Post by High Priestess on May 27, 2016 20:50:48 GMT
Elizabeth shared on Hosting 911 in June 2014
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-90438
Inquiry from Hardship People
Am I the only one getting reservations from people wanting a free or greatly reduced rate handout? I have two emails in the last month from people wanting to stay at our cabin for a price other than the one listed. Is this a type of scam? They usually want to stay for a long time and pay hardly any rent.
16 comments•1 like
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Elizabeth
Susan
Susan2 years ago
just decline and move on. be sure to state why you are declining in the response to them.
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Julie and Eric
Julie and Eric2 years ago
I haven't in a long time - for inquiries, I'd just reply "no thanks, good luck." For reservation requests,* I'd ask them to withdraw their request but if they don't, decline within 24 hours. I don't even do discounts because we're competitively priced.
*It doesn't make sense that you would get a reservation request with this question, but it could happen.
Reply Like 2 likes
Gretchen
Gretchen2 years ago
We get them we don't ever give a reduced rate. We almost always book every night at the full or seasonally adjusted rate so there is nothing in it for us to give them a deal. Also, they are always the biggest pain in the ass. Totally not worth dealing with them. I did it once, a couple whose apartment was being fumigated. They begged and pleaded. They said their landlord only gave them $100 a night so I have them that rate. When they left they left behind a receipt for a $4300 sofa from Room & Board and another for a king size tempurpedic mattress and finally they bought a $5000 bed frame from a local Hugh end furniture boutique. Never again.
Reply Liked 3 likes
Elizabeth
Elizabeth2 years ago
yeah, I agree Is it better to have them retract their reservation than decline it?
Reply Like 1 reply
Julie and Eric
Julie and Eric2 years ago
If it's a reservation request, ask them to cancel it and if they don't, be sure you decline within 24 hours.
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
When I have people inquiring and asking for huge discounts (which doesn't happen often) I tend to tell them that I find this offensive. Sometimes someone will have a "deal" to offer, such as saying they will do all my gardening work, in exchange for a 40-50% discount -- to them I just say that when booking through Airbnb you cannot pay on a barter system, only through Airbnb, and also I usually say something to the effect, "it is extremely unlikely that you will find a place for the rate you are seeking anywhere on Airbnb. Have you considered staying with a friend, or trying couchsurfing.org?"
Reply Like 1 like
Susan
Susan2 years ago
I must be doing something right, I've never in 3 years had someone ask for a reduced rate. And my discount policy is clearly stated in my listing description.
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Nancy and Bill
Nancy and Bill2 years ago
We have not had anyone request a discounted rate. If it does happen the answer would be a simple no!
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Tania & Andrew
Tania & Andrew2 years ago
I have received discount requests. Mainly because I used to offer two different rates. One with A/C one without A/C we decided to sort this out with my husband managing the non-A/C listing and myself the A/C listing. The people looking for a lower price will naturally stumble upon the non-A/C rate which is 10 USD less per night. Since we're starting we have been happy to welcome them all. But our last "discount" guest was a real pain in the neck!
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KRIS & RODGER
KRIS & RODGER2 years ago
I had a couple of French students demand I reduce my rate for them. I said the rate was already reduced for a month, but they still demanded I reduce by 75%. I said no, and told them to stop writing to me, but they did not, so I flagged them and put on my post no price reductions or exchange students. Have not had any since.
Reply Like
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
I thought I would mention one exception where I did offer someone a discount -- she was someone on a dedicated spiritual path, and was working for a group of nuns in a monastic setting. She needed a personal retreat. I was willing to give her a discount because of the value I placed on what she was doing, the spiritual journey she was on.
Reply Like 1 like
Leah
Leah2 years ago
It doesn't help either when I have read in magazine or parent magazines praising airbnb and the ability (in the author's view) that hosts welcome price negotiations.
Reply Like 4 replies•1 like
Nancy and Bill
Nancy and Bill2 years ago
I agree Leah that having articles like that do not help - but lets remember that if we stuck together and didn't negotiate price, there would be no data to support the idea that we negotiate price. Our prices are so low now, I think for most of us there isn't much lower to go and still make a reasonable profit after expenses and considering our time, energy and wear and tear on our homes.
Leah
Leah2 years ago
Agree! When I read that I was saying to myself, "Don't say that!! Hosts don't want to give their spaces away for darn near free!!" Errrrr!!
Jane-Marie
Jane-Marie2 years ago
I have seen those discussions too and places that say, "Always ask for a discount. MOst hosts will give you one." I do not give discounts. The only time I did the people went through a face cord of firewood in a few days. I lost about $150 hosting them.
Susan
Susan2 years ago
Gosh! People are so cheap!
