Post by High Priestess on Dec 28, 2015 15:32:32 GMT
John shared Dec 26 2015
Stocking an apartment.
Hello,
I just began hosting a few weeks ago, as I look through some reviews I see people talking about stocking the apartments. Can someone let me know what I should have available for our guests?
Rosanne
Your place looks very nice. Have you had any guests? If you want some good reviews, it would be wise to stock a few treats. In the kitchen....salt, pepper, cooking oil, sugar, coffee & dry creamer. In the bathroom, body wash, some plastic shavers, shampoo. You may also want to put a basket of individually wrapped snacks in a basket on the kitchen table. As you build up your clientele you can knock back on some of these. I see you are not charging for extra guests. If you have 2 people there you will only have to wash one set of sheets and towels, but if you have 4 that means two beds to change. That can get expensive. Later, after you stock up some reviews, you can charge extra for more guests after two. Did you check to see what other people are charging in your area? Always good to go about $ 10 under so you can compete when you first start out.
Rosanne
Is your place child friendly? You may want to start out not renting to people with kids. They can destroy a place. Maybe add "children over 12 ok"....When you say "free laundry" what does that mean? They can use your washer/dryer? They do have to supply their own detergent. You can provide some dish soap in the kitchen. I didnt notice if there is a dishwasher there. You should also list some local restaurants and other tourist things of interest and how far they are from your apt.
John
Thank you Rosanne,
We just checked in our second air b&b guest today. I do have some of the things you listed, but the snacks are a great idea. As far as I can tell we are the only one bed apartment in our city. The free laundry is actually a service. We wash the clothes for them (we thought it was a good selling point). Thank you for the other suggestions I will be taking you advice!
C C
I would not want anyone washing my clothes!!
Rosanne
I feel the same way. I want to do my own laundry. I guess I wouldnt mind someone washing sheets & towels, but would rather do my own personal stuff.
Rick
c'mon...hasn't anyone lived in a city with "drop off" laundry service?? you drop it off, they wash & fold it & you pick it up on your way home...it's very common in big US cities & also in Europe...
Andrew
Wash n' Fold service is one thing when it's handled somewhat anonymously. But I think a lot of people would feel rather weird about their intimate clothing items being handled by a host with whom they've exchanged more personal communication. I don't think my female guests would be all that happy to hand me their panties.
C C
Ummm....uhhhhh......
Rick
Touché Andrew
Rosanne
Andrew: You never know - a few female guests may like you in their panties? But, you better ask first! lol.
Rosanne
I would discourage you from doing the guest's laundry. You have a washer/dryer and they can easily do their own. You can provide laundry detergent if you want to. A lot depends on how long they book for. If its only one night, you can cut back on things because you arent making that much money. But, if its for a week, you can splurge a bit. Great that you already have your second guests. When they are leaving, remind them to give you a review. Reviews help a lot!
John
I was going to contact the last guest and ask him to leave a review, but I didn't want to seem pushy.
Rosanne
How long ago where they there? You can always send a short "sweet" note telling them you appreciated them staying at your place and that it helps to have guests leave a review. Did you leave one for them?
John
He stayed last weekend and yes I left him one. I will do that… I appreciate all the help!
Clare
I will agree with all the previous post and would add:
1. House Rules: Just asking guests to treat your place with respect is ok, but as Rosanne said are there things you don't want /or want the guests to do ? What would you say if I were a guest and asked these questions: Can I have a party? Can I bring my dog? Can my friends come over to visit? Can I smoke? Can I bring my 3 year old? Most veteran hosts would answer no to these questions. Don't assume that people will treat your place as you would. Also, having more specific house rules helps quite a bit when there is an issue with a guest and Airbnb needs to get involved. If you laid out the rules clearly, your more likely to win the argument. If you leave it vague, the guest can claim that you never told them that they couldn't bring a dog, for example.
2. You need a security deposit! In the event there is damage caused by a guest, you can appeal to Airbnb to claim $ to recoup the cost of repair. See this helpful link: www.airbnb.com/help/article/140/how-does-airbnb-handle-security-deposits
I never ask guests directly to leave a review. Instead I ask them upfront if anything was not to their satisfaction so if there were any problems, they tell me directly and not in a review. Happy New Year!
