Post by High Priestess on May 28, 2016 4:13:42 GMT
Kimberly shared on HOsting 911 June 2014
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-91028
Inquiry with little verification
Hi! I just listed my room for the first time here. I have an inquiry from a couple to look at my place and discuss rental. They just signed up this month and have no reviews whatsoever. Suspicious? Any advice?
20 comments•1 like
Following
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Suzanne
Andrew
Andrew2 years ago
The majority of my guests have been new and inexperienced users. Airbnb's customer base is growing rapidly, so that's to be expected and not necessarily suspicious. However, you have every right to change your settings to require a Verified ID in order to complete a booking. Click on Your Listings > Reservation Requirements and you'll see the option to require the verification.
Reply Like 1 like
Kimberly
Kimberly2 years ago
Thanks Andrew! Also meant to ask- am I entitled to ask them questions about their stay? I find it odd that they want to 'look' before renting. I thought air bnb was more of an touristy/out of towner experience? Anyways, I'd like to know why they want to rent, for how long, and what do they mean by "discussing payment." I hope this ok to ask.
Reply Like 1 like
Sheryl
Sheryl 2 years ago
Yes! You can and should ask questions to be sure that their planned stay matches your offering. Some people do ask to see the accommodations but most hosts do not allow this as it is a security risk to you. And prospective guests also ask, sometimes, to "discuss" the price. This is code for "Will accept less?" It is frowned upon. It is widely agreed that the guests who try to enter your home without having contracted for a stay and who want to bargain about the price are the ones who have little respect for other parameters like house rules and are difficult guests.
Reply Like 6 likes
scott
scott2 years ago
If they are looking for a long stay, and if they live in your city, it makes sense for them to have a look at the place. I have also had people look at my place before booking it for friends and relatives visiting from out of town. That's what I would want to do. But Sheryl is right, sometimes they will them try for an off-Airbnb payment. Tell them they need to pad out their profile - verifications, paragraph about them and photo. And ask them as many questions as it takes so you feel comfortable with them.
Reply Like 3 likes
Kimberly
Kimberly2 years ago
Will do! I already began an inquiry and got some answers. They are definitely looking for a discount! Ha! I knew it! Well, we'll sort it out one way or another. Glad to hear your answers. It definitely opened my eyes. Any other input/advice is gladly welcomed by this newbie!
Reply Like 1 reply•2 likes
Jane-Marie
Jane-Marie2 years ago
Don't immediately give a discount. In fact, as we have all noted, it rarely ends well! You may have to adjust your prices with seasons and events, but don't be too eager at the start to give discounts.
Susanna
Susanna2 years ago
I agree with Andrew, many of my guests are first time users of AIRBNB but I think it is a good idea for them to be fully verified if possible. I think it helps buy into the airbnb "way" and they will remember to review you. I don't have long term rental but I would still like some verification.
Reply Like 1 like
Andrew
Andrew2 years ago
Kimberley, if you are new to hosting, may I suggest that you steer away from long-term bookings and get your listing off the ground with some short-term ones.
Like Scott said, some people are looking for temporary residence rather than holiday accommodation, and those are usually the ones who ask for a viewing. But granting this request also means finding a way around the system to supply contact details that would ordinarily go only to confirmed, verified guests. While the unverified profile is not a red flag in itself, it combines with the request for a viewing and a discount to suggest a high likelihood of this being a problem guest - the kind you won't want for one of your first experiences! (Sadly, hosts who appear inexperienced get more requests from people with shady motives, so there's something to watch out for there too)
And if they are, indeed, looking to rent long-term, you'll be deprived of the chance to fill up your slate of reviews, and you'll be stuck with tenants who use your space more heavily than short-term tourists, who tend to be out and about most of the day and don't make themselves *too* much at home. My usual suggestion to newbies is to set a Maximum Stay of 2 weeks (email hidden) had at least 5 reviews, and then consider whether you prefer longer term arrangements.
Reply Like 1 reply•5 likes
Kim
Kim2 years ago
Totally agree with Andrew
Kimberly
Kimberly2 years ago
Andrew, those were exactly my thoughts. I've adjusted my maximum stay and explained to them that I'm trying to create a social space for travelers rather than room rental (which is true). My home is my sanctuary so intend to be very selective about who comes into it.
Reply Like 1 like
Kimberly
Kimberly2 years ago
There's been a whole lot of weird back and forth. She keeps trying to confirm a lower price through the message system rather than just make the reservation to see the price. I'm getting some uncomfortable vibes and don't think this is a good fit, so I'm just going to go ahead and pass on this couple. Thanks for the advice everyone!
