Post by High Priestess on Mar 13, 2016 18:07:12 GMT
Simon and Sally March 10 2016
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-212782
Simon and Sally
How do you feel about guests who ask for discount?
Yesterday i had a last minute inquiry asking for discount and she said a bit less revenue is better than leaving the room empty. I straight up declined but she really bothered me with the fact that she has been doing this a lot (her words). I think it's clever of her waiting the last day to book and ask for discount. So hosts watch out for those! She has a point but the thing is we always get last minute booking and none asked for discount.
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Alexina
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Andrew
Andrew2 days ago
She's not necessarily wrong in her logic, but I would still decline her on the basis of her being a total asshole. It's my home, and I have no interest in sharing it with rude people who don't appreciate the great value they're getting at the regular price.
In fact, I wouldn't hesitate to tell her that in those exact words, and then enjoy a day off from hosting before a better guest inevitably comes along.
Reply Liked 5 replies•12 likes Delete
C C
C C2 days ago
So hilarious, Andrew
Alan
Alan2 days ago
Andrew, said with your usual diplomacy. Love it!
Simone
Simone2 days ago
Right on, Andrew!!
Louise
Louise13 hours ago
"Dear Guest, Thanks for your interest. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate children, pets or arseholes so I am unable to accept your booking. Best of luck with your search."
helga
helga4 hours ago
Louise brings Andrew's reasoning to the most succinct formula ;-) I decline them with pleasure too, saying something like what a pity that they ask so late when I already accepted an invitation to join friends outside. But if they really need a lodging, I could join them later, if the guest accepts the taxi costs be added to the room rate. Sorry, no discount but do not hesitate to ask for the increased special offer before 4pm if you do not find another place.
Simon and Sally
Simon and Sally2 days ago
Great minds think alike. I told her something along the line and she got really worked up over it. She said she could rather stay in a car for a few days or get a discounted place. Maybe she should really just stay in her car and save all the money.
Reply Liked 7 replies•3 likes Delete
Andrew
Andrew2 days ago
Oh yes please tell her that! Carbnb!
helga
helga4 hours ago
Add some advice where not to park the car to avoid danger or being fined. ;-)
C C
C C4 hours ago
Helga, has Auguste yet started saying, "Pottymouth! Pottymouth!"?
C C
C C4 hours ago
In other words, has Shannon arrived yet?
helga
helga3 hours ago
No not yet. I thought that was a reference to Sara. Is Sar on this thread? Sara, you get my bed, Shannon in the other room and Auguste and I squat Edith's couch. 1 or 2 nights, free. Try to get a train to Paris on my he 28 or 29 If too expensive, then later.
C C
C C2 hours ago
Now Helga, how in the heck is that gonna be a reference to Sara?
C C
C C2 hours ago
Uh, I have no idea how you would have access to American idioms (I guess there are several ways), but a pottymouth is someone who says bad, often scatalogical words--to be redundant: bathroom words. Shannon, yes/Sara, no.
C C
C C2 days ago
One can never really improve upon Andrew's advice.
Reply Liked 7 likes Delete
Patricia & Gerard
Patricia & Gerard2 days ago
Perfect advice Andrew on both accounts.
I use this line "of course I'm happy to give you a discount, just make a booking request for 7 nights". That's usually the end of it :-)
Reply Liked 3 likes Delete
Katherine
Katherine2 days ago
I've had this happen several times as well. It puts me in a negative mood with the guest straight away. I'd much rather offer a discount to a guest who regularly stays with us or someone who is genuinely lovely to deal with.
Reply Liked 2 likes Delete
Richard
Richarda day ago
Bear in mind that only the host knows the value of their property and are most qualified to set the price. If you want to stimulate interest and perhaps increase your bookings then drop your rate, but only on your terms. This guest may be using a last minute booking tactic to get a better rate, but keep in mind that they are risking your rejection also.
When I receive inquiries about dropping my rate I reply by thanking them for considering my property for their stay, state that my price is firm and then tell them that I found several other properties that may be within their budget. Keep the message positive.
If they reply again to your response with reasons why you should discount don't respond - end the conversation. Be firm and consistent with your pricing and feel good that you are running a good business.
