Post by Maria Lurdes (Milu) on Sept 17, 2016 12:57:30 GMT
So I read a post on the Community Center yesterday by the guy who runs Analyze My Airbnb or something like that. Basic info for an old timer like me, but really interesting for a brand new host - all about guest profiles and how to use that info to make a more informed decision when accepting bookings. I accept pretty much anyone unless they have a profile photo with a bloody swastika on their forehead so I'm not looking for too much out of a profile. However I do regularly look at wish lists saved by guests, as it helps me figure out what budget range they are looking at, what areas they are willing to consider, etc.
This morning I had an inquiry from an Italian woman, looking to come to NY with 5 girlfriends for a week in December. Great! Her profile started in September 2015, no reviews, no bio, name of profile is "point" and she identifies as Natalia. Normally I wouldn't give any of this another thought but after reading the blog post, I'm scratching my head a little. I've never had a problem with groups of adult women so that overrules all the other very small, light red flags. I read the inquiry - how long to Times Square and can you send me some more pictures. Ok, typical guest not reading anything. I give my standard reply inviting her to review the detailed description and read some reviews, and also to let me know if there is something in particular that she doesn't see as the photos are from the official photographer.
Anywhooooo, the point of this post is this - I go to her wishlists and she has one for "NYC". Research bonanza!! One place is near me, so I take a look at it in order to add it to my own private wish list I call "Competition". It's a new listing of an acquaintance, a woman that I met through a meetup for hosts that I organized. I thought she was very bright and engaging but could see that she was quick to confrontation. No problem, everyone rows their own boat. So now I'm looking at her new listing, looking at reviews, and I see a very good review - followed by what is obviously a host response to private comments. So a bit of a rant by the host about how the guests didn't google directions.
In another thread there was talk about not helping someone who wants to undermine your business. This doesn't exactly fit that scenario as this isn't impacting my business, but she is competition. On the other hand, she's someone that I know, so do I reach out to the host and make sure that she knows the difference between private comments and public comments? So much time has gone by (review was in May) so I don't want to be stating the bloody obvious to her....
To continue from an earlier thread - WWYD?
This morning I had an inquiry from an Italian woman, looking to come to NY with 5 girlfriends for a week in December. Great! Her profile started in September 2015, no reviews, no bio, name of profile is "point" and she identifies as Natalia. Normally I wouldn't give any of this another thought but after reading the blog post, I'm scratching my head a little. I've never had a problem with groups of adult women so that overrules all the other very small, light red flags. I read the inquiry - how long to Times Square and can you send me some more pictures. Ok, typical guest not reading anything. I give my standard reply inviting her to review the detailed description and read some reviews, and also to let me know if there is something in particular that she doesn't see as the photos are from the official photographer.
Anywhooooo, the point of this post is this - I go to her wishlists and she has one for "NYC". Research bonanza!! One place is near me, so I take a look at it in order to add it to my own private wish list I call "Competition". It's a new listing of an acquaintance, a woman that I met through a meetup for hosts that I organized. I thought she was very bright and engaging but could see that she was quick to confrontation. No problem, everyone rows their own boat. So now I'm looking at her new listing, looking at reviews, and I see a very good review - followed by what is obviously a host response to private comments. So a bit of a rant by the host about how the guests didn't google directions.
In another thread there was talk about not helping someone who wants to undermine your business. This doesn't exactly fit that scenario as this isn't impacting my business, but she is competition. On the other hand, she's someone that I know, so do I reach out to the host and make sure that she knows the difference between private comments and public comments? So much time has gone by (review was in May) so I don't want to be stating the bloody obvious to her....
To continue from an earlier thread - WWYD?