Reply Like 2 replies•3 likes
Andrew
Andrew2 years ago
You definitely made the right call! And now you know firsthand one of the things to watch out for. But I have no doubt that you'll soon be meeting some fantastic people through Airbnb. You have a very well-written listing, a great sense of style in your home, and your place sounds like a lot of fun - it will be a big draw to the kind of people you're looking for. One unrelated suggestion - add a photo that features your cat, since people are likelier to click through the photos than to read the whole text.
Kimberly
Kimberly2 years ago
Ooh! Great idea!!
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
Kimberly -- I think you did a super job on reaching out for help with this, and then listening to your gut about how you felt about this couple. Good going! I think Andrew is just spot on when he says that some of the shady characters tend to aim their sights on new hosts. They are looking for someone inexperienced (or maybe young and inexperienced) whom they hope they can pull a fast one on. I suppose some realize that new hosts are more eager for guests and may not have yet learned what to watch out for, as far as red flags and people begging for discounts.
A lot of guests I've had have been brand new, so they have no reviews, and some have had no photo, no phone number, and say hardly anything about themselves. So, I reply to them by asking them to add a photo and phone number to their profile, and to say something about themselves, what they do (eg student? working? In what field?) and what their purpose is for visiting my area, explaining that we as hosts want to know something about who will be in our house. Anyone who doesn't want to comply with these requests, is not someone I would want in my house, as they are indicating that they don't have enough care for my ability to feel secure and to vet my guests.
Airbnb is used not only by people wanting to stay just a few days or a couple weeks, but also by people wanting a place for a month or more, even up to a year in some cases --- such as a foreign student on an exchange program, or someone on a job assignment in a new area. So, you have to just decide what you are comfortable with in terms of how long you want guests to stay. Andrew's advice is good that it is better when you start out, to not accept long term stays yet, because there is a learning curve both with Airbnb and with renting out a room, and you don't want to make a mistake that will result in you having someone in your house with whom you feel increasingly uncomfortable, or who will not follow your rules.
HEre are some posts I made with tips for new hosts:
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-78645
and
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-76121
Reply Like 1 like
Susan
Susan2 years ago
No looky-loos! This because it is for your safety and security. You don't accept unknown people off the street to come into your home and look around do you? You have photos. I don't accept guests with no photos, no verifications. If they are verified (at 3, 1 of which offline) I will accept their stay. If you don't feel comfortable with the people, decline them.
Reply Like 1 like
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
Regarding people asking to see the place ahead of time -- if their stay is only a short one, I agree with Susan, that it should be enough for them to look at your listing. WE have the ability to put an incredible amount of info and photos in the listing and this is quite sufficient. However, in the case of someone wanting to stay longer term, I sometimes let them come over to look or meet me, but I will not show rooms which are presently occupied, as I have found that never goes over well.
Also, sometimes it is actually myself as host who wants to be the "looky loo" and get a better feel of the potential guest before I accept their longer term reservation, and given that Airbnb has removed the voice connect feature whereby we could formerly talk to someone before accepting their reservation, now meeting in person is the only option for a getting a more accurate sense of whether we are comfortable enough with someone for a longer term stay. For a short stay it is not as critical, but if someone is going to stay 1-2 months and I am not totally confident in them based on their profile, it is nice to have the option to meet briefly.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Suzanne
Suzanne2 years ago
I so miss the voice connect feature; doing whole place and long term stays most of the time (over a month), I allow previews; just be careful about being safe...I have always had viewers book the place, and have never had a problem myself
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
I cheerfully show my rental to locals who are looking on behalf of a relative or need a short-term place to stay while their own home is being renovated. My space is quirky, and I'd rather people who would be spending a significant amount of time there be comfortable with it. And it builds goodwill in the neighborhood--lots of residents have great curiosity about the space, and showing it helps them build comfort with the idea of Airbnb in general. Like Deborah, I don't show it while it's occupied, though.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Suzanne
Suzanne2 years ago
Yes, has to be vacant
scott
scott2 years ago
So Kimberly, if she's getting weird, pull the plug on the enquiry. Go with your gut feel. Good advice from Andrew to cut your teeth on some quick turnaround bookings. That will hopefully give you some reviews and some practice so you can adjust your space and your offer.