Reply Liked 1 reply•1 like Delete
Andrew
Andrewa day ago
I should mention, it is extremely rare for me to make a negative statement to anyone who inquires. I answer stupid questions politely (before declining the request that contains them). I refer some guests to listings that might be a better fit, and advise them on how to use the search filters. I almost never give a specific reason for choosing not to accept. Had this guest merely asked about a discount, and left it at that, I'd see no reason to anything more than confirm that the price displayed is final. But this guest went the extra mile, with her entitled attitude, and essentially tried to bully the host into accepting her demands. I find this behavior unacceptable and think it merits more forceful pushback. On rare occasions like these, it can also feel good to take a stand for basic human decency.
Mig
Miga day ago
Excellent response Richard. Thank you
Reply Like Delete
Linda
Linda18 hours ago
I absolutely hate it when guest ask for a discount but must admit if have given in several times and then the guest have gone elsewhere, and then I am really angry with myself. But one day I will be strong and just say no!
Reply Like 2 replies Delete
C C
C C17 hours ago
Yeah! Be strong, Linda! A very unnatural thing to do that I learned only by practicing.
Linda
Linda12 hours ago
Thanks CC - lol
Jackie & Matt
Jackie & Matt13 hours ago
I don't spend much time anymore on trying to accommodate people that ask for discounts. In the past year I've had a fair number of potential guests ask for a discount and for a while I spent time calculating everything out so that I could offer something that I thought was fairly meaningful for them and would still work for me, but after about 8-9 months I looked back and noticed that not one that had ever made a booking. So now I don't even spend time on it. Now when someone asks, I have standard language already drafted that I reply with that basically says that we do offer a discount from our regular rate which is already programmed into Airbnb's sytem and which AirBNB automatically applies for stays of 7 nights or longer and leave it at that. I've actually had people then book at my regular rate after that so I think some are just figuring they'd give it a shot and ask.
I have to mention, though, one time I had an especially pushy woman and even though I initially offered her a discount that was about 1/3 off of my already fairly low rate, she wanted me to cut it even further and proceeded to send me about 3-4 more rambling messages in a matter of minutes trying to push me into a progressively lower rate (which was a red flag in itself, but we won't even go there). I finally responded to her by saying something along the lines of "unfortunately we won't be able to meet your budget but wish you well in your search for a suitable accommodation". She wasn't pleased with that outcome but I was happy with myself for finding a polite way to end the discussion rather than saying what I really wanted to .
Reply Liked 1 reply•3 likes Delete
C C
C C4 hours ago
And that's EXACTLY how it goes! Give them an inch....
helga
helga4 hours ago
I learned a thing from a young neighbour, who became a friend. Very good family rich for generations, a very generous person to her friends. When I complained to her about discounts and sorry argument brought by future guests or clients, she used to give me a look down her nose and ask "That is their affair. Why would any of that concern you?" I saw her use that technique on recalcitrant craftsmen who wanted a price increase for difficulties, a delivery delay granted or other things. A very pretty, very young looking ethereal girl got a sharp look in her eyes and stated calmly at a huge bully : "those are your problems. They do not concern me. Deliver on time!" No excuse, no explanation, no question. It's very efficient. I come close in writing where merited, but I still practise that look down my nose.
Reply Liked 1 like Delete
Deborah
Deborahin a few seconds
My approach to requests for discounts varies according to the way the request is made and the accompanying presentation of the guest. My aim is to generally , whenever I can, politely respond to a polite request for a discount much as I would politely reply to any question asked by a guest who was new to the system, didn't understand much about how Airbnb operates or how hosts operate, didn't understand that there are already several layers of discounts built into most hosts' pricing structures. Eg -- (1) weekly discount (2) monthly discount (3) seasonal discounts (price lower in winter, etc), and (4) standard discount when host is offering "budget" accomodations at prices in the lower range of available listings. So I will generally reply to a request for a discount by pointing out that I offer these 4 types of discounts and every guest is, in winter, already getting 2 of those, and perhaps even all 4, and then putting them on the spot and asking if they really are asking for an additional 5th layer of discount, eg a discount on top of discount on top of discount on top of discount etc. This usually quiets down anyone who is ignorant of how the system works.
If the guest is either asking for an ENORMOUS discount, eg, "how about you give me 50% off, since I will be staying a long time, 3 whole days?" or some such nonsense -- or if they seem at all demanding about getting a discount, or if as in your case Simon and Sally they are so arrogant as to preach to you how to do your business such that they as the customer can exploit any slow periods or hardships you experience, then my reply is a little more abrupt and I would have less interest in explaining to them how discounts work. Because in the case of such rudeness the problem on the part of the guest is not ignorance that needs to be educated but rather arrogance and pushiness that need to just be quickly and firmly shoved off and ejected.
