What have you learned from other hosts that you put into practice?

[Paula]

Hello everyone! 👋

Engaging with other hosts to learn best practices and applying them to their own listings is a great way for hosts to improve the service they offer.

These interactions can happen in various ways—whether as guests, noting details we’d like to implement in our own space, by reading discussions in our community, or by attending workshops on hosting services.

With that in mind, What have you learned from other hosts that you’ve put into practice? Is there anything specific you’d like to highlight?

Looking forward to reading your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

Regards,

[Guy991]

Hello @Paula , 

I’ve received some strange inquiries lately. One person asked if the bedrooms are close to the pigsty, which was amusing because we don’t have pigs—or even piglets. I had thought about bringing in goats at one point, but the gardeners, who have been working here for the last 40 years, voted against any idea that would undo their hard work.

I was tempted to respond with: “Since we have a pool with crocodiles, the pigs aren’t a problem anymore,” an idea I got from another host. But in the end, I stuck to my manners and simply replied that we haven’t had pigs here for many years.

[Paula]

Hello @Guy991,

That is indeed a very interesting question! It sounds like you handled it with grace. I can see how such inquiries can be amusing at times. Your response was great and showed how you’re keeping the spirit light while still being professional. 😊

Regards,

[Greg2406]

@Guy991 

Crocodiles,...I need to remember that one.  I usually tell my guests that the beaches are great here, but look out for the shark fins.   The expression on their faces is priceless.  

[Greg2406]

@Paula 

Early on, several Hosts with much more experience literally talked us off the edge of the cliff.   After over 3 months of backbreaking renovations and then the first two months of unruly guests and damages, we were going to throw in the towel.   We learned so much through this board and in private conversations with excellent hosts, some very close to us.   I attribute staying in the game to one particular individual here in the area that goes by 'Barefoot' Tammy.   She's awesome and has been hosting multiple properties for over a decade.   Quickly learned what we were doing wrong and since then, with very few exceptions, it's been a great adventure, great people and some lifelong friends.    

[Juan63]

Something that seemed so obvious after it was mentioned. Use the guest's phone number(part of it anyways), for the door code.