Post by High Priestess on May 30, 2016 17:56:07 GMT
Jennifer shared on Airbnb PRoducts and Updates
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-102442
Star Rating Not Fair
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I have 5 stars in everything but value but my total stars is 4.5
My competition has 5 total stars but doesn't have 5 stars in all but two for cleanliness and location. Which are two major factors. She also has two listings both are not 100% 5 star. What am I missing? What am I doing wrong where I don't get a total 5 stars? The last listing with 33 reviews is mine.
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Andrea
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Apparently Airbnb doesn't consider each category. The requirement that you receive a 5-star review at least 80% of the time is based on the primary reviews you’ve received from guests, not the individual category reviews that you see directly above the written reviews on your listing page.
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Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Hi Jennifer – when guests rate hosts, they are given a total of seven areas for star ratings: all of the categories, and an overall rating. The overall star rating is a separate rating – it is not an average of the six categories.
By definition, reviews/ratings are subjective based on the guest's perception. Or the host's perception (when we rate guests).
You have wonderful reviews, enjoy them!
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Thanks. I just don't understand I've had guests leave gifts and wonderful notes thanking me but only 68% 5 star.
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Andrew
Andrewa year ago
Airbnb has really created a monster with this superhost meter. So many hosts went overnight from being happy with having 100% positive reviews and feedback to full-on panic mode at getting less than 5 stars every time. It could be that 32% of your guests gave you 4-star reviews. On most websites with consumer feedback, that's considered a very high rating - the fact that a third of your guests found everything slightly less than perfect is by no means a sign of failure.
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Rick
Ricka year ago
Amen, Andrew! People are obsessing about it way too much...& seem to think it will improve their business & life in general....when in reality, it will make them paranoid with every review they receive--omg! they might lose it!!
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
It's true - people can become heavily emotionally invested in things like this. While I appreciate the pat on the back (and mostly the sometimes-concierge-like CX I get) it's not going change the way I do business or go about my life if it goes away, which might happen if Airbnb grows weary of the phone calls and emails about it. It's certainly not worth the negative energy.
Peter
Petera year ago
I am with Julie and Eric. I don't worry about this a bit. Lots of happy text comments is what future guests look at. And I sometimes add a bit myself in reply, particularly if it helps paint a clearer picture about my listing or neighborhood. I think it would be better if Airbnb lumped 4s and 5s together. A lot of social statisticians would lump 4 and 5 and also 1 and 2 and just measure pluses against minuses.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Good idea Peter.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Thanks Andrew! I appreciate that. I just wish Airbnb would help us out more.
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Andrea
Andreaa year ago
I agree Jennifer. I'm sorry that is happening.
Gail
Gaila year ago
I have been saying this for months: Airbnb does not care about hosts. They reinforce this with almost every decision they make, every so-called improvement. Although I must say I did see a couple new features on the dashboard I sort of like. I am less thrilled with Airbnb than I used to be.
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Peter
Petera year ago
You might feel like that but Airbnb will only thrive if it gets bookings. So it really must care about hosts. Without them their business is nothing.
Barbara
Barbaraa year ago
I agree with you Gail, sorry Peter but Airbnb do not care about Hosts - with a 75% drop in UK enquiries and bookings and a known track record for backing Guests before Hosts I rest my case.
Carrie
Carriea year ago
Airbnb is a business. Airbnb cares about profits. Airbnb cares about hosts and guests insofar that both are making money for Airbnb. They "care" about us as much as they need to to earn money. Is this a bad thing? Maybe, maybe not. Do guests care about Airbnb beyond finding a cool, affordable place to stay? Do hosts care about Airbnb beyond earning an income?
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Yup, I agree they resight information on their website and don't directly answer your questions. They encourage competition and don't really solve hosts problem ie having to call more than 1 time for a question.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I believe hosts care about getting guests and providing excel service or why else would people be so invested Carrie.
Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Briana year ago
I'm with Gail & Barbara on this one, too. It may be true that AirBNB thrives on BOOKINGS, Peter but that's wholly different than actually truly caring about hosts. AirBNB is wildly skewed toward the guest experience and always has been. Am I glad for the income? Absolutely. Do I enjoy hosting? Yup. Do I like meeting people from all over and helping them have a terrific time? Yes, I do. But airBNB's interest lies in marketing strategy, making money and expansion. AirBNB is not a hospitality company. It's a successful marketing experiment that makes zillions and uses your home as it's base of operations. Hosts care about guest. AirBNB cares about guests. Who cares about hosts?
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Well said Bekah and Brian!!
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Gail - why did you cancel your last reservation? Sorry if I missed that somewhere.
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
Jennifer, it matters to me too and I think it's mean of people who have superhost status to tell you it shouldn't matter to you. It's easy for someone (Rick) to say people are obsessing about it way too much when he already has it and you don't.
Honestly, if it doesn't matter to you, don't weigh in on the subject - why is that so hard to grasp? It's not helpful or friendly to tell someone their concerns are inconsequential.
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
And doing it just for the sake of doing it makes you a bully.
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Thanks Stephanie for saying that. I appreciate it
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
I have found the best way is to ignore. In life and online. Only i can give others control. And I and only I am in charge of my feelings. Read the "four agreements". It changed my outlook on many things
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Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
"I and only I am in charge of my feelings." Would that I could like this many more times.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I understand Gordon but in a small city it effects my income. It's a matter of principal.
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Jennifer. I am talking about the bullying. Not about the ratings
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Oh okay. Sorry Gordon. I was referring to ratings. Thanks for clarifying. I apologize for the mix up.
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
How about allowing everyone to be who they are? Are there seriously objections to that? Why are the very same people who are insinuating that there's something wrong with caring about a subject, the ones dishing out the "relax" and "ignore" advice?
If you're so chill - why are you trying to force me to be like you? What difference does it make to you?
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
I care about the stars rating because it effects my income. We live in a small town and competition for guests is pretty darned fierce. I had major surgery this year and I need the help we get from airbnb.
It matters. Every good review, every single star - they mean the difference between paying all the bills and getting stressed out.
I don't need a life coach or a dating coach and I don't need to be told to read self-help books. When I post a serious question on a topic to do with airbnb, this may shock you, but I am looking for serious, on-topic answers.
Obviously, I know how to be a good host, I've met all the superhost requirements and our reviews are all glowing. I'm also happily married (I shouldn't have to say that but apparently we are now in the business of defending our personalities.) I would like to know what to expect when I've kept my end of the bargain and airbnb seems to be falling short on theirs. Am I mistaken? Is there something else I need to do? Or is this just sloppiness on their part? If you don't care about any of this, then don't answer.
I'm not averse to being friendly but I have friends and a husband and a whole life on the other side of this screen - I'm here for answers and ideas about airbnb. That's what I thought this forum was for.
Reply Like 3 replies•3 likes
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
HI Stephanie, it is my fault for not being clear in my reply. I am referring to "reaction and response to bullying" not to the "lack of response from AirBNB". I have made 5 phone calls to ABNB since January 1 HK time and have posted the relevant conversations. Since Jan 1 I have had 600 views of my page, 165 just yesterday, and no inquiries. Yes, I feel that it would have helped if I had SH status, but after 5 phone calls.... i am now waiting until the end of the week as requested by the last response from Abnb. My ideas/and beliefs are strictly my own, and I choose whether I "react" (based on emotion) or "respond" (based on thought). I am very sorry that i did not communicate my message as clear as I should, and should not have suggested that your "READ", I should have only said that I read the FOUR AGREEMENTS and found that it simplified many things. Be Impeccable With Your Words Don't Take Anything Personally Don't Make Assumptions Always Do Your Best I think we will all be happy once the SH situation is resolved. I want to make me some $$$$$$
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Gordon - I don't see a listing when I visit your profile page - is it hidden?
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I'm right there with you Stephanie but my guests don't seem to want to give me an overall 5 star despite all I do and offer.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
looks like my formatting was lost... sorry about that ;-(
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Hi J/E www.airbnb.com/rooms/850531 not sure why it is not showing up
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Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Oops – my fault – I forgot that in the latest "upgrade" we aren't able to view listings on profile pages on the mobile site.
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Carrie
Carriea year ago
I just went to Gordon's profile from here, and couldn't see his listing from his profile page on my laptop, either. That stinks, I always used to be able to!
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Hi Stephanie. I was looking at your listing and you have a beautiful home and very intriguing profile. I did notice that your profile looked different from mine regarding badges. I finally figured it out that you are missing "references" and "verified ID" -- from the Airbnb site:
" The Verified ID badge
When you've completed Verified ID, you'll earn a badge on your profile. Many hosts and guests look for this badge when deciding whether to host or stay with someone: Hosts and guests alike tell us they find Verified ID useful when deciding who to interact with on Airbnb, but it's not an endorsement or guarantee of someone's identity."