John
What would you suggest for a deposit?
Rosanne
When guests are walking out the door & telling me how much they enjoyed their stay - I always mention "it would be great if you could leave us a review - it helps us a lot". I never say "good" review - just review. So its left up to them on what to say.
Clare
John, I currently have a security deposit set at $150. As the link said, a "hold" (not a charge) is placed on the guest's credit card for that amount in the event there is a problem. So if the reservation costs $500 they must have available credit for $650. You have 48 hours after check out to make a claim. You need to assess for yourself what the right amount is. What is the most valuable item in your house that would potentially be damaged /soiled by a guest? A secondary benefit of a security deposit is that guests are aware they may be liable for damage and therefore behave themselves accordingly.
Bekah and Brian
Holds are placed on guest cards for security deposits? Since when? The cards are used for booking, and therefore authorized, but they aren't run for the deposit amount that I know of. Is this some new change?
C C
That hold, who knows whether it's placed or not, for (phone number hidden), and for 3 days to a week, would absolutely kill my business of rooms for cheap for a night. I'm convinced of it. That's why I for one do not have a SD!
Clare
Bekah and Brian, no, the Security Deposit is not actually charged to the credit card unless, of course, there is a claim made by the host for damages. If the host and guest mutually agree to the claim, Airbnb will charge the credit card for the amount of the damage. If they don't agree it goes to the Resolution Center. Yes, CC, those guests who rent rooms going from one place to another could have multiple "holds" on their card that would affect their ability to reserve rooms in succession. The odds of an overnight guest, as opposed to one staying in an entire home, doing damage is much less so a SD is not as important. You can monitor their activities since you are living there.
C C
Yes, I can monitor better, but someone could still damage something. I look at it like this: get the bookings. If having a SD, which almost every guest asks me about, means they book somewhere else, then I'm willing to do without it--to get the bookings. This works for me.
C C
And I think a single hold, much less multiple holds in succession, is off-putting to guests. Plenty of people wouldn't even have space on their credit card for that.
Lisa & Lee
Airbnb used to place a hold on the guest's card, to cover the amount of the security deposit. But quite a while ago they quit placing a hold.
C C
Interesting, Lisa & Lee. I really would like to book as a guest (without actually staying), just to see what the guest experiences.
Bekah and Brian
That's what I thought L&L. There is no hold, and they don't "authorize" the security deposit amount to ensure it can be taken later if needed. If they did it would wreak havoc on guests doing trips with multiple stays.
C C
But I've heard just as many people say they do tie up guests' funds. I don't know, but I don't trust Airbnb to be consistent. Maybe if they're not tying up funds now, they'll start to next week.
Bekah and Brian
Very true indeed CC. I know that when I was a guest I paid with a debt card and no additional funds for a security deposit were tied up at all (something that actually happens with bank debit cards a lot depending on the merchant and the bank). I have never had a guest mention extra authorizations/holds. As far as I knew AirBnB gave that up ages ago.
C C
I want to find a host in Memphis who will let me mess around with a booking--declining me for some dates so I can see what that looks like, then booking, perhaps altering, maybe even a resolution center deal. We have lots of listings where it might be a go--one lady has a spot under a tree for rent, and another listing for a couch on her porch....a pallet on the sidewalk.... I could potentially learn a lot by only spending twelve bucks!
C C
And the thing is, too, not only what happens in reality, but what the guest's perception is. If they see SD & they're worried about it, they're not necessarily going to dwell on the fine points--they'll just book somewhere without it, period. For hosts who do Airbnb to meet people & bond, etc., it's one thing. I'm in it for the money, and the money follows the bookings! Keeping it all as simple as possible--trying to avoid anything other than single travelers, though I occasionally take couples, my threat of damage or even theft, are negligible. In many decades I haven't had a hundred bucks' worth of damage done--and never anything stolen.
