Post by High Priestess on May 26, 2016 4:24:18 GMT
Allison shared 2 years ago in Making Guests Feel Special Group
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-55355
Discount Guests
How do you deal with guests asking for a discount in their inquiry? My opinion is that if I were willing to accept a lower price, I would have it listed as my rate. I provide a nice breakfast, and my rate is half the price that hotels in the area cost.
I tell these guests that I can't accept a lower rate, and then they generally stop contacting me, but then I have to decline them, and my acceptance rate is taking a big hit. There's got to be a better way.
What does everyone else do about these bargain travelers?
23 comments•3 likes
Follow
Like
Jules
Denise
Justin
Fleur, Dan and kids
Fleur, Dan and kids2 years ago
Allison I looked at your profile. You look like a wonderful caring person but maybe people are taking 'wanting to create communities' into 'this lady is a pushover'. I absolutely get what you are trying to say but try to make yourself sound a little less hippy and more professional. Your place looks great and you sound like someone I'd love to hangout with so please don't take it the wrong way!
Like
Allison
Allison2 years ago
Hmm. Not offended at all. I assumed everyone was getting these kind of inquiries. I'll think about editing my profile a bit.
Like
Fleur, Dan and kids
Fleur, Dan and kids2 years ago
I don't get asked for discounts at all. I think maybe because you have the tipping system in the US that it might make people feel a bit more likely to ask. I suppose I've got mine priced really reasonably so I'm always full and people know they are getting a bargain.
Like
Nicole & Lisa
Nicole & Lisa2 years ago
Hi Allison,
I don't get asked that often, but when I do get asked for a discount here's what goes into my decision:
1) is it a popular date that I'm likely to get another booking for at my FULL listed rate? If yes, then I decline and still get income. But:
2) if it's a last minute booking or a time I'm NOTA likely to have a reservation (like midweek) then I figure, a discounted rate is better that No Money AT ALL!! I'll negotiate down a bit, maybe take away my complementary breakfast foods in the kitchenette. So long as I'm still making a PROFIT, why not say yes? Just my opinion...
Nicole
Like 1 like
Mati
Mati2 years ago
decide if you want to take the cut. I will work with people if they are there for a week or more. if it's under 4 days, it's not worth the effort. stand your ground.
Like 1 like
Leah
Leah2 years ago
I have had a few people ask for a discount. One was a fellow host who haggled me to price match a motel 6 - he was a turd. Another guest asked because his wife was travelling here and even though he lived close, and wanted a getaway, asked for a discount since he had to pay rent too at his apartment ten miles away. I said no, even though it was for two weeks specifically because it is not my problem if he can't afford my place (I am the cheapest entire space in San Jose), he can find something shared within his budget, and everyone else has to pay their rent/mortgage when they travel so he needs to realize that we dont need to come.down in price out of pity. I give no discounts. If you like it great, if not, go to Motel 6.
Like
Gordon
Gordon2 years ago
Something to be wary of, people who ask for discounts are [generally speaking] those that'll expect a whole load for their money. I only ever discount return guests.
Like 1 like
Jules
Jules2 years ago
This very interesting!
I am full year round with various paying guests snd I take each one on merit.
I certainly think we should all offer good vslue for money but the whole point is that visitors stay in a personalised home environment not an impersonal hotel.
I think giving a small discount or making offers to people is fine but one has to keep an eye on not going too low and losing out for the sake of a booking! I decline people too.
There are always other people eho will book with you!!!
Good luck anyway.
Like 1 reply
Dana and David
Dana and David a year ago
I agree . We have a three bed house. There was just two people who wanted to stay and asked for a bit of a discount. The space was available and I liked her "vibe". I figured since the two would use one bed, less power, water, towels, etc., why not? Again, it was more of a last minute booking. The two were great guests and left a nice bottle of wine for us!
Allison
Allison2 years ago
Great perspectives here! Thank you everyone!
Like 1 like
Nicole & Lisa
Nicole & Lisa2 years ago
I rescind what I said earlier. The guest I most recently discounted is here now and is a royal pain. I think Gordon may have a point about those asking discounts wanting a lot for their money. This one has had me doing back bends! The last straw was when she wouldn't commit to a check in time. We texted back and forth a number of times over a couple days right up to the day of her arrival and she remained elusive. When she texted at 5:30pm on arrival day to say she'd be 9pm or later, I put my foot down and politely said "please be here no later than 9pm because I go to bed early". At 8:30 she had the nerve to text and inform me it would be 10:30 and to "hide a key" for her. That was 2 days ago and I'm still fuming!! Now I'm worried she won't leave by my 11am check out time tomorrow which puts me in a pinch to turn the apartment over before my 3pm check in the same day. Lesson learned. Never again.