Besides finally getting your superhost badge, this could be another way to show your commitment. I linked all of my accounts and even added a video to my profile.
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Ohhh... and i noticed from your listing that you are $95USD a night, but $1000 for the week $2000 for a month the one week fee sticks out as an outlier --- Have you tried lower prices sometimes and seen if it increases your traffic? Is $35 cleaning fee actually needed? I really want to see you succeed, and hope that these are taken in the spirit of helping
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
What really bothers me is all the money I invested and go out of my way for guests with the highest quality service and items for what? I don't get 5 stars and Airbnb takes 0 responsibility.
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Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Hi Jennifer – I thought I read that you had 68% five-star reviews, and probably 32% four-star reviews, which is great. What responsibility should Airbnb take in your opinion? Just curious.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I do but that doesn't qualify me as a SH. They said in an email they were giving people exemptions to get SH status but I wasn't one of them.
Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Briana year ago
There's no doubt airBNB should revamp the star system entirely. Honestly, your exactl issue is why I toned down my inner superhost a couple of notches. Once that guest leaves there's no telling what they'll do with those stars. I wish airBNB hadn't brought back the program. Luckily it doesn't have a lot of actual meaning (translating to, say, more income for hosts)
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Yes, they need to make changes to the star system because it makes no sense.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Maybe try this instead goo.gl/OCRt3E
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Carrie
Carriea year ago
Thanks, Gordon - it was able to get to your listing from the link you posted yesterday (and the one just now.) You listing is lovely - if I ever make it to Hong Kong... I just wonder why I can't access the listing from your profile page - I can with other people's listings.
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Not sure about that Carrie. I know I check reviews and guest reviews often and seem to recall that it is there for some and missing on others. All in all I think Airbnbs website is beautiful compared to many others.
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Actually you're right Carrie - I can't see it from my laptop either like I can see yours when I click your profile. You can see it when you click his profile from groups on the app. Strange.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
oh... and thanks for the compliment. Would love to have you stay. But book early ;-) i am normally booked solid two months in advance. ;-)
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Might be underpriced?
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
priced exactly as I want it ;-) I like meeting people and able to pay half my rent. HK rent is $2000USD for 400sqft. best of all..... I get people that are cool and expectations are manageable. It is 39USD for 1 person,.. but 65USD for two people and maximum stay is 2 wks with NO MONTHLY ;-D
Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
I'm not sure why there's no verified ID. When I first signed up for Airbnb it was as a guest and I have to admit, the process was gruelling. I had to scan in my passport etc. Frankly, I'm not willing to go through that again so I haven't made it a priority.
Thank you for the compliments on our space. We've had some difficulty in keeping people at bay, hence the odd pricing. Our town is very small and we want to remain a short-term rental, transitioning to medium term when the rest of the house is finished - at one point, I sat down and thought about what it would take for me to accept another long-term guest. It would take a lot. We've only had one and I really disliked the experience.
As for references - I have asked and friends have said they would gladly post a reference but can't find how to do it. I haven't pressed. I remember how hard it was just to get signed up and I won't put someone through that irritation if I don't have to.
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
Right - I forgot to mention, our town is home to the largest contemporary art museum in America and they host concerts and festivals that draw devoted fans from all over the world (Solid Sound - Fresh Grass - Bang on a Can) - and, on top of that, it's a ten minute drive from a major college (Williams - which hosts the Williamstown Theatre Festival every year) ten minutes from a major impressionist museum (The Francine and Sterling Clark Institute) and other things, we're also on the slope of the highest mountain in Massachusetts, the Apallachian Trail runs through here - there are other things, but my point is, there are times of the year when we are snowed under with requests and other times when there's nothing.
I finally started playing with the calendar and pushed our rates way up for the times when people won't stop bugging us about being here. Now, my husband thinks we should just charge higher rates for those times when my inclination is to cut off reservations at the three month mark.
However, I had open heart surgery last year and I cannot deny the fact that I am a financial burden on our household - so you can see, it's a conundrum.
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
By the way, it's now January 7 and they still haven't changed our rating yet. It's really beginning to bug me.
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Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Briana year ago
The whole Superhost reboot/star-rating thing has been kind of disaster. You can do a search and go back to when it was initiated and the panic is fairly oozing off the screen. I was panicky, too. Seriously WTF? At that time my 5-star percentage was too short for SH by 2. Infuriating. Even more infuriating was the fact that I didn't have access to my own damn star reviews so couldn't hope to improve since I couldn't find the source of the problem, while guests tra-la-la have only three star metrics that don't get shown to anyone and I'd been handing out 5 stars to everyone like peanut butter cups on Halloween.
Contacting airBNB lef to more frustration and conflicting answers about the whys and wherefores. Folks get all "Don't tell me to not worry about it!" when really the advice to not let it drive you insane is being given because IT WILL DRIVE YOU INSANE! Seriously, go look for those threads. You'll find the near-explosion of so many host heads, you wouldn't believe it. I lost days of my life trying to think of what went wrong and how could I fix it and the answer is you likely can't and YES it truly is unfair and a huge flaw on airBNB's part. I was promised by airBNB ages ago that the entire star system was soon going to be two-way and utterly transparent. So far nothing has changed. Oh, but they revamped the dashboard because whatever, it's so cute and modern.
Bottom line: guests truly are booking based on their needs, the price, and the reviews. You may be in a fantastic location but if it's not the exact location the wanted or expected POOF there goes a star. You could have been the kindest host imaginable but they had to walk an extra block to the bus POOF there goes a star. I lose stars for location and value. Why location? Probably there's a crappy uninhabited building near to my house. Not in my control. Why value? No clue - it's utterly properly priced for its amenities and physical location. Why am I typing all of this?
To save you from going insane with this stuff. I had to let it go and hope that people would still book the space regardless of my not being a SuperHost; that they'd take the time to read through all the terrific reviews and make a decision based on that instead of some utterly pointless stars.
One of the reasons I cooled my jets about how unfair the star system is was that there aren't SH badges right onto the listings search grid photos. That was my big fear: that they were going to add an SH badge and tuck it right next to the damned Instant Book lightening bolt (another thing I don't have). If I were a guest that didn't know how the SH badge was earned you'd better believe I'd bypass any listing that didn't have one.
If airBNB gets around to doing that THEN I will go back to raising hell about it and losing sleep and making myself worry about what I can do to try and stay popular. Until then: I don't need the stress. No host does.
Reply Like 10 replies•4 likes
Carrie
Carriea year ago
Interesting you mention the (lack of a) superhost badge on the search listings. When I first started hosting on Airbnb, the SH badge was prominently displayed when when you did a search, and the SH listings were always at the very top of the search. They stopped doing that at some point.
Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Briana year ago
Yes, indeed it was. That's why I was so completely freaked out about NOT being one. I was so sure they were going to do that again when they reintroduced the SH program, and so far they haven't. I wouldn't put it past them, though. It'd be yet another trust metric to make guests feel at ease...except that the parameters for being a Superhost are fairly ridiculous.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Thanks Bekah and Brian for that input. It was really helpful and encouraging. I too only get 4 stars on value and clueless as to why.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Agree, SH I will not stress myself.
Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Briana year ago
Jennifer it feels like such a slap in the face to get demerits a) for things we cannot control and b) not be able to even know exactly who rated what and why! If I'm expected to supply stars for guests that no other hosts see, why do guests get to keep hosts in such a ridiculous holding pattern? And what is airBNB doing with our guest star ratings? What purpose does it serve? They wouldn't tell me. It's annoying.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I'm right there with you Bekah. I get repeated stuff from their website and technical talk that doesn't answer my questions.
Tracy
Tracya year ago
I am surfing for rentals and stumbled into this conversation. I hope to reassure you guys that the whole SH and the star system may not carry a lot of weight with many renters. I'm looking at reviews and have really appreciated the "negative" reviews like one I read that said and I'm paraphrasing" don't stay here, they didn't tell us we couldn't have guests and wanted us to be too quiet after only 10 pm". Sounds perfect to me. I read all the reviews. The most important thing for us is a good nights sleep. A quiet place at night in a quiet safe neighborhood. A comfortable real mattress in good shape with freshly laundered bedding and extra pillows. Quality towels and wash cloths. Not expensive or fussy just sort of regular towels, bedding and a REAL mattress. Nothing should have an odor even a "good" smell like candles and insence. Free easy wifi. Cable TV and a newish screen. Instructions on how to work the TV and remote and any other appliances like a Coffee maker. Traveling internationally these things work differently. We once had our laundry trapped in a washing machine for a week in Paris. I don't expect but appreciate enough coffee for the next morning a small milk a few pieces of fruit a bit of bread some crackers or cookies, the things that travelers have a hard time going out to buy themselves when their hours are turned upside down and they don't know their way around yet.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Thank you Tracey
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Good to know. Thanks Tracy. I have to say according to other hosts and I agree I don't provide milk because it goes bad easy and don't want to share a big container with other guests.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
We just drove an hour to buy milk and we do not use it. Some " shrinkage is necessary I think. Organic milk
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
I just lost stars
Super host will never be.. So will know that my priorities are for the safety and comfort of my guests and not " eye candy". My garden got ripped up by a backhoe 2 weeks before first reservation. Power supply had to be replaced and complete re-wiring. Glass company closed so in cleanable mirror better than none. Raised kitchen cupboards to make sure no nasties, shows dirt and paint estipoled over
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Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Windows- Screens to keep out nasties - sub tropical climate view & ventilation vs feeling of privacy. Every location, climate, pests and danger is addressed by a host, and should not need to be explained to frighten guests or involve them in this process.