Reply Like 1 reply•2 likes
Susan
Susan2 years ago
my "niche" is short-term stay, 2-4 nights. Three years' ago I started out by undercutting the competition very deeply. Fortunately, I didn't get any cheap-0 weird Guests, but that strategy can backfire. I garnered sufficient reviews to rapidly start raising my nightly rate. Now, it seems that with each increase in the nightly rate (and my well detailed listing description) I continue to get bookings. I'd say the secret to success is to write a well written listing description and to price competitively. Down the road, it won't matter as to price so much as the reviews will support your price and make you all the more worthwhile to potential guests. I now show on within the first 5 listings for all of Los Angeles at all price points. Be shrewd in targeting your niche market and writing your listing description appropriately and price competitively.
Kelly and Fabian
Kelly and Fabian2 years ago
I would not let anyone come look and then book. That is the point of pictures. It could be people just "casing" your home and Airbnb won't cover you if they have not booked and something gets stolen.
Reply Like 1 reply•2 likes
Susan
Susan2 years ago
I would NEVER allow someone to just come over and "look" since my photos on my listing description are 100% correct. I wish to maintain my privacy, security and safety at all costs. Only verified airbnb guests are allowed after booking in.
void
void2 years ago
The only way I'd allow a prospective guest in my home is if they make a reservation. They can always cancel five days before the booking. It wipes out all the chancers.
Reply Like 3 likes
Helo
Heloa year ago
Hello,
I rent for 4-5 days maximum.
I tell people that if i want i room mate i would get a room mate.
I am just renting a room.
No looking allowed for me.
Paypal is the best way to be secure of my money deposite.
You are excited of getting a first guess that is understand,
But most guess will not be fussy.
They will present themself, ask about those date
Reply Like
Helo
Heloa year ago
Dont say yes to fussy people.
They are problem!
And there has been bugglers stories.
At lest when you use air bnb there is some support
Reply Like
Helo
Heloa year ago
Great pictures and smile!
Maybe add the bathroom and kitchen?
Reply Like 1 reply
Kimberly
Kimberlya year ago
Yes! Thank you! Just had an Air BnB photographer shoot everything so I will put those up, too! Great advice!
Suzie
Suziea year ago
This happened to me twice. I replied yes you can come see the space when there is no Guest there. the address becomes visible after you booked.
And oh Sorry there are Guests enjoying my space we cannot go in.
Hooray
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-91028
Inquiry with little verification
Hi! I just listed my room for the first time here. I have an inquiry from a couple to look at my place and discuss rental. They just signed up this month and have no reviews whatsoever. Suspicious? Any advice?
20 comments•1 like
Following
Like
Suzanne
Andrew
Andrew2 years ago
The majority of my guests have been new and inexperienced users. Airbnb's customer base is growing rapidly, so that's to be expected and not necessarily suspicious. However, you have every right to change your settings to require a Verified ID in order to complete a booking. Click on Your Listings > Reservation Requirements and you'll see the option to require the verification.
Reply Like 1 like
Kimberly
Kimberly2 years ago
Thanks Andrew! Also meant to ask- am I entitled to ask them questions about their stay? I find it odd that they want to 'look' before renting. I thought air bnb was more of an touristy/out of towner experience? Anyways, I'd like to know why they want to rent, for how long, and what do they mean by "discussing payment." I hope this ok to ask.
Reply Like 1 like
Sheryl
Sheryl 2 years ago
Yes! You can and should ask questions to be sure that their planned stay matches your offering. Some people do ask to see the accommodations but most hosts do not allow this as it is a security risk to you. And prospective guests also ask, sometimes, to "discuss" the price. This is code for "Will accept less?" It is frowned upon. It is widely agreed that the guests who try to enter your home without having contracted for a stay and who want to bargain about the price are the ones who have little respect for other parameters like house rules and are difficult guests.
Reply Like 6 likes
scott
scott2 years ago
If they are looking for a long stay, and if they live in your city, it makes sense for them to have a look at the place. I have also had people look at my place before booking it for friends and relatives visiting from out of town. That's what I would want to do. But Sheryl is right, sometimes they will them try for an off-Airbnb payment. Tell them they need to pad out their profile - verifications, paragraph about them and photo. And ask them as many questions as it takes so you feel comfortable with them.
Reply Like 3 likes
Kimberly
Kimberly2 years ago
Will do! I already began an inquiry and got some answers. They are definitely looking for a discount! Ha! I knew it! Well, we'll sort it out one way or another. Glad to hear your answers. It definitely opened my eyes. Any other input/advice is gladly welcomed by this newbie!