Like 2 replies•3 likes
Dana and David
Dana and David a year ago
Nicole- I have a housekeeper for check out at 11:00am. She is told to knock on the door at 11:00am, announce "housekeeping", and open the front door just like a hotel would do. You have a business contract with your guests and 11:00am is when their stay is over.
Dana and David
Dana and David a year ago
I told housekeeper that she could start on a room if the guests were not quite packed up but to be nice and polite. It becomes awkward and they want to leave!
Gordon
Gordon2 years ago
Breathing deeply...doesn't make you feel any better. Cheapskates want more for free! :-)
Like 1 like
Allison
Allison2 years ago
Yes Gordon! My mother is a small business owner and has said the same thing to me about hagglers expecting a lot for their money. Her advice was to not discount, because "Some money is too expensive!" In the past, I've given perks to repeat guests that I liked, such as not charging for a second guest, or buying a favorite coffee or wine. Leah, that guest sounds awful! I can sympathize because I have a well - priced listing (half the price of local hotels, and within $5 of airbnbs in the area, even though my listing is one of the nicer ones). It's beyond me why people think I would want to lower my rates any more!
Like 1 like
Marti
Marti2 years ago
I found that every single guest that asked for a discount - subsequent correspondence proved them to be trouble .. It's a mindset I think .. I go the extra mile with amenities and fair pricing so far I've only offered discounts to repeat guests that were super easy .. Bookings will come ..
Like 1 like
Adam
Adam2 years ago
For your rates I would say not to worry about the acceptance rate. It doesn't go into your super host settings and I don't think of it as a bad thing if a saw it, it just means a more particular place. Just make sure you respond. For me I only give discounts for active duty military and people who will bring me things from their country/state
Like
Allison
Allison2 years ago
Ooh, that's a cool idea! I love when guests bring a little something from their home. Extra points if it's something I can share with future guests: a bottle of liqueur, Kona coffee, etc.
Like
Linda
Lindaa year ago
I didn't have almost any guests who asked about lower price, only one family and I gave them a doscount because that was the last week available, only 7 days before check in, and there was only 3 of them in a house for 8 poeple, so this was like last minute price
Like
Muriel
Muriela year ago
We've learned not to discount. It took a few requests but at the end of the day, we'll get the space filled. Also we no longer feel we need to discount our home. We have a firm price and what's on airbnb is what it is. What we remind guests is all of the amenities we offer and also all of the reviews we have, luckily we're super hosts and mention that as well. If we don't fit their budget then we suggest to search / filter for listings that fit in their budget. Half the time they come back and book with us after they search what else is out there. We offer a great value to our guests and a clean and secure space. Hope this helps!
Like
Leanne
Leannea year ago
I looked at your listing You are very cheap to start with People will try but you still want. To make some money or it's not worth doing it
Like
Lona
Lonaa year ago
Love the idea of "discounts for return customers only" Puts an end to the discussion: right then and there. Agree that customers who ask for discount are often the ones stealing the towels.
Like 1 like
Nicole
Nicolea year ago
I've had requests for discounts too. In my early years as a host, I said yes. But as others have said, I learned the hard way that those guests are the worst customers.
For the month, my place is rented at $900. I allowed one guests to rent for $825 because she was going to rent for 9 months and said she couldn't afford the price.
She was the worst guest ever. She purchased an Audi the next day, and treated my home like a brothel, inviting multiple random men to spend the night with her. Needless to say, I asked her to leave.
You'll also find that those guests don't leave reviews... Or reviews that aren't as kind or positive about you and your home. Quite unacceptable when you consider how giving you were to them in the first place.
I don't discount to strangers.., at all. And most of the time, the good ones who ask come back and book with me anyway.
Like 1 like
Dana and David
Dana and David a year ago
Allison- I am very friendly and address their concerns; then I say that it's not up to me because I have a partner who likes to keep the rates stable (I do! It's my husband). I point out the amenities we provide that helps off set what they pay. For example, in hotels in and around my area, you have to pay to park your car. Then you're tipping people. I don't go into that much detail, but you get the point.
Like
Kathleen
Kathleen3 months ago
I am a host and a guest. I am new to Airbnb but not new to traveling. It is not unusual outside of Airbnb to ask for a discount if you are staying 7 days or more. Typically a bed and breakfast or guest house will gladly offer a small discount. I can promise you I am NOT a demanding guest, but a small discount for a budget traveller loves to travel in the right situation can be nice.
Like
Rechele
Rechele2 months ago
There is a tipping option for US hosts? I was not aware of this! Would you mind pointing me in the direction of more information on this?