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
While I see where each and everyone is coming from as a host, it is also important to put it all in perspective.
Our rating (and superhost) are a tool used for the GUEST to decide if they want to book with us. There are somethings that are out of our control, and they WILL impact our guests.
Besides rating us for themselves, I am certain that the ratings provided by our guests are considered in a sense as a referral, and if our listing would be appropriate for other guests.
Just as if you invite a friend to a party... and they are rude and obnoxious.... these are things that you cannot control. However, in the attendees eyes, they still associate that friend with you and it also lowers your value as well. Which is why each of our parents told us "You are judged by the friends that you keep"
I started hosting via couchsurfing.org and met some incredible people, while not wanting to make any money... and would continue to do so if the calendar system for CS was as good as ABnB. I only chose ABnB because I was able to reserve dates for guests, instead of constantly replying to every inquiry.
Yes the money is nice, but I do this more for the experience of meeting new people and sharing in their cultures. French, German, Russian, Chinese, Malaysians, Argentinians, and even 'Mericans have stayed with me in the last couple of months. Some brought be gifts from their home country, like rugs, beer, books, and now they are all friends.
On Couchsurfing.org, you can become a "VOUCHED FOR" host by being "vouched" for by others that have VF status. They only way to get the status (and be able to vouch for other people) is to be VF'ed by three others with status.
The way this is used is that, if i am traveling, I can choose to only stay with VF'ed for hosts, and I know that they are cool. Vouching is used on top of the reviews to get a better picture of I or my guests were choosing to stay with.
I see this as very similar to the SH badge, as this is a person (AND LOCATION) that is seen as desirable/premium by roughly 80% of their guests.
Not sure how this helps....
I also share with my guests lots of conversation.. some about this... goo.gl/QTaJYm ... Intermittent Fasting
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
What does that mean? I'm not following you.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
my first part is that we should always looks at it from the GUESTS perspective. Was it convenient for them, or the only place available since the others were booked? The overall rating is for the guest to say.. did the location meet/exceed EACH and EVERY ONE of my expectations, even ones that are not explicitly stated/rated by the other stars. some locations possibly could never achieve five stars as much as a host would want them to. The other points are about the experience of hosting for me is "it is not about the money, it is about the new friends I make and the smiles. The money is a bonus,
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I hear what you are saying but my point is my guests leave reviews and give me 5 stars on almost everything but value. By all accounts that should mean I get an overall 5 star otherwise wouldn't that you give me a 5 star overall.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Hi Jennifer. I think the best way to describe it is similar to what Malcolm Gladwell said in Blink. He says that by "Thin Slicing" we will have a different impression than if we make a spontaneously decision. From Wikipedia "spontaneous decisions are often as good as—or even better than—carefully planned and considered ones".
Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Briana year ago
"Some locations could never achieve five stars as much as a host would want them to..." Then it shouldn't be a star metric because it's far too subjective. Period.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
So the overall rating could possibly be different ---- as it is an "overall impression" rather than the "sum of the parts".
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I agree Bekah and Brian.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
There is no difference between "sum of all parts" and "overall impression".
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Yes Becka, travel is about experiencing different places and environments, subjective is correct.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Synergy applies to many things. Even this.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synergy - Synergy is the creation of a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts. The term synergy comes from the Attic ...
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
B/b. Isn't the entire ratings process subjective then as there is no objective requirements/ metrics. IE.Each guest must have 4 towels and 2 was clothes. -1 for each item missing. Deduct 1 point for each magazine out of place. How do you suggest that a star system for rating a hotel be objective? What do we all look to when we are wanting to stay with Airbnb ?
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Peter
Petera year ago
I have no idea how many people are reading this discussion but it is a really tough one. Gordon - your comments on the reasons for hosting echo mine. It is the daily dose of surprise and even excitement which drives me. Yes the cash is good but I spend nearly as much patching up my place and improving it to make it even better. I don't measure myself by numbers on a page. It is the little things like the guest who left me a small thank you note plus two chocolates on the table on Monday. Or the three year old whose mother posted me the picture he wrote as a thank you. The elderly couple on a final visit to London who hugged goodbye knowing full well these were adieux. I don't even want to know how many stars they checked.
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Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
To me its is about failure to make their stay the best I could. Its NOT about me at all, its about them experiencing the peace and tranquility that we call home. Any more stress will "break" that, and see me de- list.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
I have loved the work and the ppl, I hate the judgment and competition.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Hi Sharyn. I understand. I only control what I can. Weather , heat, noise from construction, food poisoning all outside my control. I smile and am always positive ;-) that is all I can do
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Sharyn what I hate and my complaint is the competition soils my efforts. It's like I can have glowing reviews but if Airbnb doesn't see that I don't get SH. If I don't and my competition does I lose guests and no amount of effort can change that. I do the best can my guests write notes and leaving gifts. We share food, wine and repeat guests but apparently that doesn't matter since their overall experience they don't rate me a 5. It's like hosting my room and not getting thanks for all I do. I love the experience and do everything with excellence. I just want to know it's appreciated. That's not to much to ask.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Jennifer, understand what you are saying. Personally the joy I feel when someone has
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
"Appreciated", as in the fulfillment of a job well done is it. Maybe same thing? The ratings are MEANT to be indicators of how we can do better, NOT hold us back!!!!
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Gordon My husband has a saying, he will only take responsibility for what he has total control of. Yet, he let's me control most things lol. Saw your profile, great attitude. Mine is do what you love and love what you do, usually keeps me happy.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Yes, Sharyn I agree. Except the factor with competition and SH status how do you get better?
My original point!
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Hi Jennifer. I am not sure what you mean by "Sharyn what I hate and my complaint is the competition soils my efforts. " ??
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
What I meant Gordon is competition makes it like a business not hosts who are doing out of hospitality and entertaining guest's ie good old fashioned southern hospitality.
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Ha. Sharyn. I agree. This is another way of saying it
"Insert your god here", grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Reply Like 1 reply•2 likes
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
self awareness to know my limitations resistance to have them advertised on the internet the confidence to improve them and faith that this too shall pass.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Always believe in Southern hospitality jennifer. --- sell to your strengths. For the first 2 years I was a host the room they were in was only 2 -3 sq meters And I rented it for the same as I do a room that is 12 sq meters. I never put a picture of the room because it was not the selling point. My location was and my personality. The bed was a futon on the floor. I have only been in my new spot since October. So the majority of my reviews were for a room that was the size of a sleeping bag. Still ended up with 5 stars Not sure how but hopefully I was able to make them happy.
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Gordon I have and do but a lot of good that has done.
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nicky
nickya year ago
I've just read this thread and found it funny, enlightening and moving. Love Bekah & Brian's long post with all the 'poofs'. I started hosting in Sept 2013 so it still feels quite new. I've been booked solidly the whole time and have over 70 lovely reviews. The guest's needs come first in my house and I've absolutely loved hosting and playing house
Since about 2 months it all died overnight. I'm not getting many views or requests and I feel so utterly sad and disappointed. I've phoned, emailed and tweeted but all to no avail and I just get ignored or fobbed off. The airbnb is so fantastic compared with all the competition and there are so many good things about it. I've really felt a huge sense of pride being a part of it and it wouldn't take much for for to feel fiercely loyal to the company in spite of there being an awful lots of things that need to be changed (star system etc etc)
I really believe now though that they don't care a jot for the hosts and I'm devastated actually. It feels like a very good friend suddenly turning their back on you because there are lots more friends in the pipeline and they don't need you anymore.
All airbnb need are hosts and they are joining (at great encouragement) at the rate of 3000 per day according to airbnb bosses (who have huge grins on their faces and a very self-congratulatory tone on any of their videos).
If they cared about the hosts and the integrity of what started as an amazing business then they'd do everything in their power to answer our questions and concerns just as we do with our guests.
But they don't because everyday more and more people are becoming hosts so they clearly don't feel they need to address concerns at all.
Does any one here tweet ? Airbnb are on twitter so if any one wants to tweet.....