Javier and Kym
Javier and Kym2 years ago
I haven't been asked for a discount yet (and I would gladly decline them and give them the link to the nearest hotel which is over $100 a night if they did) but I have been repeatedly asked to provide all transportation. Like THAT'S gonna happen. "I need you to pick me up from the airport and take me everyday to my school at Full Sail and pick me up." "I can't stay at your apartment (it's a house, buddy) unless I have a ride to the airport. Taking a taxi 11 miles costs too much and I am out of money." Inquiries like that make me think I'm charging way too little because I know they wouldn't try this nonsense at a hotel.
Reply Like 1 reply
Nancy and Bill
Nancy and Bill2 years ago
OMGosh - I would be so embarrassed to say anything like that. And - I would not want anyone who would say anything like that staying at our home! No thanks - no way!
Julie and Eric
Julie and Eric2 years ago
I have hosted a couchsurfing guest while the apartment was open so she stayed there, and I upgraded a shared space guest to the apartment (because it's easier for me). I've also let kids stay free for return guests.
We were heading to DC on a whim while they still had the "last minute offers" system - hosts sign up to receive them, guests fill out a form saying where they want to stay, when and how much they want to pay, hosts get an alert and can send them special offers. A new host with a new space that had been overpriced sent a discounted offer - as his fourth guest, I left him a really nice review and gave the listing value stars based on the original price. He left me a review complaining that my review reduced his value rating (to what it currently is after 83 reviews).
I miss that old system. Does anyone remember the name? Too bad they removed it.
Reply Like 1 reply
Nancy and Bill
Nancy and Bill2 years ago
Almost all of the stories we have heard regarding "bad" guests/bad reviews have originated with requests from guests for discounts and other special treatment. There seems to be a message here for all hosts - set your price, establish your house rules/boundaries and then stick to your terms without apology, feelings of guilt or concern about not getting enough business. We will each get the guests that "fit' our listings and we submit that we do not want the others. Your price and house rules weed out the undesirables for you.
Lexi & Nick
Lexi & Nick2 years ago
The only negative or slightly critical reviews I have ever received are from people who I gave a discount to. Go figure.
Reply Like
Grace
Grace2 years ago
I've had one or two requests for a discounted price. I simply let them know it is not an option, along with a nice note that I don't feel they're a likely match for this listing, and I wish them well in their continued search. I won't book even at full price after a reduced rate is asked for. Just not a good match for me.
Reply Like 1 like
Maya
Maya2 years ago
Sometimes less is more....less bookings, more contentment & less hassle.
Reply Like
Deborah
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-90438
Inquiry from Hardship People
Am I the only one getting reservations from people wanting a free or greatly reduced rate handout? I have two emails in the last month from people wanting to stay at our cabin for a price other than the one listed. Is this a type of scam? They usually want to stay for a long time and pay hardly any rent.
16 comments•1 like
Following
Like
Elizabeth
Susan
Susan2 years ago
just decline and move on. be sure to state why you are declining in the response to them.
Reply Like
Julie and Eric
Julie and Eric2 years ago
I haven't in a long time - for inquiries, I'd just reply "no thanks, good luck." For reservation requests,* I'd ask them to withdraw their request but if they don't, decline within 24 hours. I don't even do discounts because we're competitively priced.
*It doesn't make sense that you would get a reservation request with this question, but it could happen.
Reply Like 2 likes
Gretchen
Gretchen2 years ago
We get them we don't ever give a reduced rate. We almost always book every night at the full or seasonally adjusted rate so there is nothing in it for us to give them a deal. Also, they are always the biggest pain in the ass. Totally not worth dealing with them. I did it once, a couple whose apartment was being fumigated. They begged and pleaded. They said their landlord only gave them $100 a night so I have them that rate. When they left they left behind a receipt for a $4300 sofa from Room & Board and another for a king size tempurpedic mattress and finally they bought a $5000 bed frame from a local Hugh end furniture boutique. Never again.
Reply Liked 3 likes
Elizabeth
Elizabeth2 years ago
yeah, I agree Is it better to have them retract their reservation than decline it?
Reply Like 1 reply
Julie and Eric
Julie and Eric2 years ago
If it's a reservation request, ask them to cancel it and if they don't, be sure you decline within 24 hours.
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
When I have people inquiring and asking for huge discounts (which doesn't happen often) I tend to tell them that I find this offensive. Sometimes someone will have a "deal" to offer, such as saying they will do all my gardening work, in exchange for a 40-50% discount -- to them I just say that when booking through Airbnb you cannot pay on a barter system, only through Airbnb, and also I usually say something to the effect, "it is extremely unlikely that you will find a place for the rate you are seeking anywhere on Airbnb. Have you considered staying with a friend, or trying couchsurfing.org?"
Reply Like 1 like
Susan
Susan2 years ago
I must be doing something right, I've never in 3 years had someone ask for a reduced rate. And my discount policy is clearly stated in my listing description.