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-55355
Discount Guests
How do you deal with guests asking for a discount in their inquiry? My opinion is that if I were willing to accept a lower price, I would have it listed as my rate. I provide a nice breakfast, and my rate is half the price that hotels in the area cost.
I tell these guests that I can't accept a lower rate, and then they generally stop contacting me, but then I have to decline them, and my acceptance rate is taking a big hit. There's got to be a better way.
What does everyone else do about these bargain travelers?
23 comments•3 likes
Follow
Like
Jules
Denise
Justin
Fleur, Dan and kids
Fleur, Dan and kids2 years ago
Allison I looked at your profile. You look like a wonderful caring person but maybe people are taking 'wanting to create communities' into 'this lady is a pushover'. I absolutely get what you are trying to say but try to make yourself sound a little less hippy and more professional. Your place looks great and you sound like someone I'd love to hangout with so please don't take it the wrong way!
Like
Allison
Allison2 years ago
Hmm. Not offended at all. I assumed everyone was getting these kind of inquiries. I'll think about editing my profile a bit.
Like
Fleur, Dan and kids
Fleur, Dan and kids2 years ago
I don't get asked for discounts at all. I think maybe because you have the tipping system in the US that it might make people feel a bit more likely to ask. I suppose I've got mine priced really reasonably so I'm always full and people know they are getting a bargain.
Like
Nicole & Lisa
Nicole & Lisa2 years ago
Hi Allison,
I don't get asked that often, but when I do get asked for a discount here's what goes into my decision:
1) is it a popular date that I'm likely to get another booking for at my FULL listed rate? If yes, then I decline and still get income. But:
2) if it's a last minute booking or a time I'm NOTA likely to have a reservation (like midweek) then I figure, a discounted rate is better that No Money AT ALL!! I'll negotiate down a bit, maybe take away my complementary breakfast foods in the kitchenette. So long as I'm still making a PROFIT, why not say yes? Just my opinion...
Nicole
Like 1 like
Mati
Mati2 years ago
decide if you want to take the cut. I will work with people if they are there for a week or more. if it's under 4 days, it's not worth the effort. stand your ground.
Like 1 like
Leah
Leah2 years ago
I have had a few people ask for a discount. One was a fellow host who haggled me to price match a motel 6 - he was a turd. Another guest asked because his wife was travelling here and even though he lived close, and wanted a getaway, asked for a discount since he had to pay rent too at his apartment ten miles away. I said no, even though it was for two weeks specifically because it is not my problem if he can't afford my place (I am the cheapest entire space in San Jose), he can find something shared within his budget, and everyone else has to pay their rent/mortgage when they travel so he needs to realize that we dont need to come.down in price out of pity. I give no discounts. If you like it great, if not, go to Motel 6.
Like
Gordon
Gordon2 years ago
Something to be wary of, people who ask for discounts are [generally speaking] those that'll expect a whole load for their money. I only ever discount return guests.
Like 1 like
Jules
Jules2 years ago
This very interesting!
I am full year round with various paying guests snd I take each one on merit.
I certainly think we should all offer good vslue for money but the whole point is that visitors stay in a personalised home environment not an impersonal hotel.
I think giving a small discount or making offers to people is fine but one has to keep an eye on not going too low and losing out for the sake of a booking! I decline people too.
There are always other people eho will book with you!!!
Good luck anyway.
Like 1 reply
Dana and David
Dana and David a year ago
I agree . We have a three bed house. There was just two people who wanted to stay and asked for a bit of a discount. The space was available and I liked her "vibe". I figured since the two would use one bed, less power, water, towels, etc., why not? Again, it was more of a last minute booking. The two were great guests and left a nice bottle of wine for us!
Allison
Allison2 years ago
Great perspectives here! Thank you everyone!
Like 1 like
Nicole & Lisa
Nicole & Lisa2 years ago
I rescind what I said earlier. The guest I most recently discounted is here now and is a royal pain. I think Gordon may have a point about those asking discounts wanting a lot for their money. This one has had me doing back bends! The last straw was when she wouldn't commit to a check in time. We texted back and forth a number of times over a couple days right up to the day of her arrival and she remained elusive. When she texted at 5:30pm on arrival day to say she'd be 9pm or later, I put my foot down and politely said "please be here no later than 9pm because I go to bed early". At 8:30 she had the nerve to text and inform me it would be 10:30 and to "hide a key" for her. That was 2 days ago and I'm still fuming!! Now I'm worried she won't leave by my 11am check out time tomorrow which puts me in a pinch to turn the apartment over before my 3pm check in the same day. Lesson learned. Never again.