How do we make them listen and how do we make them care ? A good business thrives on happy clients but they don't seem to understand something so fundamental do they. Shall I tweet them with a link to this thread ? How do we get the attention of those at the top soon ?
Any ideas ?
Reply Like 7 replies•7 likes
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I totally agree nicky. I was thinking maybe a petition also but tweet is a good idea.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
A business is only as good as its suppliers and they should be looked after. You did well Nicki, and think you need to find out why the drop off I tweet, good way to reach politicians, so maybe Airbnb too Loyalty is important to me, is why I choseca site to work on exclusively, this one, hope I am not misguided.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Sharyn you are right on. I feel like we are employees of Airbnb and treated unfairly.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Chin up Jen, center yourself and know it is your business and Airbnb offer a great service, but not perfect YET
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Thanks Sharyn. It's just hard because it's my income and I really take pride in what I do. I don't want to lose guests because I love doing this. I'm passionate about it.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Small town, maybe work with groups to bring more ppl to it, reunions, fairs, markets, sports and the like. You just need a bigger customer base. Also note type of ppl and why they go there, what they would appreciate most.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
That's a good note Sharyn. I'll keep that in mind.
nicky
nickya year ago
Just re read and there are lots of mistakes due to the fact that it's hard to proof read when we only have such a tiny window to type in. Sorry.
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Barbara
Barbaraa year ago
Nicky - thank you for writing this - you have said exactly how I feel - I am passionate about Airbnb but so very disappointed regarding their treatment of us Hosts. They do not listen to anything they do not want to hear, will not discuss any issues they do not want to discuss and refer to help topics to answer anything you raise with them. Airbnb has moved so far away from the original ethos - sharing your home and your life with your guest to give them the best experience they can have. I am sticking to that and hoping that Airbnb will reconnect with it soon.
Reply Like 3 likes
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Here Here Barbara!
Reply Like 2 likes
Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
Interesting thread. Personally I couldn't care less about the Super Host badge. The criteria for attaining it are so low that it is pretty meaningless to me. 10 guests a year? What?? Response rate should be higher than 90% as well.
I can understand why people get upset about it, though. I agree with others who say that many committed long-standing hosts feel disregarded and unsupported by Airbnb. There have been many discussions over the past year on this group about this fact. In my opinion, Airbnb is run by over-excited children who focus on marketing and superficiality. Meanwhile, the investors and shareholders are quietly raking in the $$$. They desperately need to employ some grown-ups with real management and communication skills.
Reply Like 2 replies•6 likes
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Buy some shares and have a say
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Yeah, or get hosts to sign a petition for better treatment.
nicky
nickya year ago
I've just c&p this from Twitter. They must get more complaints than British Gas. I tweet Brian Chesky but AirbnbHelp(less) tweeted back. Cheek !!
@airbnb Why does Airbnb insist on me verifying my ID with govt. docs? It's not acceptable if I don't want to provide the info. Thnks.
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Airbnb Help @airbnbhelp 9h9 hours ago
Verifying ID builds trust in our community. For more information feel free to check this link: www.airbnb.com/help/article/450 …
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Nadeer Khan @nadeer_Khan 9h9 hours ago
@airbnbhelp I ain't going to give my passport (or any govt id info) to Airbnb! This is absurd!! Do mobile verification!!
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Yeah, see more avoidance of questions and referring to links.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
I don't take anyone that doesn't have a picture or a verified ID. What would I let someone in MY home that doesn't want to share that info. I am sharing my space with THEM and I would expect the honesty and openness. Traveling international -- presenting passport ID is required at all hotels. And it is copied Why should Airbnb be any different?
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Agree with verification, I love that feature, glad I don't ever go anywhere. Would you regect me Gordy ?
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Hi sharyn. I would ask your reason for visiting hk and for your picture. I need to know both before I approve
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
To meet you of course I always feel blest when I see this bird from my kitchen door. Rare and fast, the flash is brilliant. Black and yellow, the colors of Lock The Gate Allience
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
But it won't happen because I do not fly and futons are for young ppl, I do not like them.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
All beds are hard in Asia. As you can see from the pics, they are on an elevated frame. Actual padding is about 4-5 inches since it is two ikea futons on top of each other. Nice bird. But would still need a pic. :-) after all. If people chose to google me. It is quite easy to know more about me than i do if them. And both my listing and profile state exactly what to expect from me and my listing :-)
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Accurate reviews also help the next person, exadgerated but, person 1 says Sharyn filled the fridge with everything you need, person 2 expects that but finds its just breakfast and rates lower. If a reviewvis too generous in my favour in future I will comment it to true.
Reply Like 4 replies•2 likes
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Yeah, I bet that's what's happening with my competition. That would make sense why she doesn't have all 5 stars in categories but overall 5 stars.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Competition? If I can share one tip with you, I would suggest stop watching them and concentrate on your own business. I NEVER joined associations where they were in my same business, ALWAYS joined groups where my customers would belong. Its just stupid to give all your energy to this for instance. In internet marketing the industry has become very "anal".
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
This=Host Forums
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Sharyn. I hear what you are saying but in a very small town with only 3 choices I have to stay ahead and offer something unique. I'm always thinking of advantages and how I can upgrade my place. The amount I have already spent is way more than I earn but I want my place to be the very best.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
I had a conversation with my current guest about this last night. They mentioned that location for THEIR activities would be the most important. I was just thinking. Yes I know dangerous ! :-). Have you asks your guests what you could do to become 5 star ? After all they are the customer. Have them rate you with a form at your place. Or have a suggestion box. Or number these one from 10. Or ask if your location is 5 stars?
Reply Like 2 replies•1 like
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
I've thought about sending an "anonymous" survey to see if I could get some good answers to that. For me as a guest, location is huge, and as such is a valid rating point. Hosts can only control it if they decide to choose the location (which is what I plan on doing in the future). I know not all hosts don't have that option, so that ideally should factor into their expectations, as in, "oh well, we work with what we have," and get on with the more important things in life like being happy to have the opportunity to do things like Airbnb.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I have and when they are with me they say they will give me 5 stars. My current guest says she doesn't see anything I can improve on.
Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
Why are you all obsessed with verified ID? Do you really think that's going to get you a "good" guest? Just look on these groups - guests can be horrible no matter what ID they've uploaded or what nice photo they've posted. Personally, I think it's naive to imagine that just because someone has scanned a copy of their driving license means that they'll be a good guest. I've never asked for verified ID and never will. Maybe it's because I'm a live-in host, you know - the kind that the whole thing was supposed to be about. I'm here, I meet you, I welcome you into my home. If you want to be a problem then you're going to have a very hard time indeed. Verified ID doesn't come into it. I do not trust the third party that Airbnb uses to verify ID. I don't expect my guests too either.
Reply Like 2 likes
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
I understand what you are saying Rebecca, but i don't always meet my guests. I use a hidden gate key, and a coded lock. I will never take anyone without a picture as I feel that personality is shown within a picture and if people are so secretive, then I make the choice not to host them. It is my home and as I said before, I am sharing it with my guests. They have their own keys and are free to come and go. I am trusting them with my belongings while I am at work, so therefore they should earn that trust. They start by linking their social media and verified ID to their profile... I have been hosting for 4 years and haven't been wrong yet ;-)
Reply Like 5 replies
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
I started 22 years ago, but stopped taking money for it. One of the best guests we had arrived at our gate, 5 km from nowhere from America. He stayed with us 2 months. I wonder do guests give a hoot what I look like? I can tell you its a cross between Rosanne and Ma Kettle, I don't dress up to meet ppl, just my best and less 10 year old dresses. Ppl usually come here to forget the world for a bit, and don't need me to tell them more than is necessary for their stay. While they are here we shut the house and relax. I definitely think it is unethical to discuss guests here or to others. Privacy is not secretive in my book. 6 years of IM education makes me an expert on the treachery of the internet.
Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
You don't always meet your guests? Well, forgive me but you are not a host really are you? How can you call yourself a host when you don't even meet the people you're "hosting"? I've nothing against people using Airbnb to rent out their properties but please don't pretend to be anything other than a rental landlord.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
I share my home. But sometimes I am at work and when I come home we are able to meet. But this is Hong Kong and they obviously should be at my place as little as possible because they will be sight seeing. Flights arrive while I am at work and I have a very simple system for getting them into my door and my spare room. Always easy peasy. Not sure why you are saying I am not a host.
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
I rarely meet my guests. I'm not really concerned if people think I'm a host or not. My guests seem happy. I think this is a good place to discuss our experience as "hosts" which includes discussing guests, and others learn from it – I have learned a lot here. I am not sure what IM education is, but Internet treachery is not foreign to me, and the Internet is what allows me to easily be "a host."
Nic and Rach
Nic and Racha year ago
Amen to that Julie !
