Selling Disposable Face Masks to Customers Who Show up with No Mask

Capo93 on 24/06/2021 - 10:37
Last edited 24/06/2021 - 10:39

Just gauging everyones opinion on selling disposable face masks to customers who show up for an appointment and don’t have a mask with them. Now I’m only talking about $1 each, just to cover costs.

COVID has been around for long enough now with face mask rules constantly coming and going and even know face masks previously were not required to be worn at my business this time around it is required. Although masks on previous restrictions weren’t needed a lot of customer would show up thinking they needed to wear a mask but did not have one with them. Like COVID didn’t start yesterday.

So do I just give them a mask for no cost or sell them a disposable mask for $1?

Poll Options

  • 69
    Sell them a mask
  • 170
    Give mask for free
Health & Beauty

closed Comments

  • 87percent on 24/06/2021 - 10:41
    +13

    think you might piss off some customers if you charge $1

    • rambutann on 24/06/2021 - 10:44
      -1

      Yeah i agree, its embarrassing enough for them to be forced to have to wear a mask when they should have been wearing one in the first place.
      I'd just shout them a mask, im assuming this is going to be a small number of people anyway.

    • netjock on 24/06/2021 - 14:43
      +2

      Would be more pissed off if end up in lock down like Melbourne.

      • beefmaster on 25/06/2021 - 07:54

        The lock down is going to happen. The case is not going down and the measure in place is not even slowing down the spread.

        Get your shit done now.

    • Ridiculous Panda on 25/06/2021 - 11:00

      Now that we know what kind of business it is, pissing them off might actually be a smart business model.

  • Hithere on 24/06/2021 - 10:48
    +12

    I’m only talking about $1 each, just to cover costs.

    Considering that disposable face masks are currently selling for less than .18c each when buying a box of 50 you must have very high costs to cover.

    Give them one for free - good PR.

      • tomsco on 24/06/2021 - 11:32
        +36

        just to round up to the nearest dollar

        So $0.

      • stirlo on 24/06/2021 - 11:55
        +12

        Box of 50 would be 30c each. Plus the time to collect them and dispose of them so 35c each 😂 it’s greedier just to round up to the nearest dollar.

        FTFY

      • Hithere on 24/06/2021 - 12:03
        +3

        @Capo93

        Box of 50 would be 30c each.

        I'd be shopping around more if I was you. Plenty available for about 1/2 that price.

        the time to collect them and dispose of them

        What? Do you confiscate them when the customer leaves?

        it’s easier just to round up to the nearest dollar.

        Only if you are seeking to profiteer from your customers.

        • DashCam AKA Rolts on 24/06/2021 - 12:25
          +1

          The people that don't bother to bring a required mask are probably the same people who chuck the used masks on the ground in car parks, or just outside shops and venues, as they leave.

          Someone has to pick that sh#t up.

      • Jolakot on 24/06/2021 - 12:26
        +19

        Pretty simple math here, the cost of 1 customer never returning because they were pissed off would be worth 100s of free masks.

        If the cost of goodwill is 35c, then you damn well take it, because goodwill is usually expensive.

      • crysomemore on 25/06/2021 - 08:28
        -1

        No idea why you are negged so much here. COVID-19 has been around a while now. We all know at some point we might need a mask, and it’s the responsibility of individuals to have one and wear it.
        Having a mask available for a buck in the event someone takes no responsibility to have their own at this point in the pandemic is absolutely reasonable.

        • 91rs on 25/06/2021 - 09:47
          +1

          Given OP's business looks to be in Wollongong from other posts below, i'd be surprised if the majority of people outside of VIC (The lockdown state) would be carrying masks everyday unless they frequent PT or similar.
          Talking to friends in other states (NSW, QLD, WA, SA), having a mask with you everywhere you go still seems foreign to many and more likely that its whatever mask was left in the bottom of a bag or somewhere in the car from the last ramp up of warnings for covid if they really must.

          The price of some free masks for those with bookings surely far outweighs the negative reviews and bad word of mouth if OP was to charge $1 (who carries cash these days, also in VIC many places still refuse to accept cash) for a mask.
          Maybe update your email reminders for bookings to say that due to current covid situation masks are required and let people know when they book on the phone but for the ones without a mask just give out some free ones.
          Don't worry you're not gonna have all OZB turning up for free masks mate!

          I think posting the question without a burner account is already casting OP and their business in a light that is not so favourable and wasn't their best decision, much like charging for a mask ;)

  • apsilon on 24/06/2021 - 10:54
    +1

    I'd be doing neither unless you have individually wrapped masks. What sort of business are we talking about here?

