Third Party Booking

Lisa shared on NHF NOv 2014 2 years ago

www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-93719

Third party booking!

There is a 3rd party inquiry in my priority box.. I have not pre-approve or decline, so it's just sitting there.
I told the person, that I was sorry, airbnb rules are not to accept 3rd party bookings, have her friend, who is to busy set u his profile and then I will accept their booking...
???WHY ARE WE RECEIVING 3rd PARTY BOOKINGS IN OUR IN BOX ANYWAY???
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Tracy
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Tracy
Tracy2 years ago
People just don't pay attention. If it's an enqiry and you responded like that, and you meant it, you could decline it with the message that you look forward to the booking request from her friend and hope that she can understand that in order for you to a) have security with who is coming to your home you need to communicate with them directly and b) that in order to be covered under insurance, the person staying needs to be the person booking.

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Lisa
Lisa2 years ago
Thanks you Tracy, I didn't want it to look as if I was just refusing to accept or decline the inquiry...

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Tracy
Tracy2 years ago
It's ok. Sometimes it's just new people or people who don't read the rules and don't think that it could be a problem for a host.

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Ernie
Ernie 2 years ago
A great example of why it would be good for Airbnb to properly and thoroughly educate new users.

Lisa
Lisa2 years ago
Stress that's not needed.

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Julie and Eric
Julie and Eric2 years ago
Good point, so no need to get stressed about it.

Lisa
Lisa2 years ago
I don't like loosing a client due to profile issues, but safety first. Why can he do his profile, so I can do a quick check like I normally do. Im sorry! I'm a woman and I need to be sure before I let anyone in my home.

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Patty
Patty2 years ago
Lisa, you have a lovely listing! Stay patient, keep your safety standards high (only verified inquiries) and follow your gut. In time, guests will follow.
Recently, I have received quite a few questionable inquires (I have no idea why the surge), and have had to Decline three of the last four. I have had to remind myself to follow my own advice and stay focused on our goal - "We are interested in sharing our home with respectful, kind individuals who want to enjoy themselves, but understand the level of respect required for this kind of unique opportunity!"
Best of luck . . .

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Lisa
Lisa2 years ago
Thank you Patty. I ended up calling CX and informing them that it was a 3rd party reservation because they sent me and email asking me to pre-approvie. CX was wonderful and said that some of those get through and that I wouldn't and should not accept any of those, so she sent them and email explaining what need to be done before I can accept their request. I went with my gutt and declined their request. And if I can get the AIRBNB free photographer I would have better brighter photos. But it not working when I try to request for one. Not sure why.

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Susan
Susan2 years ago
So are third party bookings actually against airbnb policy? Or are they just something that organically developed and the company has no opinion about it?
Also, if a person makes a booking for their whole family (including spouse and kids, for instance) -- why isn't that a third party booking in its own way?

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Julie and Eric
Julie and Eric2 years ago
Yes – Airbnb policy forbids people making reservations for other people when the booking guest won't stay there. I believe it is in the terms and conditions – if it is not there, it is in the FAQ.

Patty
Patty2 years ago
The definition (as I know it) of a third party booking is that the booking party does not stay during the reservation. I have done them in the past, but have sworn them off for the future!:
* Wedding party (Bride was in another country, Kansas wedding party was stated to be not computer savvy?) * They wrote a weird review!)
* elderly wedding guest (did not have computer) - Bride made reservation
* Parents of another local host
* Gift from daughter to parents on their anniversary
Most times the review was just not expressed the way it would have if they had stayed! Also, as I know it know, the AirBnB insurance would not have covered anything.
I would say 80% of our guests are 1st timers and therefore, I must do a lot of handholding to get them verified. I now state the all guests must be Verified and unfortunately, I can not accept 3rd party reservations.
Live and learn!

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Susan
Susan2 years ago
ok - well that's better - One can just refer to airbnb policy and decline / educate the newbies about the third party issue. I think that there are a lot of people who think airbnb is like Expedia or an airline's website, that anyone can book whatever for whomever