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-102442
Star Rating Not Fair
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I have 5 stars in everything but value but my total stars is 4.5
My competition has 5 total stars but doesn't have 5 stars in all but two for cleanliness and location. Which are two major factors. She also has two listings both are not 100% 5 star. What am I missing? What am I doing wrong where I don't get a total 5 stars? The last listing with 33 reviews is mine.
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Andrea
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Apparently Airbnb doesn't consider each category. The requirement that you receive a 5-star review at least 80% of the time is based on the primary reviews you’ve received from guests, not the individual category reviews that you see directly above the written reviews on your listing page.
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Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Hi Jennifer – when guests rate hosts, they are given a total of seven areas for star ratings: all of the categories, and an overall rating. The overall star rating is a separate rating – it is not an average of the six categories.
By definition, reviews/ratings are subjective based on the guest's perception. Or the host's perception (when we rate guests).
You have wonderful reviews, enjoy them!
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Thanks. I just don't understand I've had guests leave gifts and wonderful notes thanking me but only 68% 5 star.
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Andrew
Andrewa year ago
Airbnb has really created a monster with this superhost meter. So many hosts went overnight from being happy with having 100% positive reviews and feedback to full-on panic mode at getting less than 5 stars every time. It could be that 32% of your guests gave you 4-star reviews. On most websites with consumer feedback, that's considered a very high rating - the fact that a third of your guests found everything slightly less than perfect is by no means a sign of failure.
Reply Like 4 replies•8 likes
Rick
Ricka year ago
Amen, Andrew! People are obsessing about it way too much...& seem to think it will improve their business & life in general....when in reality, it will make them paranoid with every review they receive--omg! they might lose it!!
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
It's true - people can become heavily emotionally invested in things like this. While I appreciate the pat on the back (and mostly the sometimes-concierge-like CX I get) it's not going change the way I do business or go about my life if it goes away, which might happen if Airbnb grows weary of the phone calls and emails about it. It's certainly not worth the negative energy.
Peter
Petera year ago
I am with Julie and Eric. I don't worry about this a bit. Lots of happy text comments is what future guests look at. And I sometimes add a bit myself in reply, particularly if it helps paint a clearer picture about my listing or neighborhood. I think it would be better if Airbnb lumped 4s and 5s together. A lot of social statisticians would lump 4 and 5 and also 1 and 2 and just measure pluses against minuses.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Good idea Peter.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Thanks Andrew! I appreciate that. I just wish Airbnb would help us out more.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Andrea
Andreaa year ago
I agree Jennifer. I'm sorry that is happening.
Gail
Gaila year ago
I have been saying this for months: Airbnb does not care about hosts. They reinforce this with almost every decision they make, every so-called improvement. Although I must say I did see a couple new features on the dashboard I sort of like. I am less thrilled with Airbnb than I used to be.
Reply Like 7 replies•3 likes
Peter
Petera year ago
You might feel like that but Airbnb will only thrive if it gets bookings. So it really must care about hosts. Without them their business is nothing.
Barbara
Barbaraa year ago
I agree with you Gail, sorry Peter but Airbnb do not care about Hosts - with a 75% drop in UK enquiries and bookings and a known track record for backing Guests before Hosts I rest my case.
Carrie
Carriea year ago
Airbnb is a business. Airbnb cares about profits. Airbnb cares about hosts and guests insofar that both are making money for Airbnb. They "care" about us as much as they need to to earn money. Is this a bad thing? Maybe, maybe not. Do guests care about Airbnb beyond finding a cool, affordable place to stay? Do hosts care about Airbnb beyond earning an income?
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Yup, I agree they resight information on their website and don't directly answer your questions. They encourage competition and don't really solve hosts problem ie having to call more than 1 time for a question.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I believe hosts care about getting guests and providing excel service or why else would people be so invested Carrie.
Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Briana year ago
I'm with Gail & Barbara on this one, too. It may be true that AirBNB thrives on BOOKINGS, Peter but that's wholly different than actually truly caring about hosts. AirBNB is wildly skewed toward the guest experience and always has been. Am I glad for the income? Absolutely. Do I enjoy hosting? Yup. Do I like meeting people from all over and helping them have a terrific time? Yes, I do. But airBNB's interest lies in marketing strategy, making money and expansion. AirBNB is not a hospitality company. It's a successful marketing experiment that makes zillions and uses your home as it's base of operations. Hosts care about guest. AirBNB cares about guests. Who cares about hosts?
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Well said Bekah and Brian!!
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Gail - why did you cancel your last reservation? Sorry if I missed that somewhere.
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
Jennifer, it matters to me too and I think it's mean of people who have superhost status to tell you it shouldn't matter to you. It's easy for someone (Rick) to say people are obsessing about it way too much when he already has it and you don't.
Honestly, if it doesn't matter to you, don't weigh in on the subject - why is that so hard to grasp? It's not helpful or friendly to tell someone their concerns are inconsequential.
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
And doing it just for the sake of doing it makes you a bully.
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Thanks Stephanie for saying that. I appreciate it
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
I have found the best way is to ignore. In life and online. Only i can give others control. And I and only I am in charge of my feelings. Read the "four agreements". It changed my outlook on many things
Reply Like 1 reply•8 likes
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
"I and only I am in charge of my feelings." Would that I could like this many more times.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I understand Gordon but in a small city it effects my income. It's a matter of principal.
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Jennifer. I am talking about the bullying. Not about the ratings
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Oh okay. Sorry Gordon. I was referring to ratings. Thanks for clarifying. I apologize for the mix up.
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
How about allowing everyone to be who they are? Are there seriously objections to that? Why are the very same people who are insinuating that there's something wrong with caring about a subject, the ones dishing out the "relax" and "ignore" advice?
If you're so chill - why are you trying to force me to be like you? What difference does it make to you?
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
I care about the stars rating because it effects my income. We live in a small town and competition for guests is pretty darned fierce. I had major surgery this year and I need the help we get from airbnb.
It matters. Every good review, every single star - they mean the difference between paying all the bills and getting stressed out.
I don't need a life coach or a dating coach and I don't need to be told to read self-help books. When I post a serious question on a topic to do with airbnb, this may shock you, but I am looking for serious, on-topic answers.
Obviously, I know how to be a good host, I've met all the superhost requirements and our reviews are all glowing. I'm also happily married (I shouldn't have to say that but apparently we are now in the business of defending our personalities.) I would like to know what to expect when I've kept my end of the bargain and airbnb seems to be falling short on theirs. Am I mistaken? Is there something else I need to do? Or is this just sloppiness on their part? If you don't care about any of this, then don't answer.
I'm not averse to being friendly but I have friends and a husband and a whole life on the other side of this screen - I'm here for answers and ideas about airbnb. That's what I thought this forum was for.
Reply Like 3 replies•3 likes
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
HI Stephanie, it is my fault for not being clear in my reply. I am referring to "reaction and response to bullying" not to the "lack of response from AirBNB". I have made 5 phone calls to ABNB since January 1 HK time and have posted the relevant conversations. Since Jan 1 I have had 600 views of my page, 165 just yesterday, and no inquiries. Yes, I feel that it would have helped if I had SH status, but after 5 phone calls.... i am now waiting until the end of the week as requested by the last response from Abnb. My ideas/and beliefs are strictly my own, and I choose whether I "react" (based on emotion) or "respond" (based on thought). I am very sorry that i did not communicate my message as clear as I should, and should not have suggested that your "READ", I should have only said that I read the FOUR AGREEMENTS and found that it simplified many things. Be Impeccable With Your Words Don't Take Anything Personally Don't Make Assumptions Always Do Your Best I think we will all be happy once the SH situation is resolved. I want to make me some $$$$$$
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Gordon - I don't see a listing when I visit your profile page - is it hidden?
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I'm right there with you Stephanie but my guests don't seem to want to give me an overall 5 star despite all I do and offer.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
looks like my formatting was lost... sorry about that ;-(
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Hi J/E www.airbnb.com/rooms/850531 not sure why it is not showing up
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Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Oops – my fault – I forgot that in the latest "upgrade" we aren't able to view listings on profile pages on the mobile site.
Reply Like 1 reply
Carrie
Carriea year ago
I just went to Gordon's profile from here, and couldn't see his listing from his profile page on my laptop, either. That stinks, I always used to be able to!
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Hi Stephanie. I was looking at your listing and you have a beautiful home and very intriguing profile. I did notice that your profile looked different from mine regarding badges. I finally figured it out that you are missing "references" and "verified ID" -- from the Airbnb site:
" The Verified ID badge
When you've completed Verified ID, you'll earn a badge on your profile. Many hosts and guests look for this badge when deciding whether to host or stay with someone: Hosts and guests alike tell us they find Verified ID useful when deciding who to interact with on Airbnb, but it's not an endorsement or guarantee of someone's identity."
