wholesale supplies

[BVC]

Hello, I have two self-catering cottages and between the two I probably take about 75 bookings a year. I would like to supply my guests with some pretty toiletries in the bathrooms but it would be uneconomic to buy these at retail prices. We have no cash and carry facilities within 70 miles. Does anyone know of an on-line wholesaler of such items who would be willing to supply in such small quantities?
I would also be interested to know what other self-caterers think is an appropriate spend for 'welcome goodies' left for guests. I usually leave wine, tea, coffee, home-made jam and when we have them, eggs from our free range chickens. I would like to leave a small collection of locally produced goods but am finding it difficult to source small sizes at an appropriate cost. What do others do and think?

[David]

"Out of Eden" do all the soaps etc you may need.
We find however that guests prefer named brands, have a word with your Avon Lady !

[Ray Broadbridge]

We use Arran Aromatics (http://www.arranaromatics.com)- nice stuff.
I have a question of my own - JAM - where's a good source for small pots of jam or marmalade which look 5-star but cost < 50p ?

[BVC]

We use Arran Aromatics (http://www.arranaromatics.com)- nice stuff.
I have a question of my own - JAM - where's a good source for small pots of jam or marmalade which look 5-star but cost < 50p ?
Hello Ray, I don't know about 50p but there is a very good supplier at www.jane-art.co.uk
e-mail jane@jane-art.co.uk
She does trade rates but you would have to e-mail her for details. Wonderful jams and chutneys. BVC

[Jules]

Hi,

I've just replied on another thread recommending Arran Aromatics and Out of Eden - both great firms, very reasonably priced and the minimum quantities you will need to buy would be ok for around 75 bookings a year. The Arran items come in boxes of 100 little bottles/soaps etc. and the Out of Eden about 200's, but to be able to use them all within say, 2 years would be ok I would have thought? They don't have use by dates on and would certainly be fine to be used within that timeframe.

As I've said before, we use Arran Aromatics (http://www.arranaromatics.com/index_net.asp) AND Out of Eden (http://www.outofeden.co.uk/), call or email them and ask for some samples (which all companies are happy to send you actually). In Out of Eden's case, particularly the Eco-sentials range, as they smell gorgeous and I think look lovely if you present them well. They sell a lovely clear clam-shell which looks good with the products we use. It depends upon your establishment, some of the lower priced Out of Eden ranges don't look exactly 5 Star, but well presented, the Eco-sentials range would project your green credentials very well and go down well with your guests.

There are many companies that manufacture complimentary sized toiletries, including L'Occitane and Molten Brown, but they can be a) expensive, b) impossible to order in reasonable quantities, c) snooty, claiming 'exclusivity', d) take weeks to deliver, e) are sometimes not the same product as the full size versions and f) vastly over-rated!

Coquet Cottages (http://www.coquetcottages.co.uk)

[BVC]

Hello Jules, thanks for the info on Out of Eden. This is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for. BVC

[Raincliffe1]

I have bought toiletries from Out of Eden before; the particular range I used to buy had expiry dates on the base of the bottles and some eagle eyed guest always spotted them when you were just using the last few in the box. We use 'Taylor of London' range - appealing colours and packaging plus reasonably priced, available through nisbets - have a look at their website. Plus they do a clear acrylic tray in a simple unfussy design to hold the toiletries which is also cheaper than the Out of Eden 'Clam Shell' - but it's just a matter of personal taste what you prefer. I would avoid using anything ceramic in an en suite whic is not fixed firstly as it could smash but also if it falls in a washhand basin it could actually crack the glaze and you end up having to replace the basin. Although matching ceramic sets look very nice in a bathroom it depends how practical you want to be and also how careful your customers are. The Hotel Inspector said this range was fine for us and we achieve a 4 star silver. You could go for real luxury but this must be balanced against what guests will pay. Here on the coast, it is quite competitive and generally you cannot get as much for your rooms as in the countryside.

[Jill]

I would highly recommend the Natural Soap Company based in north norfolk. www.naturalsoap.co.uk. They will supply small quantities of hand made soap, body lotions, foam baths etc. Sara the owner will also customise the labels for you so you can advertise your business at the same time. Lovely products highly priased by our guests!!

[afterburner]

Thanks to everybody for the great suggestions. I have been looking for some high quality sewing Kits and shower caps in carton or matchbox style that can be ordered in small quantities of 20-50. I have looked at Out of Eden and seen the samples, but the quantities are too big to buy them just for my holiday cottage rental.

I am also looking for variety packs of biscuits that can be used in welcome packs and come in smaller quantities so they don't go out of date quickly.

The key requirement is that they don't look naff and guests appreciate the utility and the quality, perceived or otherwise. Can anyone offer any suggestions please?

Pelican Cottage (http:/www.holiday-cottage.biz)