    • Capo93 on 24/06/2021 - 11:23

      Indoor recreation, so wearing a mask is a pain in the ass in the first place to do the activity. Appointments are pre booked and paid for so if they walk out they lose.

      • kerfuffle on 24/06/2021 - 11:26

        Can they reschedule to a different time?

        • Capo93 on 24/06/2021 - 11:27

          With at least 24 hours notice, yes.

          • dizzle on 24/06/2021 - 11:52
            +4

            @Capo93: If that's the case, then you need to be contacting each person before the appointment that they are required to bring a mask.

            Probably easier to supply the disposable masks for free though.

            • Chandler on 24/06/2021 - 22:42
              +5

              @dizzle: Why is it a business's responsibility to remind customers that they need to comply with public health directives?

              Hairdressers may need to start reminding their customers not to kill someone on their way to their haircut…

              • Loopholio on 25/06/2021 - 08:55
                +1

                @Chandler: Hey! My personal killing spree has nothing do do with my hair dresser!

      • apsilon on 24/06/2021 - 11:43
        +1

        so if they walk out they lose.

        So they really should've remembered to bring their mandated mask shouldn't they. Really, if you have individually wrapped masks then I could go either way on giving vs selling. I'd probably consider how much repeat business I get, profit margin, customer attitude and a whole lot of other things but I wouldn't give out unwrapped masks nor would I be happy accepting one (but then I also wouldn't forget to take one). If it's a group activity then it's likely that the whole group won't have one in which case you'll be giving out a lot or someone will have extras anyway.

        What are you going to do about those that refuse to wear them or take them off once they're out of sight anyway? Personally I'm a big fan of people taking responsibility for themselves so would likely be happy to ask them to come back when they have their mask.

      • Seraphin7 on 24/06/2021 - 12:35
        +6

        Appointments are pre booked and paid for so if they walk out they lose.

        That's wonderful, until you choose to "make an issue" out of what would be a cost of (by your numbers) about 35 cents and it results in negative PR, becoming known as the business whose attitude to customers is "too bad, I've already got your money", drop off in future bookings, etc., etc.

        Sometimes you need to look to the other side and wear these costs (or find other ways to recover them) rather than nickel and diming customers.

      • Lunatic on 25/06/2021 - 11:24

        If its already paid for then just chalk it up as a 30c (or whatever) discount. You can let them know that masks are required and then just give them one if they don't have one with them. Most people will appreciate it.

  • jjjaar on 24/06/2021 - 11:06

    What’s your business?

    I think you can try, but if people walk right out then that’s their prerogative.

    If you’re in the health sector - just give it to them for free.

    • Capo93 on 24/06/2021 - 11:30

      Indoor recreation.

      • WreckTangle on 24/06/2021 - 13:32
        +13

        Brothel?

        • ThithLord on 24/06/2021 - 14:41
          +5

          I find the disposable mask gets in the way of my gimp mask

        • Poor Ass on 25/06/2021 - 11:51

          CIM hahaha

    • brendanm on 24/06/2021 - 12:49
      +2

      What’s your business?

      Smashlab.com.au

  • battler on 24/06/2021 - 11:11
    +5

    do you charge the customer for the appointment? If so, give free face mask.

      • battler on 24/06/2021 - 11:29
        +1

        ~18c face mask versus cost of appointment (I'm guessing the cost is not trivial)
        I'm sure you would offer them a glass of water if they asked. You don't charge for water or the washing up service.

        • Capo93 on 24/06/2021 - 11:31
          +1

          Free drinking water is offered, part of liquor license condition which is absorbed in the cost of the liquor.

          • battler on 24/06/2021 - 11:33

            @Capo93: so are they making an appointment, or a booking (restaurant/pub)?
            you should provide everyone an indication of your business type - would really help with the responses offered.

            • Capo93 on 24/06/2021 - 11:37

              @battler: Neither restaurant or pub, it is indoor recreation.

              • battler on 24/06/2021 - 11:38
                +1

                @Capo93: Indoor recreation with alcohol, now that's my kind of venue!
                Please send address!

                • kerfuffle on 24/06/2021 - 11:41
                  -1

                  @battler: Kinda sounds like an escape room or break room

                  • spackbace on 24/06/2021 - 12:26
                    +19

                    @kerfuffle:

                    Capo93
                    Member Since
                    05/01/2017
                    Last Seen
                    50 min ago
                    Statistics
                    12 posts / 364 comments
                    Location
                    Wollongong, NSW
                    Website
                    www.smashlab.com.au

                    $50 for 15mins

                    At that hourly rate, OP can hand out a $0.35 mask for free…

                • this is us on 24/06/2021 - 12:39

                  @battler: Just make sure you bring your mask with you…

                  • Capo93 on 24/06/2021 - 15:54

                    @this is us: Lol. Easy to jump to conclusions on the price but insurance and waste disposal isn’t cheap.

