Can I check reviews

[Lorna204]

Hi, newbie here! I’ve had a potential guest who doesn’t qualify for insta book ask me some questions, which is all fine. Is there anyway I can check if they have any reviews on Airbnb before I pre-approve them to book my property? They don’t have profile pic which maybe why they couldn’t insta book. Thanks 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Lorna204 click on their non-picture and it will show whatever profile they have including any reviews

[Lorna204]

@Mike-And-Jane0  Thank you, unfortunately not much there at all, just joining date of 2018. Finding it tricky to know if to accept if people don’t meet insta book qualifications, but I suppose I just have to hope all ok by trusting they have been honest with me.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Lorna204 I suggest you remove the statement 'host does not live locally' from your listing as this can attract people who intend to party. You can message the guest asking for more info regarding their stay. Others will comment better than me but high risk stays are short term (single night) bookings by someone local. Just knowing where these people are coming from will reduce the risk or cause you to reject them.

[Lorna204]

@Mike-And-Jane0  Thanks for the advice. Really appreciated. I will just ask questions to hopefully gain more knowledge on the guests. There is obviously an element of trust on both sides I suppose.

[Linda108]

@Lorna204   Trust on both sides is certainly true but  it doesn't have to be a "blind" trust.  As a host you can ask questions and most of the time the potential guest will answer truthfully, but for me, I look at how they answer.  Is the reply timely?  Is the reply respectful and demonstrates understanding of the reason for the question?  Does the potential guest demostrate having read the listing and understands the amenities and the rules?  Sometimes I find the potential guest cannot IB even with many reviews because one review is negative.  I have a criteria of positive reviews.  When I ask about the circumstances of the negative review, how the guest answers is critical.  Until you have a high comfort level of vetting guests yourself, I would avoid IB.  It is a useful tool but does not replace host vetting.  I have IB and I still contact guests who have booked with a message confirming the listing requirements and their understanding of them.  

[Lorna204]

@Linda108  Thanks so much for replying. Yes I may turn off IB to be honest as do worry about it, but I also worry about my own judgement if I get it wrong as ultimately people can be dishonest! I guess you learn as you go along and get to know what to look out for. I see so many horror stories of bad guests that it’s starting to panic me a bit! I will definitely send a reminder of rules when I am contacted. 

[Helen3]

Why don't you have IB for those with previous positive reviews and everyone else has to request @Lorna204 

What vetting questions do you ask your guests when the inquire/book to check to see if they are a good fit. 

[Lorna204]

@Helen3  Thanks so much for replying. Yes that’s a great idea as when I looked at turning off IB Airbnb do their best to persuade you not to, by saying you’ll move down on list in searches and you’ll be penalised if you don’t respond within 24 hours (I do respond immediately so not such a worry), but they certainly didn’t want me to turn off IB. But they did  give me the option of allowing people with positive reviews to IB which seems like a good compromise. I have no idea what vetting questions I should ask to be honest, although I have had some helpful suggestions on here, but any you can add would be helpful thanks 

[Helen3]

Hello @Lorna204 

You have a gorgeous place there.

Airbnb try and persuade hosts to stay on IB as a marketing ploy because it encourages more bookings for them.

The vetting questions you will ask will depend on what sort of listing you have and your own personal preferences.

What information do you feel you need to know to make you feel comfortable with accepting a booking?

I'm a home share hosts so my requirements will be different. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Lorna204 we have IB on and, whilst we have never used them, you get 3 cancellations free of penalty per year (I think). Regarding questions I don't bother but just finding out why a guest is coming tells you a lot.

[Lorna204]

@Mike-And-Jane0  @Helen3  Thanks for all your help. I have asked lots of questions so felt confident enough to let them book, which they have done, so fingers crossed for my first booking ever!