Cancelations.

[Hazel-and-Randy0]

This year we have had a number of cancelations, some just days after making the reservation. I think there must be some reason for this but I don’t reallt understand. Anyone have any ideas why the sudden spurt of cancelations?

Hazel

[Graham490]

Hi @Hazel-and-Randy0 .. it looks like you have a nice place to stay... and many of your guest reviews confirm that.

I wonder if the single 3 star review is creating the current problem for you?

I suspect that some potential guests will go ahead and book your place (good value)... and then look at your reviews, maybe the other party in the stay points out the critical review./ followed by a cancellation..?

The 2 issues raised are:

1. the ants and

2. the bad cell/ Wifi connection.

Although you have tried to address each issue in your response, I suspect that your response does not adequately assure future guests that there is a resolution for each.

I don't think it is possible to edit your response to better address the issues, so suggest that you might want to mention each in your listing's description narrative.

1. Mention the aspects of nature that you now have recent mitigation solutions in place .. expand to specifically indicate how you have eliminated the ant issue.

2. I am not sure how you resolve the data supply conflict. Maybe ensure that you now have a mesh expansion hub in the cabin that will allow strong WiFi  phone and data connectivity. If done thru WiFi, then the phone supplier should no longer be an issue for the guest.

If the distance is beyond the current Wifi reach, you will need to install a hub/ router and this may need to be wired to your house router to ensure the speed required.

To counter the comments in that review and ally fears of future guests, each issue needs to be more positively addressed.

I hope this may provide some reason for recent cancellations

Regards

Graham

[Hazel-and-Randy0]

Thank you, Graham.    But we have rarely had anyone cancel in the years we’ve been airbnb. It seems to be a new issue. However, I will check both of these things you suggested. The trouble with the ants is that we have never seen ants in the cabin. No other guests have mentioned them so I am not sure what to say. I can say there are no ants in residence now! The wifi problem is harder to explain as most guests have no problem with it and others can’t seem to connect. 

But we have rarely had anyone cancel in the years we’ve been airbnb. It seems to be a new issue

[Joelle43]

Hello @Hazel-and-Randy0 

Airbnb now give guests a free cooling off window of 24 hours for all listings and for all our different cancellation policies.  This is a recent change so might explain some of the cancellations you've been getting recently?  

Guests book several places knowing they can cancel within 24 hours and then take the time to choose the one for them maybe?

[Hazel-and-Randy0]

That could explain it. It's a bit confusing for us, tho.  Is it or isn’t it? Thanks for explaining this.

Hazel

[Shelley159]

Hi @Hazel-and-Randy0 

If your listing is eligible, it may be Airbnb's new Book now Pay later policy. 

https://www.airbnb.co.za/help/article/2143

[Priyanka102]

I've noticed the same thing recently. In many cases, guests seem to book first and then cancel once they compare more options or finalize their travel plans. It doesn't necessarily mean there's an issue with your listing.