On my 3–11 lobby shift Friday, I logged 18 items in the desk book — the oddest was a single patent-leather shoe left by the elevators. What’s the most random thing you’ve reunited with a guest, and how did you handle the handoff at the desk to keep it smooth and personable?
Returned a set of dentures wrapped in a napkin on my 3–11, so I feel you on that single patent-leather shoe by the elevators. > a guest, and how did you handle the handoff at the desk to (I ask them to describe it first, match the desk-book entry/photo, check ID, then hand it over in a clear bag after a quick signature — keeps it friendly.) Do you tag one-offs like that or just log-and-shelf?
Had to reunite a full birdcage (no bird!) once; I tagged it “fragile — animal” and at the desk I asked the guest to name one sticker on the base before the handoff. @chris_89, totally with you, but if it’s anything personal like meds or ID I loop a supervisor and do a quick ID check so it’s friendly but documented. What’s your go-to verification line for odd items like that “single patent-leather shoe”?
Once reunited a tux jacket with tickets still in the inner pocket; I ask the guest to tell me the lining color and one pocket item before I bring it out, then I jot that in the log so it’s friendly but verified. @chris_89 If they freeze up, I pivot to an easy prompt like brand or color without making it feel like a test.
I use a “silent claim” stub — hand a tiny ticket with the log number, fetch the item, then have them read back the last two digits; it keeps the line moving and stays discreet. > freeze up, I pivot to an easy prompt like brand or color without making it feel I agree, and for high-value pieces I add one extra check (ID to engraving) before release; @rsmith59, ever try that?
Strangest for me was a prosthetic ear; I bagged it and had the guest state the make and which side before I even left the desk… To keep it smooth I do one “detail + location” check — brand stamp plus where it was “left by the elevators” — and if it’s pricey I just name‑match against the desk book note to keep the line moving.
Found a drone controller once. Building on @zhen_wang89, I keep high-value finds in a clear bag and, before breaking the seal, ask for one ‘tiny scuff or sticker’ detail, then set it on a small tray for them to pick up — keeps chain-of-custody but feels friendly; do you use a tray or hand-to-hand?
Piggybacking on @thomas_j78: I snap a quick photo when logging and, at pickup, ask the guest to name one thing visible in that pic before I step away, then return it on a small tray and use their name once to keep it friendly. Maybe your shoe’s soulmate is still on Level 2 — do you all use photos in the log, or is that overkill when it’s busy?