Besides finally getting your superhost badge, this could be another way to show your commitment. I linked all of my accounts and even added a video to my profile.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Ohhh... and i noticed from your listing that you are $95USD a night, but $1000 for the week $2000 for a month the one week fee sticks out as an outlier --- Have you tried lower prices sometimes and seen if it increases your traffic? Is $35 cleaning fee actually needed? I really want to see you succeed, and hope that these are taken in the spirit of helping
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
What really bothers me is all the money I invested and go out of my way for guests with the highest quality service and items for what? I don't get 5 stars and Airbnb takes 0 responsibility.
Reply Like 4 replies
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Hi Jennifer – I thought I read that you had 68% five-star reviews, and probably 32% four-star reviews, which is great. What responsibility should Airbnb take in your opinion? Just curious.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I do but that doesn't qualify me as a SH. They said in an email they were giving people exemptions to get SH status but I wasn't one of them.
Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Briana year ago
There's no doubt airBNB should revamp the star system entirely. Honestly, your exactl issue is why I toned down my inner superhost a couple of notches. Once that guest leaves there's no telling what they'll do with those stars. I wish airBNB hadn't brought back the program. Luckily it doesn't have a lot of actual meaning (translating to, say, more income for hosts)
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Yes, they need to make changes to the star system because it makes no sense.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Maybe try this instead goo.gl/OCRt3E
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Carrie
Carriea year ago
Thanks, Gordon - it was able to get to your listing from the link you posted yesterday (and the one just now.) You listing is lovely - if I ever make it to Hong Kong... I just wonder why I can't access the listing from your profile page - I can with other people's listings.
Reply Like 5 replies•1 like
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Not sure about that Carrie. I know I check reviews and guest reviews often and seem to recall that it is there for some and missing on others. All in all I think Airbnbs website is beautiful compared to many others.
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Actually you're right Carrie - I can't see it from my laptop either like I can see yours when I click your profile. You can see it when you click his profile from groups on the app. Strange.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
oh... and thanks for the compliment. Would love to have you stay. But book early ;-) i am normally booked solid two months in advance. ;-)
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
Might be underpriced?
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
priced exactly as I want it ;-) I like meeting people and able to pay half my rent. HK rent is $2000USD for 400sqft. best of all..... I get people that are cool and expectations are manageable. It is 39USD for 1 person,.. but 65USD for two people and maximum stay is 2 wks with NO MONTHLY ;-D
Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
I'm not sure why there's no verified ID. When I first signed up for Airbnb it was as a guest and I have to admit, the process was gruelling. I had to scan in my passport etc. Frankly, I'm not willing to go through that again so I haven't made it a priority.
Thank you for the compliments on our space. We've had some difficulty in keeping people at bay, hence the odd pricing. Our town is very small and we want to remain a short-term rental, transitioning to medium term when the rest of the house is finished - at one point, I sat down and thought about what it would take for me to accept another long-term guest. It would take a lot. We've only had one and I really disliked the experience.
As for references - I have asked and friends have said they would gladly post a reference but can't find how to do it. I haven't pressed. I remember how hard it was just to get signed up and I won't put someone through that irritation if I don't have to.
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
Right - I forgot to mention, our town is home to the largest contemporary art museum in America and they host concerts and festivals that draw devoted fans from all over the world (Solid Sound - Fresh Grass - Bang on a Can) - and, on top of that, it's a ten minute drive from a major college (Williams - which hosts the Williamstown Theatre Festival every year) ten minutes from a major impressionist museum (The Francine and Sterling Clark Institute) and other things, we're also on the slope of the highest mountain in Massachusetts, the Apallachian Trail runs through here - there are other things, but my point is, there are times of the year when we are snowed under with requests and other times when there's nothing.
I finally started playing with the calendar and pushed our rates way up for the times when people won't stop bugging us about being here. Now, my husband thinks we should just charge higher rates for those times when my inclination is to cut off reservations at the three month mark.
However, I had open heart surgery last year and I cannot deny the fact that I am a financial burden on our household - so you can see, it's a conundrum.
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
By the way, it's now January 7 and they still haven't changed our rating yet. It's really beginning to bug me.
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Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Briana year ago
The whole Superhost reboot/star-rating thing has been kind of disaster. You can do a search and go back to when it was initiated and the panic is fairly oozing off the screen. I was panicky, too. Seriously WTF? At that time my 5-star percentage was too short for SH by 2. Infuriating. Even more infuriating was the fact that I didn't have access to my own damn star reviews so couldn't hope to improve since I couldn't find the source of the problem, while guests tra-la-la have only three star metrics that don't get shown to anyone and I'd been handing out 5 stars to everyone like peanut butter cups on Halloween.
Contacting airBNB lef to more frustration and conflicting answers about the whys and wherefores. Folks get all "Don't tell me to not worry about it!" when really the advice to not let it drive you insane is being given because IT WILL DRIVE YOU INSANE! Seriously, go look for those threads. You'll find the near-explosion of so many host heads, you wouldn't believe it. I lost days of my life trying to think of what went wrong and how could I fix it and the answer is you likely can't and YES it truly is unfair and a huge flaw on airBNB's part. I was promised by airBNB ages ago that the entire star system was soon going to be two-way and utterly transparent. So far nothing has changed. Oh, but they revamped the dashboard because whatever, it's so cute and modern.
Bottom line: guests truly are booking based on their needs, the price, and the reviews. You may be in a fantastic location but if it's not the exact location the wanted or expected POOF there goes a star. You could have been the kindest host imaginable but they had to walk an extra block to the bus POOF there goes a star. I lose stars for location and value. Why location? Probably there's a crappy uninhabited building near to my house. Not in my control. Why value? No clue - it's utterly properly priced for its amenities and physical location. Why am I typing all of this?
To save you from going insane with this stuff. I had to let it go and hope that people would still book the space regardless of my not being a SuperHost; that they'd take the time to read through all the terrific reviews and make a decision based on that instead of some utterly pointless stars.
One of the reasons I cooled my jets about how unfair the star system is was that there aren't SH badges right onto the listings search grid photos. That was my big fear: that they were going to add an SH badge and tuck it right next to the damned Instant Book lightening bolt (another thing I don't have). If I were a guest that didn't know how the SH badge was earned you'd better believe I'd bypass any listing that didn't have one.
If airBNB gets around to doing that THEN I will go back to raising hell about it and losing sleep and making myself worry about what I can do to try and stay popular. Until then: I don't need the stress. No host does.
Reply Like 10 replies•4 likes
Carrie
Carriea year ago
Interesting you mention the (lack of a) superhost badge on the search listings. When I first started hosting on Airbnb, the SH badge was prominently displayed when when you did a search, and the SH listings were always at the very top of the search. They stopped doing that at some point.
Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Briana year ago
Yes, indeed it was. That's why I was so completely freaked out about NOT being one. I was so sure they were going to do that again when they reintroduced the SH program, and so far they haven't. I wouldn't put it past them, though. It'd be yet another trust metric to make guests feel at ease...except that the parameters for being a Superhost are fairly ridiculous.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Thanks Bekah and Brian for that input. It was really helpful and encouraging. I too only get 4 stars on value and clueless as to why.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Agree, SH I will not stress myself.
Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Briana year ago
Jennifer it feels like such a slap in the face to get demerits a) for things we cannot control and b) not be able to even know exactly who rated what and why! If I'm expected to supply stars for guests that no other hosts see, why do guests get to keep hosts in such a ridiculous holding pattern? And what is airBNB doing with our guest star ratings? What purpose does it serve? They wouldn't tell me. It's annoying.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I'm right there with you Bekah. I get repeated stuff from their website and technical talk that doesn't answer my questions.
Tracy
Tracya year ago
I am surfing for rentals and stumbled into this conversation. I hope to reassure you guys that the whole SH and the star system may not carry a lot of weight with many renters. I'm looking at reviews and have really appreciated the "negative" reviews like one I read that said and I'm paraphrasing" don't stay here, they didn't tell us we couldn't have guests and wanted us to be too quiet after only 10 pm". Sounds perfect to me. I read all the reviews. The most important thing for us is a good nights sleep. A quiet place at night in a quiet safe neighborhood. A comfortable real mattress in good shape with freshly laundered bedding and extra pillows. Quality towels and wash cloths. Not expensive or fussy just sort of regular towels, bedding and a REAL mattress. Nothing should have an odor even a "good" smell like candles and insence. Free easy wifi. Cable TV and a newish screen. Instructions on how to work the TV and remote and any other appliances like a Coffee maker. Traveling internationally these things work differently. We once had our laundry trapped in a washing machine for a week in Paris. I don't expect but appreciate enough coffee for the next morning a small milk a few pieces of fruit a bit of bread some crackers or cookies, the things that travelers have a hard time going out to buy themselves when their hours are turned upside down and they don't know their way around yet.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Thank you Tracey
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Good to know. Thanks Tracy. I have to say according to other hosts and I agree I don't provide milk because it goes bad easy and don't want to share a big container with other guests.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
We just drove an hour to buy milk and we do not use it. Some " shrinkage is necessary I think. Organic milk
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
I just lost stars
Super host will never be.. So will know that my priorities are for the safety and comfort of my guests and not " eye candy". My garden got ripped up by a backhoe 2 weeks before first reservation. Power supply had to be replaced and complete re-wiring. Glass company closed so in cleanable mirror better than none. Raised kitchen cupboards to make sure no nasties, shows dirt and paint estipoled over Reply Like 1 like
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Windows- Screens to keep out nasties - sub tropical climate view & ventilation vs feeling of privacy. Every location, climate, pests and danger is addressed by a host, and should not need to be explained to frighten guests or involve them in this process.
