What questions did you have as a new Host?

[Bhumika]

Hi everyone!

We all are beginners when we initiate something new, be it business or in your case publishing your very first listing and starting out as a Host.

When you created your first listing as an Airbnb Host, you might have had a fair share of questions! Do you remember the early questions you had when you first embarked on your Host journey? Today, we invite you to go back in time and reflect on the initial questions and concerns you had when you were a newbie on Airbnb.

Did you have questions about how to set a competitive pricing strategy, optimize your listing, attracting guests or were unsure about what kind of photos to include in your listing? Or maybe you were uncertain about the best ways to communicate with guests, handle difficult situations and ensure the safety of your property.

So, what were your basic host questions when you were a newbie on Airbnb? We would love to hear more about it and help create a guiding resource for our new hosts, joining the Community Center!

Bhumika

[Camille808]

Hi,

I'm curious to know how you deal with third party bookings? Several guests have asked me to book for a friend or family member of theirs, and I don't always feel comfortable with it. Thanks!

[Bhumika]

Hi @Camille808 , Thank you so much for sharing your questions with us.

I am reaching out to our experienced members @Mike-And-Jane0 @Fred13 if they have some suggestions for you!

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Camille808 we allow it when children/spouses are booking for their parents or partner. We would not allow it for parents booking for children.

[Chantelle60]

Hi @Camille808 ,

I have never allowed anybody to book outside of the app.

A few people have snuck past me, but when I start sending out my pre-arrival messages, I ask for clarification i.e. Thank you for booking with us you have # of people registered with us and you will arrived on this day and depart on this day. If you are bringing a family dog and forgot to mention please declare that now...... Please note that all overnight guests must be declared for insurance purposes.

This does not always work as some people chose to ignore me, but I have stated it and let them know that it is unacceptable and have stated so incase something happens on my property. It isn't full proof, but by declaring it I feel better 🙂

Hope this helps,

Chantelle

[Chantelle60]

When I first began hosting, I wanted my space to be not only welcoming, but also a space that would be able to accommodate individuals with  handicapped needs. The struggle I had was finding the resources to be able to provide me with the requirements for a true handicapped accessible apartment.

It was a long process, but I was finally able to find the information I needed and through the course of the years, when we host a truly handicapped person - asking them for suggestions has made the space so much more user friendly for all. I always use their suggestions and now the space is just about perfect!

[Bhumika]

@Chantelle60 Lovely comment. It is so important to keep in mind guest accessibility requirements and I think many hosts would agree on it.

What amenities or specific changes did you make in order to make your listing more accessible?

It is truly great to see how you worked with a guest to make changes to your listing!