A multitenant facility in Ohio was struggling with a steady increase in the cost of consumables. The increases continued year after year, but the quality of the products did not correspondingly increase. The consumables were not only expensive, but the current vendor could not manage them properly. The supply stock was not procured proactively – which led to additional costs – and the dispensers frequently ran out of paper supplies throughout the day. The consumables also were not correctly stored in the janitorial closet but were instead left in individual suites on top of dispensers or in cases on the floor. This both looked unprofessional and created sanitation concerns. Tenants were frequently complaining, and the property managers were dissatisfied overall. After their price for consumables increased by 35% in 2018, the property management group decided to find a new vendor who could provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution.

The property management group hired Marsden in 2019 based on our professional reputation and national partnerships with supply vendors. Marsden analyzed the situation to understand usage and client needs and then worked with our national supply vendors to devise a plan to control costs and still provide value to the facility. Our goals were to reduce the cost of consumables; improve sanitary practices with consumables; reduce/eliminate complaints from tenants and visitors; and ensure client satisfaction. We identified several solutions to eliminate wasted product and realize a cost savings. We standardized the dispensers and products, which streamlined the inventory process and provided a cohesive aesthetic. We also matched dispenser size to volume of usage, which meant that a single dispenser could adequately supply paper towels through several business days, reducing the amount of time spent changing product. We also switched from folded towels to rolled towels in the dispensers, which reduced the amount of product being used. This required new dispensers throughout the facility, and we coordinated with our supplier to replace the dispensers at no cost to the client.

Marsden eliminated waste and realized cost savings for the property management group. Our client was glad about the cost savings, aesthetic improvement, hygienic practices, and elimination of tenant and visitor complaints. And because of the cost savings, we were able to upgrade their consumables products. The client is now paying less money for a superior product compared to their previous consumables spend.