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
While I see where each and everyone is coming from as a host, it is also important to put it all in perspective.
Our rating (and superhost) are a tool used for the GUEST to decide if they want to book with us. There are somethings that are out of our control, and they WILL impact our guests.
Besides rating us for themselves, I am certain that the ratings provided by our guests are considered in a sense as a referral, and if our listing would be appropriate for other guests.
Just as if you invite a friend to a party... and they are rude and obnoxious.... these are things that you cannot control. However, in the attendees eyes, they still associate that friend with you and it also lowers your value as well. Which is why each of our parents told us "You are judged by the friends that you keep"
I started hosting via couchsurfing.org and met some incredible people, while not wanting to make any money... and would continue to do so if the calendar system for CS was as good as ABnB. I only chose ABnB because I was able to reserve dates for guests, instead of constantly replying to every inquiry.
Yes the money is nice, but I do this more for the experience of meeting new people and sharing in their cultures. French, German, Russian, Chinese, Malaysians, Argentinians, and even 'Mericans have stayed with me in the last couple of months. Some brought be gifts from their home country, like rugs, beer, books, and now they are all friends.
On Couchsurfing.org, you can become a "VOUCHED FOR" host by being "vouched" for by others that have VF status. They only way to get the status (and be able to vouch for other people) is to be VF'ed by three others with status.
The way this is used is that, if i am traveling, I can choose to only stay with VF'ed for hosts, and I know that they are cool. Vouching is used on top of the reviews to get a better picture of I or my guests were choosing to stay with.
I see this as very similar to the SH badge, as this is a person (AND LOCATION) that is seen as desirable/premium by roughly 80% of their guests.
Not sure how this helps....
I also share with my guests lots of conversation.. some about this... goo.gl/QTaJYm ... Intermittent Fasting
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
What does that mean? I'm not following you.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
my first part is that we should always looks at it from the GUESTS perspective. Was it convenient for them, or the only place available since the others were booked? The overall rating is for the guest to say.. did the location meet/exceed EACH and EVERY ONE of my expectations, even ones that are not explicitly stated/rated by the other stars. some locations possibly could never achieve five stars as much as a host would want them to. The other points are about the experience of hosting for me is "it is not about the money, it is about the new friends I make and the smiles. The money is a bonus,
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I hear what you are saying but my point is my guests leave reviews and give me 5 stars on almost everything but value. By all accounts that should mean I get an overall 5 star otherwise wouldn't that you give me a 5 star overall.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Hi Jennifer. I think the best way to describe it is similar to what Malcolm Gladwell said in Blink. He says that by "Thin Slicing" we will have a different impression than if we make a spontaneously decision. From Wikipedia "spontaneous decisions are often as good as—or even better than—carefully planned and considered ones".
Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Briana year ago
"Some locations could never achieve five stars as much as a host would want them to..." Then it shouldn't be a star metric because it's far too subjective. Period.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
So the overall rating could possibly be different ---- as it is an "overall impression" rather than the "sum of the parts".
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I agree Bekah and Brian.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
There is no difference between "sum of all parts" and "overall impression".
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Yes Becka, travel is about experiencing different places and environments, subjective is correct.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Synergy applies to many things. Even this.
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synergy - Synergy is the creation of a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts. The term synergy comes from the Attic ...
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
B/b. Isn't the entire ratings process subjective then as there is no objective requirements/ metrics. IE.Each guest must have 4 towels and 2 was clothes. -1 for each item missing. Deduct 1 point for each magazine out of place. How do you suggest that a star system for rating a hotel be objective? What do we all look to when we are wanting to stay with Airbnb ?
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Peter
Petera year ago
I have no idea how many people are reading this discussion but it is a really tough one. Gordon - your comments on the reasons for hosting echo mine. It is the daily dose of surprise and even excitement which drives me. Yes the cash is good but I spend nearly as much patching up my place and improving it to make it even better. I don't measure myself by numbers on a page. It is the little things like the guest who left me a small thank you note plus two chocolates on the table on Monday. Or the three year old whose mother posted me the picture he wrote as a thank you. The elderly couple on a final visit to London who hugged goodbye knowing full well these were adieux. I don't even want to know how many stars they checked.
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Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
To me its is about failure to make their stay the best I could. Its NOT about me at all, its about them experiencing the peace and tranquility that we call home. Any more stress will "break" that, and see me de- list.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
I have loved the work and the ppl, I hate the judgment and competition.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Hi Sharyn. I understand. I only control what I can. Weather , heat, noise from construction, food poisoning all outside my control. I smile and am always positive ;-) that is all I can do
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Sharyn what I hate and my complaint is the competition soils my efforts. It's like I can have glowing reviews but if Airbnb doesn't see that I don't get SH. If I don't and my competition does I lose guests and no amount of effort can change that. I do the best can my guests write notes and leaving gifts. We share food, wine and repeat guests but apparently that doesn't matter since their overall experience they don't rate me a 5. It's like hosting my room and not getting thanks for all I do. I love the experience and do everything with excellence. I just want to know it's appreciated. That's not to much to ask.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Jennifer, understand what you are saying. Personally the joy I feel when someone has
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
"Appreciated", as in the fulfillment of a job well done is it. Maybe same thing? The ratings are MEANT to be indicators of how we can do better, NOT hold us back!!!!
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Gordon
My husband has a saying, he will only take responsibility for what he has total control of. Yet, he let's me control most things lol. Saw your profile, great attitude. Mine is do what you love and love what you do, usually keeps me happy.Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Yes, Sharyn I agree. Except the factor with competition and SH status how do you get better?
My original point!Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Hi Jennifer. I am not sure what you mean by "Sharyn what I hate and my complaint is the competition soils my efforts. " ??
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
What I meant Gordon is competition makes it like a business not hosts who are doing out of hospitality and entertaining guest's ie good old fashioned southern hospitality.
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Ha. Sharyn. I agree. This is another way of saying it
"Insert your god here", grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Reply Like 1 reply•2 likes
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
self awareness to know my limitations resistance to have them advertised on the internet the confidence to improve them and faith that this too shall pass.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Always believe in Southern hospitality jennifer. --- sell to your strengths. For the first 2 years I was a host the room they were in was only 2 -3 sq meters And I rented it for the same as I do a room that is 12 sq meters. I never put a picture of the room because it was not the selling point. My location was and my personality. The bed was a futon on the floor. I have only been in my new spot since October. So the majority of my reviews were for a room that was the size of a sleeping bag. Still ended up with 5 stars Not sure how but hopefully I was able to make them happy.
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Gordon I have and do but a lot of good that has done.
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nicky
nickya year ago
I've just read this thread and found it funny, enlightening and moving. Love Bekah & Brian's long post with all the 'poofs'. I started hosting in Sept 2013 so it still feels quite new. I've been booked solidly the whole time and have over 70 lovely reviews. The guest's needs come first in my house and I've absolutely loved hosting and playing house
Since about 2 months it all died overnight. I'm not getting many views or requests and I feel so utterly sad and disappointed. I've phoned, emailed and tweeted but all to no avail and I just get ignored or fobbed off. The airbnb is so fantastic compared with all the competition and there are so many good things about it. I've really felt a huge sense of pride being a part of it and it wouldn't take much for for to feel fiercely loyal to the company in spite of there being an awful lots of things that need to be changed (star system etc etc)
I really believe now though that they don't care a jot for the hosts and I'm devastated actually. It feels like a very good friend suddenly turning their back on you because there are lots more friends in the pipeline and they don't need you anymore.
All airbnb need are hosts and they are joining (at great encouragement) at the rate of 3000 per day according to airbnb bosses (who have huge grins on their faces and a very self-congratulatory tone on any of their videos).
If they cared about the hosts and the integrity of what started as an amazing business then they'd do everything in their power to answer our questions and concerns just as we do with our guests.
But they don't because everyday more and more people are becoming hosts so they clearly don't feel they need to address concerns at all.
Does any one here tweet ? Airbnb are on twitter so if any one wants to tweet.....
