hiring staff means paying salaries, insurance, and other benefits, which can add up.

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• Time Management: You’ll need to invest time in training, managing, and scheduling employees. For a small B&B owner who is already busy, this can feel like an extra job.

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• Seasonality: If your B&B is highly seasonal, you may have to hire part-time or temporary staff, which can lead to high turnover rates.

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Outsourcing: The Pros & Cons 

Outsourcing services like cleaning, laundry, and maintenance allows you to keep your focus on guest relations while leaving these tasks to professionals. For many small B&Bs, this can be a more cost-effective and flexible solution.

Pros of Outsourcing: 

• Lower Costs: Outsourcing is often cheaper than hiring full-time staff. You only pay for the services you need, which can help you save money during the slow season.

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• Less Responsibility: When you outsource, you don’t have to worry about managing employee benefits, insurance, or other HR tasks. The service provider handles all of that.

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• Expertise: Professional cleaners, for example, are often more efficient and thorough than doing it yourself or training someone new.

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Cons of Outsourcing: 

• Less Control: When you outsource, you don’t have as much control over the quality or timing of the work. If a cleaning service is late or doesn’t do a good job, it can negatively affect your guest experience.

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• Lack of Personal Touch: Guests may notice that outsourced services don’t have the same personal touch as in-house staff who are familiar with the B&B and its unique features.

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Where to Find Reliable Help

Whether you choose to hire staff or outsource, finding reliable help is key. For many B&B owners, the process of finding the right team can be time-consuming, but a little research goes a long way.

Hiring Staff

• Use Local Job Boards & Websites: Posting on local job boards, social media, and B&B industry-specific websites can help you find candidates in your area.

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• Ask for Referrals: Other local business owners may have recommendations for reliable workers. If you’re part of a B&B network or association, ask around for trusted leads.

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• Consider Seasonal Help: If you run a seasonal B&B, consider hiring part-time staff during peak seasons. Students, retirees, or locals looking for flexible work can be great candidates.

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Outsourcing Services

• Research Local Companies: For cleaning, laundry, or maintenance, start by researching local companies that specialise in hospitality services. Look for those with good reviews or recommendations from other B&B owners.

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• Check References: Don’t hesitate to ask for references or examples of past work. A reputable service provider should have no problem offering client testimonials.

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• Try Before Committing: If possible, start with a trial period before committing to a long-term contract. This allows you to evaluate the quality and reliability of their services.

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Example: One B&B owner I know swears by her local laundry service. She started by using them during the busy summer months and now has them on call year-round. Not only does it save her time, but it ensures her guests always have fresh, perfectly pressed linens.

Managing Employees & Vendors

Once you’ve found the right help, whether it’s staff or outsourced vendors, managing those relationships effectively is key to a smooth operation.

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For Staff: Set Clear Expectations and Provide Training 

When you hire staff, clarity is everything. Make sure they understand your expectations, from cleaning standards to how to handle guest interactions. Training is also crucial. Walk them through your daily operations, show them how to use any equipment they’ll need, and explain your brand’s values.

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Regular feedback helps too. Whether it’s a monthly check-in or a quick chat after a busy weekend, let your staff know how they’re doing and where they can improve. Keeping an open line of communication fosters a positive work environment and builds loyalty.

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For Vendors: Communicate Clearly and Monitor Quality 

When outsourcing services, clear communication is just as important. Make sure vendors understand your schedule, standards, and any specific requirements you have. For instance, if your laundry service needs to return linens by a certain time, make sure that’s agreed upon upfront.

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Monitor the quality of their work regularly. If there are any issues, address them early to prevent recurring problems.

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One B&B owner I know had to kindly explain to a cleaner that dusting around the ornaments wasn’t the same as actually dusting them. Now, they laugh about it every time she pops in!

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Deciding What to Outsource

So, what should you consider outsourcing? It depends on your time, energy, and budget, but here are some common tasks small B&B owners outsource:

• Cleaning and Laundry: These are two of the most time-consuming tasks and are often the first to be outsourced. Professional cleaning services ensure rooms are spotless, while a laundry service can handle all your linens, towels, and bedding.

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• Marketing: Managing your website, social media, and online listings can take up a lot of time. If digital marketing isn’t your strength, outsourcing this task to a professional can help boost your bookings.

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• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep your B&B in top condition. Outsourcing tasks like plumbing, electrical work, or even yard maintenance can save you time and avoid potential issues.

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If all this number-crunching and strategy talk makes your head spin, we’ve got just the thing for you. Grab our free ‘Crafting the Perfect Stay – 25 Essential Insights for Bed and Breakfast Owners’ PDF. It’s hotter than your morning tea and packed with insights. Get it now and let’s make that B&B not just a stay, but an experience!

Have you decided to hire staff or outsource any tasks at your B&B?

Let us know in the comments how you manage the workload and what’s worked best for you!

 

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Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to staffing versus outsourcing. The right choice depends on your B&B’s size, workload, and budget. Hiring staff gives you more control and consistency, while outsourcing can be a cost-effective way to manage tasks that take up too much of your time. Whichever route you choose, the key is finding reliable help and managing those relationships with clear communication and realistic expectations.