Post by High Priestess on Feb 25, 2016 4:52:02 GMT
One of the traditions we developed on the old Airbnb groups 1.0 was that of giving feedback to hosts, when they stopped in to ask a question. Often they would get unsolicited feedback about their listing -- if they were a new host.
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-46980
Tina shared in NEw Hosts Forum 2 years ago
New host in ny/nj area- need tips for bookings
Hello there bnbers! I am noticing, am getting a ton of inquiries bit not a lot of bookings. Does anyone else find that experience here? Love to hear your feedback. What works. And how to get them to commit. I mean Airbnb does ask for full payment upfront without seeing the place in person, and for someone booking for several weeks or months, I can understand it being scary. What works to build confidence in clients if you are new here and have not accumulated plenty of reviews yet. Thx in advance for the feedback!
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Leah
Leah2 years ago
For your initial reservations, you might want to have short stays vs long term guests, just so you can see how you like it and can accumulate some reviews. Airbnb encourages multiple inquiries to hosts so don't feel bad if people don't commit.
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Tina
Tina2 years ago
I have no problem booking my place on other sites like craigslist. And have been booked steadily with that. But this site is just not leading to results!
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Leah
Leah2 years ago
There is a lot of competition, don't give up
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Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
Tina -- I noticed that your one and only review is not such a good review. This is a hard way to start. Potential guests are looking to see how other guests have fared in your place, and all they see is one review by someone who wasn't too happy about some of the aspects of the stay. The danger of starting off with a bad review is why it is best for new hosts to really spend a lot of time making sure everything is right before listing the place, and maybe be extra careful about your first guests, to make sure you don't start off with bad reviews.
Anyway, that is done, can't change it, but something you could do to help would be to have some friends and associates write references to add to your profile, which would help counteract the review.
Also, I suggest getting better photos, professional quality ones. THe photos that you have do not show off the place well. Yellowish and bluish -- not great photos. Maybe add some extra artsy touches to make the apartment seem more attractive. THe photo of the 2nd bedroom --is that a couch or a bed? THe photo with the mirror sitting on the floor -- not great, better to have the mirror up or move it away.
Your price is very good so that isn't an issue.
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Glenn
Glenn2 years ago
Such good advice Deborah!
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
And yes Airbnb does ask for full payment up front, but not for more than one months' payment. SO if someone is going to stay for 2 months, they only pay one month at a time. But I think there is also a guest guarantee -- if they arrive and feel that the accomodations are not satisfactory, I think they can cancel and get their money back.
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Deborah
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-46980
Tina shared in NEw Hosts Forum 2 years ago
New host in ny/nj area- need tips for bookings
Hello there bnbers! I am noticing, am getting a ton of inquiries bit not a lot of bookings. Does anyone else find that experience here? Love to hear your feedback. What works. And how to get them to commit. I mean Airbnb does ask for full payment upfront without seeing the place in person, and for someone booking for several weeks or months, I can understand it being scary. What works to build confidence in clients if you are new here and have not accumulated plenty of reviews yet. Thx in advance for the feedback!
5 comments
Following
Like
Delete
Hide
Leah
Leah2 years ago
For your initial reservations, you might want to have short stays vs long term guests, just so you can see how you like it and can accumulate some reviews. Airbnb encourages multiple inquiries to hosts so don't feel bad if people don't commit.
Reply Like Delete
Tina
Tina2 years ago
I have no problem booking my place on other sites like craigslist. And have been booked steadily with that. But this site is just not leading to results!
Reply Like Delete
Leah
Leah2 years ago
There is a lot of competition, don't give up
Reply Like Delete
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
Tina -- I noticed that your one and only review is not such a good review. This is a hard way to start. Potential guests are looking to see how other guests have fared in your place, and all they see is one review by someone who wasn't too happy about some of the aspects of the stay. The danger of starting off with a bad review is why it is best for new hosts to really spend a lot of time making sure everything is right before listing the place, and maybe be extra careful about your first guests, to make sure you don't start off with bad reviews.
Anyway, that is done, can't change it, but something you could do to help would be to have some friends and associates write references to add to your profile, which would help counteract the review.
Also, I suggest getting better photos, professional quality ones. THe photos that you have do not show off the place well. Yellowish and bluish -- not great photos. Maybe add some extra artsy touches to make the apartment seem more attractive. THe photo of the 2nd bedroom --is that a couch or a bed? THe photo with the mirror sitting on the floor -- not great, better to have the mirror up or move it away.
Your price is very good so that isn't an issue.
Reply Like 1 reply•3 likes Delete
Glenn
Glenn2 years ago
Such good advice Deborah!
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
And yes Airbnb does ask for full payment up front, but not for more than one months' payment. SO if someone is going to stay for 2 months, they only pay one month at a time. But I think there is also a guest guarantee -- if they arrive and feel that the accomodations are not satisfactory, I think they can cancel and get their money back.
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Deborah