Reply Like 1 reply•2 likes
Jane-Marie
Jane-Marie2 years ago
Don't immediately give a discount. In fact, as we have all noted, it rarely ends well! You may have to adjust your prices with seasons and events, but don't be too eager at the start to give discounts.
Susanna
Susanna2 years ago
I agree with Andrew, many of my guests are first time users of AIRBNB but I think it is a good idea for them to be fully verified if possible. I think it helps buy into the airbnb "way" and they will remember to review you. I don't have long term rental but I would still like some verification.
Reply Like 1 like
Andrew
Andrew2 years ago
Kimberley, if you are new to hosting, may I suggest that you steer away from long-term bookings and get your listing off the ground with some short-term ones.
Like Scott said, some people are looking for temporary residence rather than holiday accommodation, and those are usually the ones who ask for a viewing. But granting this request also means finding a way around the system to supply contact details that would ordinarily go only to confirmed, verified guests. While the unverified profile is not a red flag in itself, it combines with the request for a viewing and a discount to suggest a high likelihood of this being a problem guest - the kind you won't want for one of your first experiences! (Sadly, hosts who appear inexperienced get more requests from people with shady motives, so there's something to watch out for there too)
And if they are, indeed, looking to rent long-term, you'll be deprived of the chance to fill up your slate of reviews, and you'll be stuck with tenants who use your space more heavily than short-term tourists, who tend to be out and about most of the day and don't make themselves *too* much at home. My usual suggestion to newbies is to set a Maximum Stay of 2 weeks (email hidden) had at least 5 reviews, and then consider whether you prefer longer term arrangements.
Reply Like 1 reply•5 likes
Kim
Kim2 years ago
Totally agree with Andrew
Kimberly
Kimberly2 years ago
Andrew, those were exactly my thoughts. I've adjusted my maximum stay and explained to them that I'm trying to create a social space for travelers rather than room rental (which is true). My home is my sanctuary so intend to be very selective about who comes into it.
Reply Like 1 like
Kimberly
Kimberly2 years ago
There's been a whole lot of weird back and forth. She keeps trying to confirm a lower price through the message system rather than just make the reservation to see the price. I'm getting some uncomfortable vibes and don't think this is a good fit, so I'm just going to go ahead and pass on this couple. Thanks for the advice everyone!
Reply Like 2 replies•3 likes
Andrew
Andrew2 years ago
You definitely made the right call! And now you know firsthand one of the things to watch out for. But I have no doubt that you'll soon be meeting some fantastic people through Airbnb. You have a very well-written listing, a great sense of style in your home, and your place sounds like a lot of fun - it will be a big draw to the kind of people you're looking for. One unrelated suggestion - add a photo that features your cat, since people are likelier to click through the photos than to read the whole text.
Kimberly
Kimberly2 years ago
Ooh! Great idea!!
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
Kimberly -- I think you did a super job on reaching out for help with this, and then listening to your gut about how you felt about this couple. Good going! I think Andrew is just spot on when he says that some of the shady characters tend to aim their sights on new hosts. They are looking for someone inexperienced (or maybe young and inexperienced) whom they hope they can pull a fast one on. I suppose some realize that new hosts are more eager for guests and may not have yet learned what to watch out for, as far as red flags and people begging for discounts.
A lot of guests I've had have been brand new, so they have no reviews, and some have had no photo, no phone number, and say hardly anything about themselves. So, I reply to them by asking them to add a photo and phone number to their profile, and to say something about themselves, what they do (eg student? working? In what field?) and what their purpose is for visiting my area, explaining that we as hosts want to know something about who will be in our house. Anyone who doesn't want to comply with these requests, is not someone I would want in my house, as they are indicating that they don't have enough care for my ability to feel secure and to vet my guests.
Airbnb is used not only by people wanting to stay just a few days or a couple weeks, but also by people wanting a place for a month or more, even up to a year in some cases --- such as a foreign student on an exchange program, or someone on a job assignment in a new area. So, you have to just decide what you are comfortable with in terms of how long you want guests to stay. Andrew's advice is good that it is better when you start out, to not accept long term stays yet, because there is a learning curve both with Airbnb and with renting out a room, and you don't want to make a mistake that will result in you having someone in your house with whom you feel increasingly uncomfortable, or who will not follow your rules.