Anne
Hi, CC, I booked 4 days in Jan with a Columbus host. I need to go check if there was a security deposit! I did note her house rules were vague, so I assumed she'd never been burned. On my hosting site, my place has a high rate with a security deposit. If your credit card can't accept the "hold" then the guests probably are not right for me. I want the income but not too much wear n tear.
C C
I hear you, Anne. Let me know how that trip goes. I have the kind of house that if a tornado came through, it would probably fix a bunch of stuff.
Anne
Lol, must be nice not to worry too much. I'm new enough that I do!
Jeannette
Looks like no holds on cards for the SD: www.airbnb.com/help/article/140/how-does-airbnb-handle-security-deposits
Clare
Yes I read that too, many times. But here's my question: If a guest only has $535 available credit on his card and books a stay costing $500 how does Airbnb collect (lets say the Resolution Center sides with the host) on an SD of $150 if there's no available credit for that? Even if the guest agrees to pay two days after he's left, he's essentially saying "See ya!". I know they don't charge the card at booking, but I believe they have an authorization to add the SD and it has to be available, no? I'm going to ask Airbnb on twitter. Will let you know what they say.
Bekah and Brian
Doubt it. But I admit I'm curious
Jeannette
Yes good point. a guess -- they don't hold the SD but they look to see if it is "there" if needed?
Clare
Sent ABB the question. Awaiting reply. Might take a while. I think they're pretty busy right now. Will post answer here and on our favorite page. :-)
Jeannette
:-)
Clare
Per Airbnb there is no hold on credit cards for Security Deposits.
C C
Still, if guest perceives it as bad, y'all charge it--I won't.
Anne
Thx Clare.
Bekah and Brian
Thanks for double checking
Fiona
Would you post the wording Clare? I had an inquiry yesterday morning where (for the first time) someone asked about the SD and asked if I could just keep her credit card info on file. I know we can't accept a cash SD as I saw that when trying to look this stuff up but don't know about her request.
Clare
Are you the same Fiona on our FB page? If so I posted the entire conversation there. If not, let me know!
Fiona
I am, will look for it there, thanks.
John & Janet
Is there a FB page for airbnb hosts?
Stocking an apartment.
Hello,
I just began hosting a few weeks ago, as I look through some reviews I see people talking about stocking the apartments. Can someone let me know what I should have available for our guests?
Rosanne
Your place looks very nice. Have you had any guests? If you want some good reviews, it would be wise to stock a few treats. In the kitchen....salt, pepper, cooking oil, sugar, coffee & dry creamer. In the bathroom, body wash, some plastic shavers, shampoo. You may also want to put a basket of individually wrapped snacks in a basket on the kitchen table. As you build up your clientele you can knock back on some of these. I see you are not charging for extra guests. If you have 2 people there you will only have to wash one set of sheets and towels, but if you have 4 that means two beds to change. That can get expensive. Later, after you stock up some reviews, you can charge extra for more guests after two. Did you check to see what other people are charging in your area? Always good to go about $ 10 under so you can compete when you first start out.
Rosanne
Is your place child friendly? You may want to start out not renting to people with kids. They can destroy a place. Maybe add "children over 12 ok"....When you say "free laundry" what does that mean? They can use your washer/dryer? They do have to supply their own detergent. You can provide some dish soap in the kitchen. I didnt notice if there is a dishwasher there. You should also list some local restaurants and other tourist things of interest and how far they are from your apt.
John
Thank you Rosanne,
We just checked in our second air b&b guest today. I do have some of the things you listed, but the snacks are a great idea. As far as I can tell we are the only one bed apartment in our city. The free laundry is actually a service. We wash the clothes for them (we thought it was a good selling point). Thank you for the other suggestions I will be taking you advice!
C C
I would not want anyone washing my clothes!!
Rosanne
I feel the same way. I want to do my own laundry. I guess I wouldnt mind someone washing sheets & towels, but would rather do my own personal stuff.
Rick
c'mon...hasn't anyone lived in a city with "drop off" laundry service?? you drop it off, they wash & fold it & you pick it up on your way home...it's very common in big US cities & also in Europe...