                    • parsimonious one on 25/06/2021 - 10:24
                      +2

                      @Capo93: Whatever OP.

                      You clearly have it in your head that charging $1 for a mask is a good idea.

                      Why bother asking OzB if you are just going to have petty squabbles with anyone who disagrees?

                      • Capo93 on 25/06/2021 - 10:37
                        -3

                        @parsimonious one: No I don’t have it my head that it’s a good idea, I’m old school, I was taught the principle of the point. You don’t keep sticking your hand on a hot stove repeatedly, you learn your lesson and stop so I apply the same principle to having a mask. Yes people forget them or have other reasons but I feel now COVID has been around long enough there isn’t many valid excuses. Is it worth losing a customer over $1? Not it’s not but this is why this world and the younger generation is lazy. Someone else will pick up the slack for them.

                        Why bother asking OzB……. Because it’s a community forum, that’s the point of it.

                        It’s not a pretty squabble, people who are just an employee are quick to jump and at oh that’s expensive but have no idea or the slightest of costs to run a business, pay wages, taxes and expenses

      • Vote for Pedro on 25/06/2021 - 09:14
        +4

        You’ve made up your mind. Run your business however you want.

        • parsimonious one on 25/06/2021 - 10:25

          Exactly. And hopefully ppl vote with their feet (and wallet) over the sheer pettiness

  • brendanm on 24/06/2021 - 11:12
    +5

    I would walk out, but try it and see how you go.

    • VictoriousBboy on 25/06/2021 - 08:18

      It’s $1. If you didn’t bring a mandated mask and live under a rock in regards to the international pandemic that’s been happening for the last 18 months, $1 is not that much. If I’m paying for my masks and someone else gets handed free ones wherever they go because they are anti mask or ignorant, how is that fair to me? As a healthcare worker who got told under emergency management they could put me into the total frontline if everyone else is unable to work, I don’t appreciate people who are ignorant or deniers being enabled. Sell them a $1 mask and offer up whole boxes to buy too. Financial penalties for those who choose the selfish way out is entirely appropriate - no jab, no pay. No mask, you pay.

      • brendanm on 25/06/2021 - 08:22

        It's not the price. Triple up on those masks friend, and you'll be ok.

    • initiateit on 25/06/2021 - 10:19

      And you would lose your prepaid appointment. While you are wallowing in your own self pitty as a result you might want to remind yourself of public health directives.

      • Vote for Pedro on 25/06/2021 - 10:34

        Just as OP is allowed to run his business exactly how he wants to (so long as not against law) a customer has the choice whether to frequent that business or not.

      • brendanm on 25/06/2021 - 10:38

        If I didn't get a refund, op would lose any future business. I would never go back there, anyone I spoke to would never go back there. $50 won't kill a single person, but bad reviews and word of mouth will kill a business.

  • CrispyChrispy on 24/06/2021 - 11:14
    +8

    Where I work, we give out face masks if customers ask/need one. No payment needed.

  • SF3 on 24/06/2021 - 11:17

    So do I just give them a mask for no cost or sell them a disposable mask for $1?

    Make it free, it shows good well from your business.

    • SF3 on 24/06/2021 - 16:51
      +1

      *good well

      • spackbace on 24/06/2021 - 18:43

        *gooder well

        • SF3 on 24/06/2021 - 20:05

          I will need to learn how to spell.

  • EightImmortals on 24/06/2021 - 11:18
    -5

    Ask them if they would like a free mask and if they decline your offer then leave it at that. Unless they are visibly sick of course.

    • kerfuffle on 24/06/2021 - 11:22
      +4

      Unless they have a medical exemption, I'd ask them to leave; private business after all. Current rules in Sydney stipulate face mask wearing in indoor venues except eating or drinking.

      • Capo93 on 24/06/2021 - 11:25

        I’m Wollongong area but still covered by the same restrictions as Sydney

  • harveyworld on 24/06/2021 - 11:31
    +1

    There have been several times over the past year when I have called in at Coles/Woolies as I was passing by and only realised as I entered the store that I wasn't carrying a mask.

    Each time I have gone straight to the service desk and asked if I could have one to continue my shop and there has never been any issues as they happily provided me with one.

    I think everyone feels more comfortable if everyone is doing the right thing and sometimes you do accidently forget to carry one with you especially when the rules keep changing for different businesses and in different locations.

