Just a few random ideas that might make it easier for a host to cover the time & costs involved when they go the extra ten miles to really make things are special, available and communicated clearly to clients prior to booking.
As a host I have always gone the extra mile and have been extremely generous, most guests have been 100% respectful and appreciative of that, however, there are times when it goes unappreciated and even expected or abused. When the season gets extremely busy and we have our own responsibilities, clients need to realize that Hosts are busy people too, often putting aside our own needs to accomodate the guests and help them enjoy their vacation.
One thing that would be extremely helpful - (a Fee Schedule possibly hidden but opening up under Additional Services) so that clients who are interested can request in additional activities, time and services and allow the Hosts to book the time and activity charging a suggested fee at their descretion. A list of possible fees could be provided by Air BnB or a panel of people experienced in what would be a fair range.
A list of possible additional charges would help to remind clients that our time and effort for extra things is done on their behalf to help them enjoy their stay but it would also encourage hosts to put in more time or be open to hosting events, services, activities etc. We don't have to accept the extra services however it certainly would smooth out the process and make things more attractive and easier for both guests to request and hosts to accept at their discretion.
Air Port - Personal PICK UP FEE or Personal DROP OFF FEE - Basic, Rush Hour, Before or After basic work hours
Pet Fee this one would be particularily helpful for a pet friendly home because guests often miss the fact that there is an extra charge or they think it wouldn't pertain to them - We could use it broken down by Small Pet fee, Large Pet Fee (I've had a lot more issues with larger dogs even for the room they take up , sloppy eating habits. dog hair & stool they produce.) Also there could be a space for discounted longer stays or more than two pets etc or different kinds of pets.
Possibly Special Event fees:
Birthday, themed parties or holiday events hosted at the home
City Tours - Could be broken down by Short & Longer 2 - 4 hours - 6 - 8 hours
Shopping excursions by Micro 30 -60 minutes, Short 2 - 4 hours, Longer - 6 - 8 hours
Entertainment Activites - Kayaking, Dancing, Hiking, Biking, Skiing, Mountain tours etc, Theatre, Art Gallery, Aquarium. Could be generic, leaving timing and costs up to the Host
Use of kitchen & facilities for shorter or longer stays: Suggest short stays $25 per day, longer stays $15 per day..
It hasn't happened too often but I'm always surprised by people who are coming for 3 or 4 days often expect to use the full kitchen facilities, 30% - 50% of the fridge, all general supplies including expensive knives, pots & pans, other cooking tools, butter, oil, sugar, milk, even onions, garlic, pickles, crackers, bread, ketchup, mayonese, dressings, other condiments, spices etc... It can become very awkward especially if the second guests arrive to see the first guests cooking and routing through the cupboards. It's would also help make up for missing utensils or glass containers that leave the house and never return, sharpening or repairing damaged knives and replacing burned pots.
Use of equipment:
Gym
Bikes
Sauna
Foot Bath
Medical devices
Laundry facilities: One time use $3.00.00 Weekly use $10.00 Monthly use $30.00
(For over 7 days I have no problem covering this) however, guests sometimes arrive with a suitcase full of dirty clothes when they're only booking for a few days, they don't always pay attention to the instructions on how to use the machines and I've had a perfectly good set break down due to careless usage.
Additional Food provided by request
Possible fee for shopping based on time plus food cost
Water bottles
Juice
Fruit
Cookies
Snacks
Other
Miscellaneous Services
Art Lessons
Meditation
Yoga
Dance