HEre are some posts I made with tips for new hosts:
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-78645
and
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-76121
Reply Like 1 like
Susan
Susan2 years ago
No looky-loos! This because it is for your safety and security. You don't accept unknown people off the street to come into your home and look around do you? You have photos. I don't accept guests with no photos, no verifications. If they are verified (at 3, 1 of which offline) I will accept their stay. If you don't feel comfortable with the people, decline them.
Reply Like 1 like
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
Regarding people asking to see the place ahead of time -- if their stay is only a short one, I agree with Susan, that it should be enough for them to look at your listing. WE have the ability to put an incredible amount of info and photos in the listing and this is quite sufficient. However, in the case of someone wanting to stay longer term, I sometimes let them come over to look or meet me, but I will not show rooms which are presently occupied, as I have found that never goes over well.
Also, sometimes it is actually myself as host who wants to be the "looky loo" and get a better feel of the potential guest before I accept their longer term reservation, and given that Airbnb has removed the voice connect feature whereby we could formerly talk to someone before accepting their reservation, now meeting in person is the only option for a getting a more accurate sense of whether we are comfortable enough with someone for a longer term stay. For a short stay it is not as critical, but if someone is going to stay 1-2 months and I am not totally confident in them based on their profile, it is nice to have the option to meet briefly.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Suzanne
Suzanne2 years ago
I so miss the voice connect feature; doing whole place and long term stays most of the time (over a month), I allow previews; just be careful about being safe...I have always had viewers book the place, and have never had a problem myself
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
I cheerfully show my rental to locals who are looking on behalf of a relative or need a short-term place to stay while their own home is being renovated. My space is quirky, and I'd rather people who would be spending a significant amount of time there be comfortable with it. And it builds goodwill in the neighborhood--lots of residents have great curiosity about the space, and showing it helps them build comfort with the idea of Airbnb in general. Like Deborah, I don't show it while it's occupied, though.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Suzanne
Suzanne2 years ago
Yes, has to be vacant
scott
scott2 years ago
So Kimberly, if she's getting weird, pull the plug on the enquiry. Go with your gut feel. Good advice from Andrew to cut your teeth on some quick turnaround bookings. That will hopefully give you some reviews and some practice so you can adjust your space and your offer.
Reply Like 1 reply•2 likes
Susan
Susan2 years ago
my "niche" is short-term stay, 2-4 nights. Three years' ago I started out by undercutting the competition very deeply. Fortunately, I didn't get any cheap-0 weird Guests, but that strategy can backfire. I garnered sufficient reviews to rapidly start raising my nightly rate. Now, it seems that with each increase in the nightly rate (and my well detailed listing description) I continue to get bookings. I'd say the secret to success is to write a well written listing description and to price competitively. Down the road, it won't matter as to price so much as the reviews will support your price and make you all the more worthwhile to potential guests. I now show on within the first 5 listings for all of Los Angeles at all price points. Be shrewd in targeting your niche market and writing your listing description appropriately and price competitively.
Kelly and Fabian
Kelly and Fabian2 years ago
I would not let anyone come look and then book. That is the point of pictures. It could be people just "casing" your home and Airbnb won't cover you if they have not booked and something gets stolen.
Reply Like 1 reply•2 likes
Susan
Susan2 years ago
I would NEVER allow someone to just come over and "look" since my photos on my listing description are 100% correct. I wish to maintain my privacy, security and safety at all costs. Only verified airbnb guests are allowed after booking in.
void
void2 years ago
The only way I'd allow a prospective guest in my home is if they make a reservation. They can always cancel five days before the booking. It wipes out all the chancers.
Reply Like 3 likes
Helo
Heloa year ago
Hello,
I rent for 4-5 days maximum.
I tell people that if i want i room mate i would get a room mate.
I am just renting a room.
No looking allowed for me.
Paypal is the best way to be secure of my money deposite.
You are excited of getting a first guess that is understand,
But most guess will not be fussy.
They will present themself, ask about those date
Reply Like
Helo
Heloa year ago
Dont say yes to fussy people.
They are problem!
And there has been bugglers stories.
At lest when you use air bnb there is some support
Reply Like
Helo
Heloa year ago
Great pictures and smile!
Maybe add the bathroom and kitchen?
Reply Like 1 reply
Kimberly
Kimberlya year ago
Yes! Thank you! Just had an Air BnB photographer shoot everything so I will put those up, too! Great advice!
Suzie
Suziea year ago
This happened to me twice. I replied yes you can come see the space when there is no Guest there. the address becomes visible after you booked.
And oh Sorry there are Guests enjoying my space we cannot go in.
Hooray