Andrew
Wash n' Fold service is one thing when it's handled somewhat anonymously. But I think a lot of people would feel rather weird about their intimate clothing items being handled by a host with whom they've exchanged more personal communication. I don't think my female guests would be all that happy to hand me their panties.
C C
Ummm....uhhhhh......
Rick
Touché Andrew
Rosanne
Andrew: You never know - a few female guests may like you in their panties? But, you better ask first! lol.
Rosanne
I would discourage you from doing the guest's laundry. You have a washer/dryer and they can easily do their own. You can provide laundry detergent if you want to. A lot depends on how long they book for. If its only one night, you can cut back on things because you arent making that much money. But, if its for a week, you can splurge a bit. Great that you already have your second guests. When they are leaving, remind them to give you a review. Reviews help a lot!
John
I was going to contact the last guest and ask him to leave a review, but I didn't want to seem pushy.
Rosanne
How long ago where they there? You can always send a short "sweet" note telling them you appreciated them staying at your place and that it helps to have guests leave a review. Did you leave one for them?
John
He stayed last weekend and yes I left him one. I will do that… I appreciate all the help!
Clare
I will agree with all the previous post and would add:
1. House Rules: Just asking guests to treat your place with respect is ok, but as Rosanne said are there things you don't want /or want the guests to do ? What would you say if I were a guest and asked these questions: Can I have a party? Can I bring my dog? Can my friends come over to visit? Can I smoke? Can I bring my 3 year old? Most veteran hosts would answer no to these questions. Don't assume that people will treat your place as you would. Also, having more specific house rules helps quite a bit when there is an issue with a guest and Airbnb needs to get involved. If you laid out the rules clearly, your more likely to win the argument. If you leave it vague, the guest can claim that you never told them that they couldn't bring a dog, for example.
2. You need a security deposit! In the event there is damage caused by a guest, you can appeal to Airbnb to claim $ to recoup the cost of repair. See this helpful link: www.airbnb.com/help/article/140/how-does-airbnb-handle-security-deposits
I never ask guests directly to leave a review. Instead I ask them upfront if anything was not to their satisfaction so if there were any problems, they tell me directly and not in a review. Happy New Year!
John
What would you suggest for a deposit?
Rosanne
When guests are walking out the door & telling me how much they enjoyed their stay - I always mention "it would be great if you could leave us a review - it helps us a lot". I never say "good" review - just review. So its left up to them on what to say.
Clare
John, I currently have a security deposit set at $150. As the link said, a "hold" (not a charge) is placed on the guest's credit card for that amount in the event there is a problem. So if the reservation costs $500 they must have available credit for $650. You have 48 hours after check out to make a claim. You need to assess for yourself what the right amount is. What is the most valuable item in your house that would potentially be damaged /soiled by a guest? A secondary benefit of a security deposit is that guests are aware they may be liable for damage and therefore behave themselves accordingly.
Bekah and Brian
Holds are placed on guest cards for security deposits? Since when? The cards are used for booking, and therefore authorized, but they aren't run for the deposit amount that I know of. Is this some new change?
C C
That hold, who knows whether it's placed or not, for (phone number hidden), and for 3 days to a week, would absolutely kill my business of rooms for cheap for a night. I'm convinced of it. That's why I for one do not have a SD!
Clare
Bekah and Brian, no, the Security Deposit is not actually charged to the credit card unless, of course, there is a claim made by the host for damages. If the host and guest mutually agree to the claim, Airbnb will charge the credit card for the amount of the damage. If they don't agree it goes to the Resolution Center. Yes, CC, those guests who rent rooms going from one place to another could have multiple "holds" on their card that would affect their ability to reserve rooms in succession. The odds of an overnight guest, as opposed to one staying in an entire home, doing damage is much less so a SD is not as important. You can monitor their activities since you are living there.
C C
Yes, I can monitor better, but someone could still damage something. I look at it like this: get the bookings. If having a SD, which almost every guest asks me about, means they book somewhere else, then I'm willing to do without it--to get the bookings. This works for me.
