Reaching out to potential guest after a month?

Answered!
Jennifer5142
Level 2
Bolivar Peninsula, TX

Reaching out to potential guest after a month?

We are new to Airbnb. Is it OK to reach back out to a potential guest that had questions about our property, but didn’t book after a month has passed. I assume they were ‘shopping’ for rates. She wanted information on fees and taxes before booking, but did not book.Their dates are still available. Feel like I need to inquire, but don’t want to sound desperate! 

Top Answer
Helen3
Top Contributor
Bristol, United Kingdom

I wouldn't bother . For future reference the guest can see the total price when they book including a breakdown of taxes and fees so strange they would ask you.

 

Sometimes it's a sign of a scammer looking to do a direct booking to avoid fees .

 

@Jennifer5142 

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5 Replies 5
Joelle43
Top Contributor
Cannes, France

Hello @Jennifer5142 

 

Generally if guests don't book, it's because they found a listing that was better suited to their needs, didn't have the budget or it's just that their plans changed.  The reasons are numerous and they may have preferred to go with a host that had existing reviews - who knows?

 

Personally I wouldn't contact them as you will probably be setting yourself up with some bartering and as you say you'll be in the weaker position because the guest will feel that you're desperate!

I went onto your listing and couldn't help notice two things:

 

  1. Your maximum stay is limited to 1 week - is this intentional?
  2. The listing is set up to show a separate bedroom with a convertible sofa and then guests see the same bed in the lounge area?  If the bed is not in a bedroom this set up could lead the guest  to make a potential claim for a refund as the listing is  not accurate.  Felt I should double check with you?  Hope you don't mind?

 

Yes, 1 week is intentional. We are not looking for longer term rentals. More profitable where were are.  We are actually in a beach area.

 

As far as the sleeper sofa goes, this is an open concept home. No actual rooms other than the bathroom. We felt like the pictures would explain it all. We were not sure how else to list it. Like I mentioned, we are new to the listing process. So far we have bookings for couples and their children. I believe the kiddos sleep on the sleeper sofa.

 

We are getting bookings so I am pleased with that.

Thank you for your prompt response!

Helen3
Top Contributor
Bristol, United Kingdom

I wouldn't bother . For future reference the guest can see the total price when they book including a breakdown of taxes and fees so strange they would ask you.

 

Sometimes it's a sign of a scammer looking to do a direct booking to avoid fees .

 

@Jennifer5142 

Well, the problem is that on this property, there's the open concept house, and also a covered  RV site to rent. We haven't been able to figure out how to set up the RV listing. The house rents separately or for an additional fee the RV site is available. That is what is confusing these potential guests!

Elisa
Community Manager
Community Manager

Hi @Jennifer5142  😊

Thank you for bringing up this topic in the Community Center!

 

I understand your point. Did you decide what to do? 

 

I'm happy you’ve found many hosts to discuss this with! 😍
Would you mind marking the 'Top Answer' if you found one particularly useful?

 

Just a tip 👉 when replying to hosts, don’t forget to tag them using @ and their name so they’ll notice your response!

 

Don’t hesitate to keep us posted!

 

Warm regards, 🌻


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