Hi, I’m Tanaya, an architect by profession, born and brought...
Hi, I’m Tanaya, an architect by profession, born and brought up in Habra—a charming small town in West Bengal. Over the years...
I have been a host for a few months and take the job quite seriously. I go out of my way to ensure that the unit is very clean via hiring professional cleaners, I had my ad edited to make sure there are no surprises for guests, I leave a little thank you token for guests when they arrive. I try hard to be a good host! Unfortunately yesterday I got a review from a guest that is very negative. In the review the guest says that they found animal hair on the couch - I am really not sure how this could be the case since the suite is pet free. The guest also suggests the ceilings are 5'5 when they are actually 6'3. I asked Airbnb to remove the review and they won't. To make matters worse I gave the guest a positive review. I have never left a negative review for anyone - not a host or a guest - since I've been on Airbnb (starting in 2013). Even though this guest was more demanding than average (by far) I tried to focus on what was positive about them in the review. I have decided to start being less nice with my reviews and more honest - even though writing bad public reviews is not in my nature! I have to be honest that I think as a guest, if I were to read this person's review, I would be turned off from booking my unit. I'm not sure where to go from here. I am considering maybe taking the listing down altogether and starting over. Does anyone have any tips to avoid this, or what I should do? I know some things that I need to do in the future, including (1) being willing to give guests negative reviews; (2) in the future I will be more careful who I allow to stay - this guest had a few "suggestions" even when were trying to book - I should have said no right away. Anything else I can do? Should I take the listing down and re-start (with 0 reviews)? Thank you 🙂
@Denelle1 I read your reviews and at least one other guest said the ceiling was low and another guest said you have a pet. That’s 2-for-2. So, in all honestly, pet hair could have been easily transferred from one of your family members.
I do not think you should take your listing down. Will you take it down and start all over every time you get a negative review. I think not. I believe any setback should be treated as an opportunity to learn, and just decide you’ll have a major comeback. Stuff happens and believe me, it will continue to happen.
You may have never noticed your low ceiling before. I didn’t notice mine and didn’t even think about it until I gave my 6’2 guest a tour. We both laughed.
I suggest not taking it personally; and since there is a pet in your household, make sure to use pet hair sticky remover on beds and furniture even if you believe your pet doesn't go downstairs.
Also, a friendly reminder. Guests also read hosts’ responses. So stay calm and friendly, and no you don’t have to give a negative review, just a factual one. You could have wrote something like this:
Guests gave his POV and many suggestions. I was surprised about pet fur on furniture, but duly noted. Thank you. Also, ceilings are not 8 ft but definitely high enough for someone 6’3”. As a host, we work hard to give guests the best experience, but for this guest, I guess we fell short.
Wow - thanks so much, especially for the idea on how to respond. I wasn't sure about what to say.
You’re welcome.