What do you think does not belong in a listing and why?

[Jenny]

Hello everyone!

We talk so much about the things that we do have in our listings, whether it’s furniture, or unique amenities.

One thing we don’t really talk about is what DOESN’T belong in a listing.  Those things where you might see them on a listing and say “oh honey, no”.

So, my question to you all is… what do you think does not belong in a listing?

Is there a type of furniture that you think is a complete no-no?  Any amenities which you think are more trouble than they’re worth?  Have you ever added something to your listing and then removed it because it caused problems?  Let us know in the comments!

I’m looking forward to seeing your replies.

Jenny

[Anonymous]

And ditto @Laura2592  on Location & Value ratings. 

[Laura2592]

@Anonymous agree so vehemently on "too many beds!" Just lowers the vibe of the whole place. If I want to stay in a hostel, I will stay in a hostel.

[Louise0]

Yep, typography as artwork.  Vile,  just vile.

[Stephanie]

@Anonymous @Louise0  you have unlocked one of my biggest pet peeves ESPECIALLY live love laugh 😖😖

[Kate867]

@Jenny   Anything that does not go in a dishwasher!  We ask that guests hand wash crystal glasses, the antique copper pans and the vintage bone China .. We actually had one enquiry to book asking if we could provide all dishwasher friendly stuff as they did not want to do physical washing up!  Of course we do, but we also like to leave nice stuff there for guests to use if they wish.  One of our recent guests in private feedback suggested we get some cheap wine glasses… he was scared of using the ones we left out.

[Jenny]

I have to say I'd be a bit scared of using nice glasses too, @Kate867! Only because I'm so clumsy!  The copper pans however... they sound amazing!

[Mark116]

@Kate867  I have to say I would never leave copper pans for guests.  Its only a matter of time before someone puts them in the dishwasher.  We took out the cast iron pans for that reason.  Everything now is stainless.  We do during the Christmas season offer guests use of a set of holiday dishes that are hand wash only, most decline or if they want them they end up not using them.  

[Amanda660]

Candles 🎂 

[Laura2592]

@Amanda660 from a host who had candles, a woodburning fire place AND outdoor fire pit, I would say no fire related amenities belong. My guests would disagree.

As a host, hot tubs. No way would I want to deal with that clean up and turnover. As a guest...eh...not sure. I love a nice hot tub but some places I have stayed have not properly cared for theirs so then it becomes super icky. When they are well done its nice. 

[Amanda660]

@Laura2592 having myself had open fires, woodburners and hot tubs I personally wouldn’t have any in an STR but absolutely understand that hosts may want to attract guests by having them…..I just don’t want to deal with them + guests. 

A couple of years ago a friend of mine was regaling a tale of a girls  weekend when the entire party squeezed into the hot tub laughing at it being over capacity.  My Resting Host Face gave my disapproval away. 

Streamers

Ballloons

Glitter/Glitter confetti inside cards

Those  micro Lego parts that get lost in the deep pile rug then try to wreck your bare feet 

[Ted307]

@Jenny 

X's 2 on candles! Especially the ones with perfume.

Those "plug in" air fresheners, they give me asthma.

Same with Fabreeze.

Teflon pans which are known to cause fumes that kill birds, and are very harmful to the environment.

I removed a spray cleaner that was bleach based after a guest used it to try and clean up a floor mat. The mat was ruined and needed to be replaced, the guest paid the charge. But it was avoidable and now I only provide organic Simple Green cleaner which causes no damage when used improperly by a guest!

[Suzanne302]

@Ted307 

100 times yes on the "plug ins"! I don't think I'm particularly sensitive to smells, but I booked a place with "air fresheners" in nearly every room  and it was obnoxious. I unplugged them all and had to open windows and run a fan to get fresh air.

[Jenny]

Ditto on the plug in fresheners, @Ted307!  They're a migraine waiting to happen, as well as being an irritant for asthma.  

That's such a shame about your floor mat, but I'm glad the guest paid the charge.  I'm going to have to give Simple Green a try, I'm always looking for new cleaning products!

[Fred13]

Complicated list of Do's and Don'ts giving the impression that the place is being rented reluctantly or even clandestinely.

[Karen114]

Sharpies, crayons, lighters and ash trays.