  • dizzle on 24/06/2021 - 11:48

    Depends on the location and circumstances

    A doctors office or a shop: free of charge, if you can't supply a mask for free then no mask no entry

    A sports stadium or a concert hall: $10 a mask (but I would expect them to be better than the standard mask used by cosmeticians - Maybe themed for the event)

  • toomuchdogfur on 24/06/2021 - 11:55
    +4

    Indoor recreation venue

    Incredibly vague… but assuming you're providing booked services that cost >$20 a session or so? IMO give the masks for free with a smile - your customers will feel like you're looking after them and be more positive towards your business. Plus considering they're prepaid, going "oh sorry pay an extra $1 or lose your appointment" is going to look incredibly hostile and stingy - is that loss of goodwill really worth 35c?

    Walk in cafe/restaurant/etc where your items cost $5? Nah.

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 24/06/2021 - 11:55
    +1

    The medical practice I attend did this during mask mandates. Charged $1 for a disposable mask if you arrived without one. I didn't see anyone complain, most looked embarrassed for turning up without one.

    • Trance N Dance on 24/06/2021 - 12:14

      If this was during the first time when masks were mandated last year that's understandable as even wholesale prices from distributors reached $50+ a box of 50 and that was if you could get some. Prices have dropped back down to almost pre-covid and supply is steady and plenty now so charging is a bit rich. If the cost of a mask is going to break your bank then you need to see if you're charging appropriately for your service(s), just increase your appointment price by a $1 to account for extra labour/materials. A slightly more expensive service price with free masks is a lot more understandable and palatable than keeping your price the same then charging them fees for ancillary items.

  • datafellows on 24/06/2021 - 12:02
    +3

    If your business is doing well, just give a free mask. It's good PR.

    If you are struggling, charging $1 will not help much and might leave your customers unhappy which equals less profit later.

    Only thing I can come up with is that you can ask for a gold coin donation towards the masks of they are in the position to pay for it.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 24/06/2021 - 13:21
      +2

      Profits goto a charity when this is all done and dusted.

      • NopeNopeNope on 25/06/2021 - 09:35
        +2

        great idea, safe guards against complaint, plus you get your cost recovered.

        • BewareOfThe Dog on 25/06/2021 - 10:31

          And there will be people like me that don't carry coins with them usually, or some people that just don't have the cash to spare. Several years ago, I was staying in a motel, and I thought it was tough. One of the fellow 'tenants' would buy a few loaves of $1 bread and freeze them. Then come 6 o'clock, He'd defrost a loaf, put peanut butter on it, and eat it. That is all he had for the day. Mind you come 'Payday', He'd stock up on Cigs, and a few long necks.

  • Stopback on 24/06/2021 - 12:29

    ive been charged 50 cents for a spoon before,

  • Drakesy on 24/06/2021 - 12:32
    +3

    I think you have every right to charge for them.
    It's not on you to make sure someone else has a mask.

  • Brian McGee on 24/06/2021 - 14:11

    It depends on what the timing of the mask charge begins. I went out after work on Tuesday 22/06, entered Officeworks at about 6:30pm and was asked to put a mask on, they had the NSW Health restrictions open and the mask mandate from 4pm up. They were handing out masks for nought, which I appreciated cause the restriction came in after I logged off work but before I entered the store.
    Having said that, if I had to buy one today because i missed 2 days worth of news and notifications then I could cop the charge. Last lockdown Bunnings were selling the masks if you didn't have one, and there were lots of people without one weeks into the campaign.
    Maybe put a sign that masks will be provided but from Saturday morning onwards there will be a charge (20c, 50c whatever it costs) if you turn up without one. this way you've given people 3 days to get their stuff together and get masks.

    • kerfuffle on 24/06/2021 - 14:46
      +3

      You'd think people would have masks on standby considering we're like 15 months into a pandemic …

      • Capo93 on 24/06/2021 - 15:55

        This is exactly my point. I have masks living in my car.

        • samyall on 25/06/2021 - 08:41
          +2

          And most people do too. I think you are fretting over a very small number of masks you might give out for free.

      • Sleeqb7 on 24/06/2021 - 16:02

        Right? I'm in QLD and still keep a mask in my car and one in my bag, as I go everywhere with one or the other.

      • Brian McGee on 24/06/2021 - 16:26
        +1

        I didn't have any masks in my car, but do have them at home. Hence my predicament (and officeworks) of ejecting a customer or coping a 20c cost for whatever potential sale will happen. As I said, on the day of the mandate it is quite welcome for them to accommodate me, but on the weekend 2-3 days later then you should have the masks back in your car/handbag/etc.