How do we make them listen and how do we make them care ? A good business thrives on happy clients but they don't seem to understand something so fundamental do they. Shall I tweet them with a link to this thread ? How do we get the attention of those at the top soon ?
Any ideas ?
Reply Like 7 replies•7 likes
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I totally agree nicky. I was thinking maybe a petition also but tweet is a good idea.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
A business is only as good as its suppliers and they should be looked after. You did well Nicki, and think you need to find out why the drop off I tweet, good way to reach politicians, so maybe Airbnb too
Loyalty is important to me, is why I choseca site to work on exclusively, this one, hope I am not misguided.Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Sharyn you are right on. I feel like we are employees of Airbnb and treated unfairly.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Chin up Jen, center yourself and know it is your business and Airbnb offer a great service, but not perfect YET
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Thanks Sharyn. It's just hard because it's my income and I really take pride in what I do. I don't want to lose guests because I love doing this. I'm passionate about it.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Small town, maybe work with groups to bring more ppl to it, reunions, fairs, markets, sports and the like. You just need a bigger customer base. Also note type of ppl and why they go there, what they would appreciate most.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
That's a good note Sharyn. I'll keep that in mind.
nicky
nickya year ago
Just re read and there are lots of mistakes due to the fact that it's hard to proof read when we only have such a tiny window to type in. Sorry.
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Barbara
Barbaraa year ago
Nicky - thank you for writing this - you have said exactly how I feel - I am passionate about Airbnb but so very disappointed regarding their treatment of us Hosts. They do not listen to anything they do not want to hear, will not discuss any issues they do not want to discuss and refer to help topics to answer anything you raise with them. Airbnb has moved so far away from the original ethos - sharing your home and your life with your guest to give them the best experience they can have. I am sticking to that and hoping that Airbnb will reconnect with it soon.
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Here Here Barbara!
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Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
Interesting thread. Personally I couldn't care less about the Super Host badge. The criteria for attaining it are so low that it is pretty meaningless to me. 10 guests a year? What?? Response rate should be higher than 90% as well.
I can understand why people get upset about it, though. I agree with others who say that many committed long-standing hosts feel disregarded and unsupported by Airbnb. There have been many discussions over the past year on this group about this fact. In my opinion, Airbnb is run by over-excited children who focus on marketing and superficiality. Meanwhile, the investors and shareholders are quietly raking in the $$$. They desperately need to employ some grown-ups with real management and communication skills.
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Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Buy some shares and have a say
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Yeah, or get hosts to sign a petition for better treatment.
nicky
nickya year ago
I've just c&p this from Twitter. They must get more complaints than British Gas. I tweet Brian Chesky but AirbnbHelp(less) tweeted back. Cheek !!
@airbnb Why does Airbnb insist on me verifying my ID with govt. docs? It's not acceptable if I don't want to provide the info. Thnks.
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Airbnb Help @airbnbhelp 9h9 hours ago
Verifying ID builds trust in our community. For more information feel free to check this link: www.airbnb.com/help/article/450 …
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Nadeer Khan @nadeer_Khan 9h9 hours ago
@airbnbhelp I ain't going to give my passport (or any govt id info) to Airbnb! This is absurd!! Do mobile verification!!
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Yeah, see more avoidance of questions and referring to links.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
I don't take anyone that doesn't have a picture or a verified ID. What would I let someone in MY home that doesn't want to share that info. I am sharing my space with THEM and I would expect the honesty and openness. Traveling international -- presenting passport ID is required at all hotels. And it is copied Why should Airbnb be any different?
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Agree with verification, I love that feature, glad I don't ever go anywhere. Would you regect me Gordy
?Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
Hi sharyn. I would ask your reason for visiting hk and for your picture. I need to know both before I approve
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
To meet you of course
I always feel blest when I see this bird from my kitchen door. Rare and fast, the flash is brilliant. Black and yellow, the colors of Lock The Gate Allience Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
But it won't happen because I do not fly and futons are for young ppl, I do not like them.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
All beds are hard in Asia. As you can see from the pics, they are on an elevated frame. Actual padding is about 4-5 inches since it is two ikea futons on top of each other. Nice bird. But would still need a pic. :-) after all. If people chose to google me. It is quite easy to know more about me than i do if them. And both my listing and profile state exactly what to expect from me and my listing :-)
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Accurate reviews also help the next person, exadgerated but, person 1 says Sharyn filled the fridge with everything you need, person 2 expects that but finds its just breakfast and rates lower. If a reviewvis too generous in my favour in future I will comment it to true.
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Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Yeah, I bet that's what's happening with my competition. That would make sense why she doesn't have all 5 stars in categories but overall 5 stars.
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
Competition? If I can share one tip with you, I would suggest stop watching them and concentrate on your own business. I NEVER joined associations where they were in my same business, ALWAYS joined groups where my customers would belong. Its just stupid to give all your energy to this for instance. In internet marketing the industry has become very "anal".
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
This=Host Forums
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
Sharyn. I hear what you are saying but in a very small town with only 3 choices I have to stay ahead and offer something unique. I'm always thinking of advantages and how I can upgrade my place. The amount I have already spent is way more than I earn but I want my place to be the very best.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
I had a conversation with my current guest about this last night. They mentioned that location for THEIR activities would be the most important. I was just thinking. Yes I know dangerous ! :-). Have you asks your guests what you could do to become 5 star ? After all they are the customer. Have them rate you with a form at your place. Or have a suggestion box. Or number these one from 10. Or ask if your location is 5 stars?
Reply Like 2 replies•1 like
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
I've thought about sending an "anonymous" survey to see if I could get some good answers to that. For me as a guest, location is huge, and as such is a valid rating point. Hosts can only control it if they decide to choose the location (which is what I plan on doing in the future). I know not all hosts don't have that option, so that ideally should factor into their expectations, as in, "oh well, we work with what we have," and get on with the more important things in life like being happy to have the opportunity to do things like Airbnb.
Jennifer
Jennifera year ago
I have and when they are with me they say they will give me 5 stars. My current guest says she doesn't see anything I can improve on.
Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
Why are you all obsessed with verified ID? Do you really think that's going to get you a "good" guest? Just look on these groups - guests can be horrible no matter what ID they've uploaded or what nice photo they've posted. Personally, I think it's naive to imagine that just because someone has scanned a copy of their driving license means that they'll be a good guest. I've never asked for verified ID and never will. Maybe it's because I'm a live-in host, you know - the kind that the whole thing was supposed to be about. I'm here, I meet you, I welcome you into my home. If you want to be a problem then you're going to have a very hard time indeed. Verified ID doesn't come into it. I do not trust the third party that Airbnb uses to verify ID. I don't expect my guests too either.
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Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
I understand what you are saying Rebecca, but i don't always meet my guests. I use a hidden gate key, and a coded lock. I will never take anyone without a picture as I feel that personality is shown within a picture and if people are so secretive, then I make the choice not to host them. It is my home and as I said before, I am sharing it with my guests. They have their own keys and are free to come and go. I am trusting them with my belongings while I am at work, so therefore they should earn that trust. They start by linking their social media and verified ID to their profile... I have been hosting for 4 years and haven't been wrong yet ;-)
Reply Like 5 replies
Sharyn
Sharyna year ago
I started 22 years ago, but stopped taking money for it. One of the best guests we had arrived at our gate, 5 km from nowhere from America. He stayed with us 2 months. I wonder do guests give a hoot what I look like? I can tell you its a cross between Rosanne and Ma Kettle, I don't dress up to meet ppl, just my best and less 10 year old dresses. Ppl usually come here to forget the world for a bit, and don't need me to tell them more than is necessary for their stay. While they are here we shut the house and relax. I definitely think it is unethical to discuss guests here or to others. Privacy is not secretive in my book. 6 years of IM education makes me an expert on the treachery of the internet.
Rebecca
Rebeccaa year ago
You don't always meet your guests? Well, forgive me but you are not a host really are you? How can you call yourself a host when you don't even meet the people you're "hosting"? I've nothing against people using Airbnb to rent out their properties but please don't pretend to be anything other than a rental landlord.
Super Host Gordon :-)
Super Host Gordon :-)a year ago
I share my home. But sometimes I am at work and when I come home we are able to meet. But this is Hong Kong and they obviously should be at my place as little as possible because they will be sight seeing. Flights arrive while I am at work and I have a very simple system for getting them into my door and my spare room. Always easy peasy. Not sure why you are saying I am not a host.
Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
I rarely meet my guests. I'm not really concerned if people think I'm a host or not. My guests seem happy. I think this is a good place to discuss our experience as "hosts" which includes discussing guests, and others learn from it – I have learned a lot here. I am not sure what IM education is, but Internet treachery is not foreign to me, and the Internet is what allows me to easily be "a host."
Nic and Rach
Nic and Racha year ago
Amen to that Julie !