Like 2 replies•3 likes
Dana and David
Dana and David a year ago
Nicole- I have a housekeeper for check out at 11:00am. She is told to knock on the door at 11:00am, announce "housekeeping", and open the front door just like a hotel would do. You have a business contract with your guests and 11:00am is when their stay is over.
Dana and David
Dana and David a year ago
I told housekeeper that she could start on a room if the guests were not quite packed up but to be nice and polite. It becomes awkward and they want to leave!
Gordon
Gordon2 years ago
Breathing deeply...doesn't make you feel any better. Cheapskates want more for free! :-)
Like 1 like
Allison
Allison2 years ago
Yes Gordon! My mother is a small business owner and has said the same thing to me about hagglers expecting a lot for their money. Her advice was to not discount, because "Some money is too expensive!" In the past, I've given perks to repeat guests that I liked, such as not charging for a second guest, or buying a favorite coffee or wine. Leah, that guest sounds awful! I can sympathize because I have a well - priced listing (half the price of local hotels, and within $5 of airbnbs in the area, even though my listing is one of the nicer ones). It's beyond me why people think I would want to lower my rates any more!
Like 1 like
Marti
Marti2 years ago
I found that every single guest that asked for a discount - subsequent correspondence proved them to be trouble .. It's a mindset I think .. I go the extra mile with amenities and fair pricing so far I've only offered discounts to repeat guests that were super easy .. Bookings will come ..
Like 1 like
Adam
Adam2 years ago
For your rates I would say not to worry about the acceptance rate. It doesn't go into your super host settings and I don't think of it as a bad thing if a saw it, it just means a more particular place. Just make sure you respond. For me I only give discounts for active duty military and people who will bring me things from their country/state
Like
Allison
Allison2 years ago
Ooh, that's a cool idea! I love when guests bring a little something from their home. Extra points if it's something I can share with future guests: a bottle of liqueur, Kona coffee, etc.
Like
Linda
Lindaa year ago
I didn't have almost any guests who asked about lower price, only one family and I gave them a doscount because that was the last week available, only 7 days before check in, and there was only 3 of them in a house for 8 poeple, so this was like last minute price
Like
Muriel
Muriela year ago
We've learned not to discount. It took a few requests but at the end of the day, we'll get the space filled. Also we no longer feel we need to discount our home. We have a firm price and what's on airbnb is what it is. What we remind guests is all of the amenities we offer and also all of the reviews we have, luckily we're super hosts and mention that as well. If we don't fit their budget then we suggest to search / filter for listings that fit in their budget. Half the time they come back and book with us after they search what else is out there. We offer a great value to our guests and a clean and secure space. Hope this helps!
Like
Leanne
Leannea year ago
I looked at your listing You are very cheap to start with People will try but you still want. To make some money or it's not worth doing it
Like
Lona
Lonaa year ago
Love the idea of "discounts for return customers only" Puts an end to the discussion: right then and there. Agree that customers who ask for discount are often the ones stealing the towels.
Like 1 like
Nicole
Nicolea year ago
I've had requests for discounts too. In my early years as a host, I said yes. But as others have said, I learned the hard way that those guests are the worst customers.
For the month, my place is rented at $900. I allowed one guests to rent for $825 because she was going to rent for 9 months and said she couldn't afford the price.
She was the worst guest ever. She purchased an Audi the next day, and treated my home like a brothel, inviting multiple random men to spend the night with her. Needless to say, I asked her to leave.
You'll also find that those guests don't leave reviews... Or reviews that aren't as kind or positive about you and your home. Quite unacceptable when you consider how giving you were to them in the first place.
I don't discount to strangers.., at all. And most of the time, the good ones who ask come back and book with me anyway.
Like 1 like
Dana and David
Dana and David a year ago
Allison- I am very friendly and address their concerns; then I say that it's not up to me because I have a partner who likes to keep the rates stable (I do! It's my husband). I point out the amenities we provide that helps off set what they pay. For example, in hotels in and around my area, you have to pay to park your car. Then you're tipping people. I don't go into that much detail, but you get the point.
Like
Kathleen
Kathleen3 months ago
I am a host and a guest. I am new to Airbnb but not new to traveling. It is not unusual outside of Airbnb to ask for a discount if you are staying 7 days or more. Typically a bed and breakfast or guest house will gladly offer a small discount. I can promise you I am NOT a demanding guest, but a small discount for a budget traveller loves to travel in the right situation can be nice.
Like
Rechele
Rechele2 months ago
There is a tipping option for US hosts? I was not aware of this! Would you mind pointing me in the direction of more information on this?