Case Study: How hampr Transformed Spruce’s Laundry Operations and Boosted Profitability

Executive Summary

Spruce, a top-tier provider of services for multi-unit residential and short-term rental properties, was searching for the most efficient and cost-effective laundry management for its short-term rentals. Partnering with hampr, an on-demand laundry service specializing in the unique needs of the hospitality industry, allowed Spruce to drastically cut laundry costs, save time, and improve guest satisfaction. This case study details how hampr’s innovative and flexible laundry solution enabled Spruce to streamline its operations and optimize resource allocation.

Client Overview

Spruce offers a variety of services tailored to property managers, including cleaning, maintenance, and housekeeping. When managing short-term rentals, ensuring that each property is equipped with fresh, clean linens for every new guest is critical. Given the variable nature of guest stays, laundry demands can be unpredictable, creating operational challenges for Spruce in terms of staffing and quality control.

The Challenge

Spruce’s previous laundry processes were growing and taking up significant operational time:

• High Volume: With a portfolio of properties experiencing frequent guest turnover, Spruce processed nearly 700 laundry loads in a single quarter.
• Labor-Intensive: Estimated at 2 hours per load, this meant 1,328 hours of labor, taking valuable time away from other essential tasks.
• Quality Issues: Inconsistent service quality from the previous provider resulted in frequent linen-related guest complaints.
• High Costs: The prior provider charged approximately $1 per pound, with inconsistent cleaners that didn’t maintain a standard of quality.
• Staffing Constraints: Finding reliable, consistent staff to handle laundry logistics was difficult, especially during peak seasons.

The hampr Solution

hampr’s on-demand laundry service provided a comprehensive and flexible solution tailored to Spruce’s specific needs:

• Recurring Orders: hampr set up 3x weekly recurring orders to ensure linens were always ready without manual scheduling.
• Top-Quality Cleaning: Leveraging advanced techniques and high-quality detergents, hampr ensured that linens were consistently spotless and hygienic.
• Customized Service: hampr’s services include preferences for specific detergents, folding techniques, and packaging styles, tailored to Spruce’s brand standards.
• Real-Time Communication: Regular updates on the status of each laundry load allowed Spruce to optimize planning and ensure smooth operations.
• Scalability to Match Growth: hampr’s service easily expanded alongside Spruce’s growing portfolio, handling more properties without increasing logistical burdens.

Why Spruce Chose hampr

Spruce needed more than a traditional laundry service—it required a partner capable of addressing multiple operational pain points:

• Consistent Linen Quality: hampr’s use of high-quality detergents and rigorous cleaning standards and consistent, assigned washrs resulted in consistently fresh linens, enhancing the guest experience.
• Dynamic Adaptability: hampr’s flexible service model accommodated both high and low occupancy periods without locking Spruce into rigid contracts.
• Transparent Process: Frequent status updates from hampr’s platform provided clear visibility into laundry operations, reducing uncertainties.
• Growth-Ready: As Spruce’s number of managed properties increased, hampr’s service scaled seamlessly to meet the rising demand without compromising quality or reliability.

Results (3-Month Period)

hampr’s tailored approach led to significant improvements in cost efficiency, time savings, and service quality:

Time Savings

• 1,328 hours saved: Equivalent to 166 eight-hour workdays, enabling staff to focus on higher-value tasks, such as guest relations and property maintenance.

Cost Savings

• Total laundry billing with hampr: $11,520.
• Estimated cost using in-house staff: $17,264 (based on minimum wage of $13/hour).
• Savings: $5,744, representing a 66.7% reduction in laundry expenses.

Quality and Reliability Enhancements

• Improved workflow: Recurring orders with dedicated washrs ensured that the Spruce team never had to worry about the linens again. 
• Dedicated commercial account support: hampr’s commercial account representative provided proactive assistance, addressing any concerns before they could escalate.

Operational Comparison

Key Benefits for Spruce

• Significant Cost Reduction: Cut laundry expenses by over 66% vs paying hourly minimum wage, improving profitability.
• Operational Efficiency Gains: Saved 1,328 hours, allowing staff to focus on core responsibilities.
• Elevated Guest Satisfaction: Clean, high-quality linens improved overall guest ratings.
• Simplified Logistics: hampr’s technology-driven approach streamlined laundry scheduling and management.
• Reliable Service Delivery: Consistency in service quality eliminated disruptions, while transparent updates improved planning.
• Scalable for Growth: hampr’s flexible model supported Spruce’s expanding portfolio without compromising service standards.

Long-Term Impact

The collaboration between Spruce and hampr delivered lasting benefits, including:

• Improved Profit Margins: Lowered laundry costs and time savings contributed to a stronger bottom line.
• Enhanced Reputation: Better linen quality led to higher guest ratings and more positive reviews.
• Operational Scalability: hampr’s adaptable service made it easy for Spruce to scale its operations without logistical setbacks.
• Increased Staff Morale: Reducing laundry management responsibilities allowed employees to focus on more rewarding tasks, improving job satisfaction.

Conclusion

The partnership between Spruce and hampr illustrates the transformative effect that a technology-driven, flexible laundry solution can have on short-term rental operations. By addressing the specific challenges of fluctuating demand and quality control, hampr not only cut costs and saved time but also elevated the guest experience. This case study showcases hampr’s ability to deliver a scalable, high-quality, and efficient laundry service tailored to the needs of hospitality businesses, setting a new standard in the industry.