Reply Like Delete
Deborah
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-212782
Simon and Sally
How do you feel about guests who ask for discount?
Yesterday i had a last minute inquiry asking for discount and she said a bit less revenue is better than leaving the room empty. I straight up declined but she really bothered me with the fact that she has been doing this a lot (her words). I think it's clever of her waiting the last day to book and ask for discount. So hosts watch out for those! She has a point but the thing is we always get last minute booking and none asked for discount.
11 comments•1 like
Following
Like
Alexina
Delete
Hide
Andrew
Andrew2 days ago
She's not necessarily wrong in her logic, but I would still decline her on the basis of her being a total asshole. It's my home, and I have no interest in sharing it with rude people who don't appreciate the great value they're getting at the regular price.
In fact, I wouldn't hesitate to tell her that in those exact words, and then enjoy a day off from hosting before a better guest inevitably comes along.
Reply Liked 5 replies•12 likes Delete
C C
C C2 days ago
So hilarious, Andrew
Alan
Alan2 days ago
Andrew, said with your usual diplomacy. Love it!
Simone
Simone2 days ago
Right on, Andrew!!
Louise
Louise13 hours ago
"Dear Guest, Thanks for your interest. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate children, pets or arseholes so I am unable to accept your booking. Best of luck with your search."
helga
helga4 hours ago
Louise brings Andrew's reasoning to the most succinct formula ;-) I decline them with pleasure too, saying something like what a pity that they ask so late when I already accepted an invitation to join friends outside. But if they really need a lodging, I could join them later, if the guest accepts the taxi costs be added to the room rate. Sorry, no discount but do not hesitate to ask for the increased special offer before 4pm if you do not find another place.
Simon and Sally
Simon and Sally2 days ago
Great minds think alike. I told her something along the line and she got really worked up over it. She said she could rather stay in a car for a few days or get a discounted place. Maybe she should really just stay in her car and save all the money.
Reply Liked 7 replies•3 likes Delete
Andrew
Andrew2 days ago
Oh yes please tell her that! Carbnb!
helga
helga4 hours ago
Add some advice where not to park the car to avoid danger or being fined. ;-)
C C
C C4 hours ago
Helga, has Auguste yet started saying, "Pottymouth! Pottymouth!"?
C C
C C4 hours ago
In other words, has Shannon arrived yet?
helga
helga3 hours ago
No not yet. I thought that was a reference to Sara. Is Sar on this thread? Sara, you get my bed, Shannon in the other room and Auguste and I squat Edith's couch. 1 or 2 nights, free. Try to get a train to Paris on my he 28 or 29 If too expensive, then later.
C C
C C2 hours ago
Now Helga, how in the heck is that gonna be a reference to Sara?
C C
C C2 hours ago
Uh, I have no idea how you would have access to American idioms (I guess there are several ways), but a pottymouth is someone who says bad, often scatalogical words--to be redundant: bathroom words. Shannon, yes/Sara, no.
C C
C C2 days ago
One can never really improve upon Andrew's advice.
Reply Liked 7 likes Delete
Patricia & Gerard
Patricia & Gerard2 days ago
Perfect advice Andrew on both accounts.
I use this line "of course I'm happy to give you a discount, just make a booking request for 7 nights". That's usually the end of it :-)
Reply Liked 3 likes Delete
Katherine
Katherine2 days ago
I've had this happen several times as well. It puts me in a negative mood with the guest straight away. I'd much rather offer a discount to a guest who regularly stays with us or someone who is genuinely lovely to deal with.
Reply Liked 2 likes Delete
Richard
Richarda day ago
Bear in mind that only the host knows the value of their property and are most qualified to set the price. If you want to stimulate interest and perhaps increase your bookings then drop your rate, but only on your terms. This guest may be using a last minute booking tactic to get a better rate, but keep in mind that they are risking your rejection also.
When I receive inquiries about dropping my rate I reply by thanking them for considering my property for their stay, state that my price is firm and then tell them that I found several other properties that may be within their budget. Keep the message positive.
If they reply again to your response with reasons why you should discount don't respond - end the conversation. Be firm and consistent with your pricing and feel good that you are running a good business.
