Unlist or Improve? Navigating a Rating Drop After One Bad Review

Answered!

Unlist or Improve? Navigating a Rating Drop After One Bad Review

I’m seeking community insight. One negative review out of 16 dropped our rating from 4.93 to 4.75. Is it wiser to unlist and relaunch later, or stay active and focus on improvement? Looking for real experiences and practical guidance that supports long-term visibility and trust.

Top Answer
Guy991
Top Contributor

Hello @Lamika2 ,

 

This is an amazing question.

 

Unfortunately, since you are using a guest profile, it isn't possible to see the specific listing, so I will answer in general terms. You are essentially deciding whether to unlist the property or work on improving it, and that choice depends heavily on the specific feedback guests have left for you.

 

If the issue is intangible, it likely relates to your hosting style, your communication speed, or your level of flexibility. In that situation, I would suggest considering whether you are truly willing to improve those areas. For instance, if a guest mentioned that you didn't reply to questions about local grocery stores or found your personal conduct unprofessional, those are habits you can choose to fix. If you are willing to make those changes, stay listed and improve; otherwise, it may be time to unlist.

 

On the other hand, the review might focus on tangible problems.

 

If a guest writes that the place is dirty or is missing basic amenities like toilet paper and towels, the fix is straightforward. You can simply go to the store, restock everything that is missing, and ensure the cleaning standards are higher moving forward.

 

However, if there is a significant issue with the property itself that cannot be resolved immediately, it is better to take the listing down for a while until the repairs are finished.

 

As a final piece of advice, I wouldn't actually delete or unlist the listing entirely. It is much better to simply turn your availability to "none." This keeps the listing alive in the system and preserves your progress without actually presenting it to potential guests until you are ready.

View Top Answer in original post

4 Replies 4
Guy991
Top Contributor

Hello @Lamika2 ,

 

This is an amazing question.

 

Unfortunately, since you are using a guest profile, it isn't possible to see the specific listing, so I will answer in general terms. You are essentially deciding whether to unlist the property or work on improving it, and that choice depends heavily on the specific feedback guests have left for you.

 

If the issue is intangible, it likely relates to your hosting style, your communication speed, or your level of flexibility. In that situation, I would suggest considering whether you are truly willing to improve those areas. For instance, if a guest mentioned that you didn't reply to questions about local grocery stores or found your personal conduct unprofessional, those are habits you can choose to fix. If you are willing to make those changes, stay listed and improve; otherwise, it may be time to unlist.

 

On the other hand, the review might focus on tangible problems.

 

If a guest writes that the place is dirty or is missing basic amenities like toilet paper and towels, the fix is straightforward. You can simply go to the store, restock everything that is missing, and ensure the cleaning standards are higher moving forward.

 

However, if there is a significant issue with the property itself that cannot be resolved immediately, it is better to take the listing down for a while until the repairs are finished.

 

As a final piece of advice, I wouldn't actually delete or unlist the listing entirely. It is much better to simply turn your availability to "none." This keeps the listing alive in the system and preserves your progress without actually presenting it to potential guests until you are ready.

Yes @Lamika2 it's important to note what @Guy991 says at the end. Keep in mind that Airbnb cannot allow an environment where hosts de-list and re-list after each bad review, so naturally there are detection systems in place that can flag your new listing as a duplicate of a previously deleted listing.

 

Many hosts here feel that the occasional imperfect review doesn't do much harm and helps to make your listing look authentic.

 

If you struggle to get booked right now, you may need to temporarily run specials. Other bookings already in place can also help to get the score back up.

 

Helen3
Top Contributor

Can you link to the listing @Lamika2 

Bhumika
Community Manager
Community Manager

Hi @Lamika2 , hope everything is going well for you.

 

As hosts have requested, could you share the listing link so the hosts can take a closer look? They have also shared their insights for these kind of situations. Please let us know if you'd like for more advice!

 

Regards,

-----

 

Please follow the Community Guidelines

More tools to help you meet your goals

Resource Center

Explore guides for hospitality, managing your listing, and growing your business.