Green flags when getting a booking

[Mike-And-Jane0]

To counter the negativity we all come across I wondered if people would like to give their green flags with respect to bookings rather than red flags.

For us families travelling with grandparents is a big green flag as the property is usually left spotless

[Emilia42]

@Mike-And-Jane0 Good topic!

Here are some of the initial instant booking communications I got this week. This communication is what I would consider "Green Flags" and I feel very comfortable with it. I don't really look too closely into profiles and reviews.

"Hi, we’ll be picking our son up after finals and we always like to make a trip of it and see some sights. Will be just the two of us for the first couple of days. Most likely our son will join us for the last night."

"Very excited to be staying here! My girlfriend and I are looking to do some foliage peeping and check out Bar Harbor. This looks like the ideal spot to do both!"

"Hi Emilia! My husband and I are visiting Maine for our first anniversary and would love to stay at your place while we're in the Bangor area."

"X and I are road-tripping from Boston to Maine for our 30th anniversary and can’t wait to experience this part of the beautiful US."

[Colleen253]

@Emilia42 I agree that the quality of the initial message speaks volumes about a guest and how the stay will go. 

My house rules ask for guest information, so I know the guest has read them. Information supplied = green flag.

[Usman62]

yes you are right this place is really good for staying with family

[Brian2036]

@Mike-And-Jane0 

Questions that indicate that they read the entire listing are encouraging, such as:

“I see that you recommend 4WD vehicles. Do you think my 2WD Dodge Ram pickup truck would be OK at this time of year?” (Yes.)

”Should we bring our own propane for the grill?” (No.)

[Lorna170]

@Mike-And-Jane0   I love the ones that tell me about their pets -- Fifi is so excited to come to the cabin!

[Sarah977]

As Emilia said, informative, friendly, and something that makes it clear they read the listing info in their initial message.

Also how quickly and appropriately they respond to messages the host sends to them that require an answer.

Then, if it's a request and you accept it, to see that they have an actual face photo and a real name.

[Mark116]

@Mike-And-Jane0  Polite, friendly messages written in grammatically correct sentences.  Bonus points for asking intelligent questions that indicate they have at least glanced at the listing.  

[Anonymous]

@Mike-And-Jane0   Great topic!  My green flags for guests are:

1. Compliments for my canine co-host

2. Enthusiasm for some feature of the listing, to show that they put some thought into their choice

3. Some flavor text about their interests and how those connect to their choice of Berlin neighborhood

4. Mentioning their arrival time upfront

5. An upbeat tone that conveying that they're excited about their trip and grateful to be invited into someone's home

[Debra300]

@Mike-And-Jane0,

1. An indication that they read most if not all of the listing description and house rules ("Our flight is BA1234, and it arrives at 17:00. We do/don't need airport transportation to the guesthouse.  We should arrive to the guesthouse around XX.  The phone/email where you can send me the map and directions is XXX").
2. Provide some insight for the purpose of their trip or why they chose our place ("I am traveling to Atlanta for work", "I am buying a house, and need a place to stay while it's being built or closes escrow", "We're coming down to St. Lucia to visit family", "We're already on island in Soufriere, and want to come up north for a few days to see the sights and activities").
3. Guests that indicate that they've done some research when they ask questions that I know they wouldn't have easily found the answer on their own ("I read a post from a few years ago that the bus to Castries passes nearby the guesthouse.  Nowadays, how long does it take and what's the fare?").
4. Guests who respond quickly to my messages, and provide the requested information.
5. Guests who don't ask for discounts, things that aren't offered, or shouldn't be asked for ("Two night minimum?  I only want to stay for a few hours, can you just rent it to me for one night?").
6. Guests who don't have recent negative reviews, or have received several positive reviews since their last negative review.
7. Guests who leave relevant reviews of their previous stays ("Debra's place was well equipped, and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay during our visit to St. Lucia.  The guesthouse is on a hill, and about a 15 minute walk to the main highway.  Those with mobility issues should inquire with her about hiring a taxi or rental vehicle.").

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Mike-And-Jane0 

I ask guests to provide a short intro of themselves and the purpose of their visit to Seoul, and emphasize that because our listing is a private room in our home with shared living spaces being a good fit is important to us. When the tone of the initial communication is friendly and upfront about themselves and clear that they have read my listing description it's usually a good sign. Next would be how they respond/reply to messages or questions we send or ask the guest. A lot of my guests were exchange students - relatively new users in their early 20s with no reviews, so I relied on my gut feeling during these exchanges do my own screening of guests. If I'm not getting a warm fuzzy feeling while exchanging a few text messages..... I doubt that person is someone I want to welcome into my home and live in the same house with for the next 5 months. 

[Nick]

Great topic! Thanks for this @Mike-And-Jane0