C C
And I think a single hold, much less multiple holds in succession, is off-putting to guests. Plenty of people wouldn't even have space on their credit card for that.
Lisa & Lee
Airbnb used to place a hold on the guest's card, to cover the amount of the security deposit. But quite a while ago they quit placing a hold.
C C
Interesting, Lisa & Lee. I really would like to book as a guest (without actually staying), just to see what the guest experiences.
Bekah and Brian
That's what I thought L&L. There is no hold, and they don't "authorize" the security deposit amount to ensure it can be taken later if needed. If they did it would wreak havoc on guests doing trips with multiple stays.
C C
But I've heard just as many people say they do tie up guests' funds. I don't know, but I don't trust Airbnb to be consistent. Maybe if they're not tying up funds now, they'll start to next week.
Bekah and Brian
Very true indeed CC. I know that when I was a guest I paid with a debt card and no additional funds for a security deposit were tied up at all (something that actually happens with bank debit cards a lot depending on the merchant and the bank). I have never had a guest mention extra authorizations/holds. As far as I knew AirBnB gave that up ages ago.
C C
I want to find a host in Memphis who will let me mess around with a booking--declining me for some dates so I can see what that looks like, then booking, perhaps altering, maybe even a resolution center deal. We have lots of listings where it might be a go--one lady has a spot under a tree for rent, and another listing for a couch on her porch....a pallet on the sidewalk.... I could potentially learn a lot by only spending twelve bucks!
C C
And the thing is, too, not only what happens in reality, but what the guest's perception is. If they see SD & they're worried about it, they're not necessarily going to dwell on the fine points--they'll just book somewhere without it, period. For hosts who do Airbnb to meet people & bond, etc., it's one thing. I'm in it for the money, and the money follows the bookings! Keeping it all as simple as possible--trying to avoid anything other than single travelers, though I occasionally take couples, my threat of damage or even theft, are negligible. In many decades I haven't had a hundred bucks' worth of damage done--and never anything stolen.
Anne
Hi, CC, I booked 4 days in Jan with a Columbus host. I need to go check if there was a security deposit! I did note her house rules were vague, so I assumed she'd never been burned. On my hosting site, my place has a high rate with a security deposit. If your credit card can't accept the "hold" then the guests probably are not right for me. I want the income but not too much wear n tear.
C C
I hear you, Anne. Let me know how that trip goes. I have the kind of house that if a tornado came through, it would probably fix a bunch of stuff.
Anne
Lol, must be nice not to worry too much. I'm new enough that I do!
Jeannette
Looks like no holds on cards for the SD: www.airbnb.com/help/article/140/how-does-airbnb-handle-security-deposits
Clare
Yes I read that too, many times. But here's my question: If a guest only has $535 available credit on his card and books a stay costing $500 how does Airbnb collect (lets say the Resolution Center sides with the host) on an SD of $150 if there's no available credit for that? Even if the guest agrees to pay two days after he's left, he's essentially saying "See ya!". I know they don't charge the card at booking, but I believe they have an authorization to add the SD and it has to be available, no? I'm going to ask Airbnb on twitter. Will let you know what they say.
Bekah and Brian
Doubt it. But I admit I'm curious
Jeannette
Yes good point. a guess -- they don't hold the SD but they look to see if it is "there" if needed?
Clare
Sent ABB the question. Awaiting reply. Might take a while. I think they're pretty busy right now. Will post answer here and on our favorite page. :-)
Jeannette
:-)
Clare
Per Airbnb there is no hold on credit cards for Security Deposits.
C C
Still, if guest perceives it as bad, y'all charge it--I won't.
Anne
Thx Clare.
Bekah and Brian
Thanks for double checking
Fiona
Would you post the wording Clare? I had an inquiry yesterday morning where (for the first time) someone asked about the SD and asked if I could just keep her credit card info on file. I know we can't accept a cash SD as I saw that when trying to look this stuff up but don't know about her request.
Clare
Are you the same Fiona on our FB page? If so I posted the entire conversation there. If not, let me know!
Fiona
I am, will look for it there, thanks.
John & Janet
Is there a FB page for airbnb hosts?