      • HelpMeiCantSee on 25/06/2021 - 09:12

        I got caught out yesterday because I was in my new car which I hadn’t put any masks into yet

  • WizMuncher on 24/06/2021 - 14:42
    +3

    So you're going to turn away paying customers (most likely forever) because you're too cheap to provide a mask? Then you plan to make money out of it? Yeah go ahead and charge a buck per mask and see where that gets you.

    • Capo93 on 24/06/2021 - 21:24

      Not sure where you read that I wanted to or was going to. I simply asked a question to gauge people’s opinion.

  • netjock on 24/06/2021 - 14:46

    Just increase your prices, nobody will then notice the mask premium. It is like Woolworths / Coles not having a credit card surcharge.

  • Capo93 on 24/06/2021 - 15:57
    +1

    For this weekend I will give masks to customer. I will see how many show up without masks to see what we do next week.

    I never said I wanted to charge but as someone said we are 15 months into a pandemic and my point is COVID didn’t start yesterday. I was just getting everyone’s opinion, I find it funny how people have voted to charge for masks but I think only one person commented for in favour of charging.

    • Capo93 on 24/06/2021 - 16:02
      -1

      Supplying masks that are not individually wrapped also can be a topic as someone else mentioned.

  • Noire on 24/06/2021 - 17:00

    I wouldn't charge for a mask but if you do charge them, maybe try to put a percentage of that profit to charity.

    • bobbified on 24/06/2021 - 18:33

      …but if you do charge them, maybe try to put a percentage of that profit to charity.

      Then it wouldn't be $1 because OP will need to factor in additional costs for time and transaction fees to donate that money to charity!

  • beefmaster on 25/06/2021 - 08:04

    I was pissed when Officeworks demand I pay their over price mask to enter their premises. I am not anti mask but Officeworks was charging like $20 for 15 mask.

    I was ready to leave but thankfully some kind man offer me a mask.

    So expect to lose customer overprice $1 mask.

    Before anyone say I should have a mask in the beginning. The incident was May 2020 at the beginning of mandatory mask. Days earlier Officework were handing out free mask. Also I was bike riding so do not have a compartment to store mask like my car.

  • masadav on 25/06/2021 - 08:15

    I would be perfectly ok with it at $1, maybe consider donating the profits (negligible as they may be) to a good cause.

    You would have to accept tap payment though because I don't carry anything but my phone.

  • MontyMacaw on 25/06/2021 - 08:19

    You have a dilemma on several levels it seems. Good business would dictate that if you are looking after good or prospective customers you would provide a mask at least once and inform there will be a charge in future which would take care of the majority of your regulars. You should have signage outside stating that a mask is compulsory inside and if that is the health mandate they should have one with them anyway so a small charge to cover costs which includes administration would seem fair. If pushed you would be better to waive the fee if it was a negative to your business which is of course why you are in business to begin with. At the end of the day you need to do what is best for your business AND comply with the law. Once you lose a customer it’s too late to do anything about it so tread carefully.

    On another front many people use masks that are basically useless because they are home made or old and past their best so giving out new masks could be a good PR exercise. I see a lot of people constantly touching their masks that are not disposable because the elastic has stretched. They are next to useless.

  • Ridiculous Panda on 25/06/2021 - 08:39

    I am no fan of conspiracy theories but I think this whole post is an advertisement (a very smart one).
    Someone running such a business should be able to make their own informed decision regarding such a trivial matter.

    • Capo93 on 25/06/2021 - 08:49
      +3

      Not a advertising stunt in anyway, I don’t see how a post like this would be advertising besides someone leaving a stupid Google review(which someone has done). I’ve posted a deal on ozbargain before and it gained minimal bookings but I attribute that to my location being not in Sydney.

      I was not looking for Ozbargain to give me answers on how to run my business, i was merely getting everyone’s opinion on the situation and I clearly stated that in my post.

      As I’ve previously mentioned masks will be supplied this weekend at no cost if needed.

      • Ridiculous Panda on 25/06/2021 - 09:07

        Ok then.. I was wrong. Apologies.
        And sorry for the idiot leaving a bad review.

    • parsimonious one on 25/06/2021 - 10:31

      Pretty poor advert

      Most people disagree with the OPs idea and his antagonistic squabbling would put more ppl off I reckon

  • bobolo on 25/06/2021 - 08:56
    +2

    I remember every place I've been to that's given me a free mask. The gesture alone sets you apart and gives something customers to remember you by

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 25/06/2021 - 09:08

    I would be more than happy to pay $1 if I forgot a mask. Trouble is, nobody seems to do this.

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