Reply Liked 1 reply•1 like Delete
Andrew
Andrewa day ago
I should mention, it is extremely rare for me to make a negative statement to anyone who inquires. I answer stupid questions politely (before declining the request that contains them). I refer some guests to listings that might be a better fit, and advise them on how to use the search filters. I almost never give a specific reason for choosing not to accept. Had this guest merely asked about a discount, and left it at that, I'd see no reason to anything more than confirm that the price displayed is final. But this guest went the extra mile, with her entitled attitude, and essentially tried to bully the host into accepting her demands. I find this behavior unacceptable and think it merits more forceful pushback. On rare occasions like these, it can also feel good to take a stand for basic human decency.
Mig
Miga day ago
Excellent response Richard. Thank you
Reply Like Delete
Linda
Linda18 hours ago
I absolutely hate it when guest ask for a discount but must admit if have given in several times and then the guest have gone elsewhere, and then I am really angry with myself. But one day I will be strong and just say no!
Reply Like 2 replies Delete
C C
C C17 hours ago
Yeah! Be strong, Linda! A very unnatural thing to do that I learned only by practicing.
Linda
Linda12 hours ago
Thanks CC - lol
Jackie & Matt
Jackie & Matt13 hours ago
I don't spend much time anymore on trying to accommodate people that ask for discounts. In the past year I've had a fair number of potential guests ask for a discount and for a while I spent time calculating everything out so that I could offer something that I thought was fairly meaningful for them and would still work for me, but after about 8-9 months I looked back and noticed that not one that had ever made a booking. So now I don't even spend time on it. Now when someone asks, I have standard language already drafted that I reply with that basically says that we do offer a discount from our regular rate which is already programmed into Airbnb's sytem and which AirBNB automatically applies for stays of 7 nights or longer and leave it at that. I've actually had people then book at my regular rate after that so I think some are just figuring they'd give it a shot and ask.
I have to mention, though, one time I had an especially pushy woman and even though I initially offered her a discount that was about 1/3 off of my already fairly low rate, she wanted me to cut it even further and proceeded to send me about 3-4 more rambling messages in a matter of minutes trying to push me into a progressively lower rate (which was a red flag in itself, but we won't even go there). I finally responded to her by saying something along the lines of "unfortunately we won't be able to meet your budget but wish you well in your search for a suitable accommodation". She wasn't pleased with that outcome but I was happy with myself for finding a polite way to end the discussion rather than saying what I really wanted to .
Reply Liked 1 reply•3 likes Delete
C C
C C4 hours ago
And that's EXACTLY how it goes! Give them an inch....
helga
helga4 hours ago
I learned a thing from a young neighbour, who became a friend. Very good family rich for generations, a very generous person to her friends. When I complained to her about discounts and sorry argument brought by future guests or clients, she used to give me a look down her nose and ask "That is their affair. Why would any of that concern you?" I saw her use that technique on recalcitrant craftsmen who wanted a price increase for difficulties, a delivery delay granted or other things. A very pretty, very young looking ethereal girl got a sharp look in her eyes and stated calmly at a huge bully : "those are your problems. They do not concern me. Deliver on time!" No excuse, no explanation, no question. It's very efficient. I come close in writing where merited, but I still practise that look down my nose.
Reply Liked 1 like Delete
Deborah
Deborahin a few seconds
My approach to requests for discounts varies according to the way the request is made and the accompanying presentation of the guest. My aim is to generally , whenever I can, politely respond to a polite request for a discount much as I would politely reply to any question asked by a guest who was new to the system, didn't understand much about how Airbnb operates or how hosts operate, didn't understand that there are already several layers of discounts built into most hosts' pricing structures. Eg -- (1) weekly discount (2) monthly discount (3) seasonal discounts (price lower in winter, etc), and (4) standard discount when host is offering "budget" accomodations at prices in the lower range of available listings. So I will generally reply to a request for a discount by pointing out that I offer these 4 types of discounts and every guest is, in winter, already getting 2 of those, and perhaps even all 4, and then putting them on the spot and asking if they really are asking for an additional 5th layer of discount, eg a discount on top of discount on top of discount on top of discount etc. This usually quiets down anyone who is ignorant of how the system works.
If the guest is either asking for an ENORMOUS discount, eg, "how about you give me 50% off, since I will be staying a long time, 3 whole days?" or some such nonsense -- or if they seem at all demanding about getting a discount, or if as in your case Simon and Sally they are so arrogant as to preach to you how to do your business such that they as the customer can exploit any slow periods or hardships you experience, then my reply is a little more abrupt and I would have less interest in explaining to them how discounts work. Because in the case of such rudeness the problem on the part of the guest is not ignorance that needs to be educated but rather arrogance and pushiness that need to just be quickly and firmly shoved off and ejected.
Reply Like Delete
Deborah