I wrote last month about all the stuff that people have been leaving behind in the gym when they're done. Today I have a bit to say about the opposite problem: stuff going missing from the gym. In the past month we have seen 3 pairs of rental climbing shoes disappear. (Actually the net loss is only 2 pairs, as one pair that was missing last month has turned up!)
I tend to be very naive about this kind of thing, and it's hard for me to imagine that anyone is actually deliberately taking rental shoes with them after climbing. I'm sure it's just that people are absent-minded, and accidentally tossing everything into their bag. If that's the case, I hope the missing shoes will find their way back soon. If you find yourself with a pair of bright blue velcro or grey lace-up Evolv rental shoes (with the big size number on the back of the heel) and are too embarrassed to bring them to the front desk, you can discreetly leave them in the change room for us to find.
If this trend continues, we will need to start buying more rental shoes, and will also need to consider taking some form of security when we loan them out. We really don't want to do this, as it will slow down check-in for everyone, and it would also be kind of insulting to suggest to our customers that we don't trust them. Hopefully the missing shoes will find their way home soon!
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Isn't the standard solution to request the renter's driver's license, which then goes into the slot the shoes came out of until the shoes return? Obviously some variation on this idea is needed for renters with no driver's license, but isn't that a fairly quick system?
ReplyDeleteThat is a common approach. Our shoe racks are more open than that (which helps the shoes air out nicely!), and I am reluctant to deal with the issue of licenses or other ID being forgotten (which happens often, I am told).
ReplyDeleteI suppose another variation would be simply to keep the name and phone number of the renter (which you would already have because they had to sign your waiver at some point) in the rack. The important thing is that you know who rented them, and can call them if the shoes don't return. Unscrupulous types will know that you know who they are, and will hopefully be less inclined to take the shoes home. I too have a hard time believing anyone would deliberately take stuff, but as they say: "Trust in Allah, but tie your camels."
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