Feeling Im about to have a bad quest

[Anita812]

I have an enquiry from a potential quest who does not have a profile picture, a bad review already on their first stay as quest by their last host, no  ID check ,  and they joined Air BnB since July 2019, and they already asking to stay two months...

What do you all recommend I do? Can I give them a reason why I'm considering declining on these grounds? 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

we've just declined a booking from a guest with a dreadful review. Its just not worth the risk although the booking would have been very lucrative.

[Colleen253]

@Mike-And-Jane0  Yes, it's only lucrative if the guest is great and all goes well. Otherwise, the cost can be greater than the payout. Definitely don't let this person book, @Anita812. If it's an 'inquiry' and not a 'request to book', you don't technically have to do anything other than reply, but you might want to press the 'decline' button anyway. If it's a 'request', you must 'decline'. It's your choice whether you respond with any dialogue or not, but you can certainly let them know your reasons. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

It was an enquiry and I was wondering if it would hit my stats by declining - good to hear it won't.

We did give a reason of poor reviews - The potential guest replied along the lines of 'I never leave bad reviews just report to AirBnB and get them to credit me for the stay' 

I don't really understand the relevance of this relative to her bad review but it feels like we dodged a bullet!

[Colleen253]

@Mike-And-Jane0  I'd say you dodged a fierce bullet, judging by that comment. Inquiries are just 'questions' and only require a response of some sort, but I do wonder what happens if one presses 'decline' on a inquiry. Does it prevent a potentially persistent guest from then sending a 'request' to book? Anyone know? 

[Anita812]

@Colleen253 , that’s so helpful , Thankyou so much . You’re right , my first quest , I have spent more than the payout so something to bear in mind for next time but your tips are spot on. . I’m in dialogue still with this enquirer as they seem adamant to have the room. I asked them to upload a photo which they didn’t to begin with . The one they uploaded it’s blurry. Anyway , I appreciate your comment and will take on board . Much appreciated.  Anita 

[Colleen253]

@Anita812  You can block this person to stop the unwanted contact, if they keep pestering you, and simply refusing to reply anymore doesn't work. See this post on the topic

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/HOW-TO-BLOCK/m-p/976977#M244774

[Anita812]

@Colleen253 , Thankyou so much . I checked all reasons and tips on blocking . Found the link very helpful. Thankyou . Anita 

[Helen3]

You don't need to give a reason to decline but if you want say because of previous negative reviews @Anita812 

[Anita812]

Hi @Helen3 , Thankyou so much . Appreciate you comment . It’s a youngster , uni student on internship so feeling obliged to help but the bad review is worrying . Anita 

[Helen3]

Why does it matter whether the guest is young or on an internship. Why on earth would you  be considering a guest with such a bad review? @Anita812 

I bet she wasn't honest and explained why she got such a bad review when she sent a booking request?

Just decline and move on. Why should you risk damage to your listing and bad guest behaviour for such a long stay. You have no obligation other than to yourself and your Airbnb business.

[Colleen253]

@Anita812  Helen is right. It helps to approach every decision you make in your hosting as a business decision. You're running a business, not a charity.

[Anita812]

@Colleen253 , you’re absolutely rightly . I’m always charitable in my daily life and that’s coming across in this aswell. I’ll take this on board. @Helen3  & @Colleen253  Thankyou both . Anita 

[Laura1869]

So what if you have an Instant Book guest about whom you have serious ...ah..."reservations"?  Doesn't that affect your superhost status and more if you cancel them?

[Helen3]

No, not if for a reason covered by under IB cancellations for hosts. @Laura1869