Inquiries

[Karen4108]

As a Host, I understand that I am not obligated to "Pre-Approve" or "Decline" an Inquiry; I may instead simply respond with a message.  However, I have observed that, though I respond to the message, my inbox still shows I have a message pending until I respond with "Pre-Approve" or "Decline."  Why is this?  If a message response is adequate, why does my Inbox Notification show that I still have a pending message/inquiry?

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Karen4108 I guess it is because Airbnb want you to pre approve. Just ignore it - All you have to do is send a reply.

[Alicia753]

@Karen4108 you can disregard it since you already responded to the guest's inquiry, usually, this is a way of Airbnb's reminder that you can still pre-approve/decline the inquiry and it's part of how Airbnb tracks host response rates as a measure of activity and reliability. Hope this helps! 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Karen4108 

I wondered too, as my clock kept going ... once I figured out to refresh the page, that was the solution!

[Guy991]

@Kitty-and-Creek0 I've noticed that most of the inquiries I receive never turn into bookings. They are usually just people with questions. I don't want to use the "pre-approve" option and block my calendar for these inquiries. So, I started using "decline", but it feels awkward declining someone who is just asking for more information and hasn't even booked yet.
Thank you for the suggestion to refresh the page. definitely worth the try. 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Guy991 

No need to pre-approve or to decline. Just make sure to respond to their questions. I like inquiries, its shows that people are looking for a good match for them. If we are that good match for each other, they'll book. If not, they'll keep shopping.

[Guy991]

@Kitty-and-Creek0 

I agree with you, and that's precisely my point. From my experience so far, I've noticed that people who ask a lot of questions are often unsure, and I actually prefer it when they don't make a booking because they are less likely to be pleased. Instead, I prefer enthusiastic guests who come across the listing, fall in love with it, and are certain that it is going to be their home away from home.