Reply Like
Nancy and Bill
Nancy and Bill2 years ago
We have not had anyone request a discounted rate. If it does happen the answer would be a simple no!
Reply Like
Tania & Andrew
Tania & Andrew2 years ago
I have received discount requests. Mainly because I used to offer two different rates. One with A/C one without A/C we decided to sort this out with my husband managing the non-A/C listing and myself the A/C listing. The people looking for a lower price will naturally stumble upon the non-A/C rate which is 10 USD less per night. Since we're starting we have been happy to welcome them all. But our last "discount" guest was a real pain in the neck!
Reply Like
KRIS & RODGER
KRIS & RODGER2 years ago
I had a couple of French students demand I reduce my rate for them. I said the rate was already reduced for a month, but they still demanded I reduce by 75%. I said no, and told them to stop writing to me, but they did not, so I flagged them and put on my post no price reductions or exchange students. Have not had any since.
Reply Like
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
I thought I would mention one exception where I did offer someone a discount -- she was someone on a dedicated spiritual path, and was working for a group of nuns in a monastic setting. She needed a personal retreat. I was willing to give her a discount because of the value I placed on what she was doing, the spiritual journey she was on.
Reply Like 1 like
Leah
Leah2 years ago
It doesn't help either when I have read in magazine or parent magazines praising airbnb and the ability (in the author's view) that hosts welcome price negotiations.
Reply Like 4 replies•1 like
Nancy and Bill
Nancy and Bill2 years ago
I agree Leah that having articles like that do not help - but lets remember that if we stuck together and didn't negotiate price, there would be no data to support the idea that we negotiate price. Our prices are so low now, I think for most of us there isn't much lower to go and still make a reasonable profit after expenses and considering our time, energy and wear and tear on our homes.
Leah
Leah2 years ago
Agree! When I read that I was saying to myself, "Don't say that!! Hosts don't want to give their spaces away for darn near free!!" Errrrr!!
Jane-Marie
Jane-Marie2 years ago
I have seen those discussions too and places that say, "Always ask for a discount. MOst hosts will give you one." I do not give discounts. The only time I did the people went through a face cord of firewood in a few days. I lost about $150 hosting them.
Susan
Susan2 years ago
Gosh! People are so cheap!
Javier and Kym
Javier and Kym2 years ago
I haven't been asked for a discount yet (and I would gladly decline them and give them the link to the nearest hotel which is over $100 a night if they did) but I have been repeatedly asked to provide all transportation. Like THAT'S gonna happen. "I need you to pick me up from the airport and take me everyday to my school at Full Sail and pick me up." "I can't stay at your apartment (it's a house, buddy) unless I have a ride to the airport. Taking a taxi 11 miles costs too much and I am out of money." Inquiries like that make me think I'm charging way too little because I know they wouldn't try this nonsense at a hotel.
Reply Like 1 reply
Nancy and Bill
Nancy and Bill2 years ago
OMGosh - I would be so embarrassed to say anything like that. And - I would not want anyone who would say anything like that staying at our home! No thanks - no way!
Julie and Eric
Julie and Eric2 years ago
I have hosted a couchsurfing guest while the apartment was open so she stayed there, and I upgraded a shared space guest to the apartment (because it's easier for me). I've also let kids stay free for return guests.
We were heading to DC on a whim while they still had the "last minute offers" system - hosts sign up to receive them, guests fill out a form saying where they want to stay, when and how much they want to pay, hosts get an alert and can send them special offers. A new host with a new space that had been overpriced sent a discounted offer - as his fourth guest, I left him a really nice review and gave the listing value stars based on the original price. He left me a review complaining that my review reduced his value rating (to what it currently is after 83 reviews).
I miss that old system. Does anyone remember the name? Too bad they removed it.
Reply Like 1 reply
Nancy and Bill
Nancy and Bill2 years ago
Almost all of the stories we have heard regarding "bad" guests/bad reviews have originated with requests from guests for discounts and other special treatment. There seems to be a message here for all hosts - set your price, establish your house rules/boundaries and then stick to your terms without apology, feelings of guilt or concern about not getting enough business. We will each get the guests that "fit' our listings and we submit that we do not want the others. Your price and house rules weed out the undesirables for you.
Lexi & Nick
Lexi & Nick2 years ago
The only negative or slightly critical reviews I have ever received are from people who I gave a discount to. Go figure.
Reply Like
Grace
Grace2 years ago
I've had one or two requests for a discounted price. I simply let them know it is not an option, along with a nice note that I don't feel they're a likely match for this listing, and I wish them well in their continued search. I won't book even at full price after a reduced rate is asked for. Just not a good match for me.
Reply Like 1 like
Maya
Maya2 years ago
Sometimes less is more....less bookings, more contentment & less hassle.
Reply Like
Deborah