Post by High Priestess on May 27, 2016 5:11:37 GMT
Rick shared on Hosting 911 a year ago Dec 2014
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-100478
they are trying to "nickel & dime" us!!
Generally I don't pay much attention when a potential guest tries to get me to lower my prices or waive cleaning fees...But after reading several posts on here about it...it's starting to annoy me...
Most recently some potential guests (who are proposing to come at St. Patrick's Day---a MAJOR tourist time here)...want me to waive my "extra person" charge of $20/day--provided that they bring their own sleeping arrangements (I provide a rollaway bed in addition to a queen sized bed in bedroom).....funny...does this mean they they will not use any towels, or linens at all or that the third person will not use the bathroom or kitchen??
Just to be curious, I pulled up the airbnb search function & plugged in their dates for a "whole house/apt" rental & there I am---right at the top of the listings---at least $50/day lower than most of the competition---& often $75/day lower or more!
So now they want cheaper than the cheapest! I am aggravated...
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Julia
Nic and Rach
Deborah
Deboraha year ago
"Decline."
I think guests bringing their own "sleeping arrangements" could end up being harder for you than just accepting yours! I would be imagining them toting in some furniture, dragging it across my wood floors and scratching them. Or else, moving my furniture around in the room, in order to accomodate the rolls of foam they have stuffed in their car trunk for extra people per room to sleep on...
I find it best when guests can just accept what I offer "as is" and not try to rearrange anything or change the terms/pricing.
We should do a poll -- what is the biggest discount anyone was ever asked to give to a guest? I got someone asking for a 50% discount once.
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Nancy and Bill
Nancy and Billa year ago
Bringing in their own stuff could also mean bringing in their own bugs - yuk! No thanks. And, we think that we all do a disservice to the Airbnb brand when any of us discount. We are already discounted and enough is enough!
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Danny
Dannya year ago
Suggest they bring tent and rent the back yard. First talk of a discount ends the discussion for me. I have priced my space fairly and am not desperate enough to beg them to rent my place. Also I don't lower my rates in the "slow season" as AirBnB suggest. I find I get a much better quality of guest.
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Carolyn
Carolyna year ago
Rick, hold your ground! And, your place looks lovely (:
Since your rates are so reasonable, I suspect that you're hearing from guests who have filtered the price range. They do a search with a high end of $90, perhaps. So, they are already in money-saving mode when they send you an inquiry. Of course I'm not suggesting that you raise your prices to avoid discount looky-loos. Just observing the phenomenon!
In my case, when guests request a discount, I tell them that my price is already very reasonable for what I offer. There are exceptions: I give discounts to returning guests, to other hosts, and to people staying more than 10 days. But I initiate those by offering.
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Gordon
Gordona year ago
I'm with Danny here; first talk of discount sees my (fat) finger swoop down on the decline button.
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George
Georgea year ago
G'day! I only just had a request the other day of a lady wishing to bring her own bedding (including an airbed) for discounted price! I politely declined stating for Occupational Health & Safety, as well as insurance reasons, they couldn't bring their own. She said fair enough and booked as is. Suggest you put those reasons forward next time. Worked for me! I also agree with Carolyn, if they have no Reviews nor form or track record as either a Host or Guest, punt them.
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Rick
Ricka year ago
Thanks everyone!! I suspected that "their own bedding" actually meant that they would be crashing on the sofa, using the cushions as pillows & a throw as a cover-- no way that's happening with drunks at at Patrick's day. The guest made one more half hearted attempt & then stopped-- no decline necessary!
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Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Nice! We did just ask a host in an area with few other home rental options to make an exception and let us bring a fifth person for two nights - the teen boys camped out in the living room with their sleeping bags. We offered to pay extra and she was super happy that we left the place spotless (stripped beds/took out trash/washed & put away dishes/wiped everything down). That said, I rarely offer discounts or accept requests for them.
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Nina
Ninaa year ago
No Discounts. .. especially during heavy seasons.
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Susan
Susana year ago
REJECT. I have never had anyone try to waive fees whatsoever. I have a discount policy clearly stated in the listing description, if one doesn't meet the criteria, no discount. Just reject the tightwads flat out.
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Nick
Nicka year ago
I've had a few requests for discounts. I have also developed a rather rigorous process that enables me to ensure I know enough about my guests energy to see if we mesh. With this protocol I've not had to reject or decline anyone, they simply get tired of my questions all of which are designed to find out more about them and their hopes/wishes for their journey. This takes a bit of work and committment on my part but I find it works really well.