I figured out why I can't see potential guests "star ratings" that hosts leave them!

[Donald28]

I had no idea about this. Everyone should be able to see what other hosts rated a guest in each category. It's totally ridiculous to allow only those hosts who use instantbook to see the ratings. At the point the host can see the ratings, it's too late to act on them because the guest has already booked! LOL

Sure you can "cancel penalty free" maybe once or twice a year but you'll lose your superhost status immediately.  Try cancelling more than that and you'll find your listing removed. 

This is a total one-sided implementation of the guest star system to try to force hosts to use iB. Hosts without the iB on would benefit most from seeing the potential guests star rating. At least WE could decline guests based on too many less than 5 star ratings. 

When you let guests book instantly, you’ll be able to see how other hosts rated them on cleanliness, communication, and how well they followed House Rules. Guest ratings will be available for any booking you get while Instant Book is on.

If you’re ever uncomfortable with a reservation, you always have the option to cancel penalty-free.

[Ange2]

@Helen350  

Not sure that 'review speak' would work.  I did see a post with review speak on this forum - 'independent' was suggested code for 'do not host',  I can't remember the reasons it was considered a negative, but I would see it as a positive.  I consider independent to mean, did their research, didn't expect 24 hour reception/concierge service, traveled well, turned up on time having read the directions and check-in times.

[Helen350]

@Ange2 I agree! - Both with 'it would not work', and with your interpretation of independent'. I suspect the host who wrote'independent' in your example meant 'anarchistic, a complete disregarder of rules!'

We really SHOULD be able to write exactly what we mean, without fear of removal, (provided it is politely & appropriately expressed.) Otherwise we say one thing & someone interprets it as another....

[Sarah977]

@Ange2  Absolutely I would take "independent" to mean the guest was self-sufficient, managed to figure out where everything was and how to work things without a bunch of hand-holding, busy, and wasn't just hanging around the house all day. I can't imagine how "independent"  could possibly be interpreted as "do not host".

Just goes to show that the way some host's brains work is as mysterious as trying to understand why some guests do the strange things they do.

[Donald28]

And how about those silly stupid, smiling, frowning, happy, not happy etc etc etc emojis airbnb uses somewhere in the performance pages?! Guests rate us with EMOJIS too?! 

What exactly am I supposed to glean from a bunch of emojis?! 

[Donald28]

I had a guest leave behind the scenes feedback to airbnb about my place. It is all completely untrue. My place is NEVER missing ANYTHING. Especially, essentials like this. I don't know how or if it effects my listing in potential guests view? I didn't appreciate it though. 

Feedback

Your guests suggested improving the following

Missing bedding and linens · 1

Missing pillows · 1

Missing soap · 1

Missing toilet paper · 1

[Donald28]

I just noticed a new thing in my review area that I have not seen before. It's right below the "private feedback". It's called "Value feedback". I don't think this is visible on my listing under the guests review though. I think it is only for me to see? But it is odd... how do I know if my price is too high or too low? LOL

Is this a new thing airbnb is trying to get us to lower our prices? LOL

 Private feedback:
Had a really good time. Thanks

 Value feedback:
The price

[Emilia42]

@Donald28 Did this guest give you a 4 star for value? When a guest selects anything lower than 5 stars, they are able to select from different options as to where the shortfall was. It then shows as 'feedback'

[Donald28]

How do I see the stars I am left! Sometimes I find them by mistake. lol

Son of a gun! I just found it and the guy left me a 3 for value! WTF? 3 people had complete 24 hour, private access to a 40 game arcade with all games on freeplay and a tinyhouse to stay the night. Snacks and drinks. The guy is local. I actually know him. He said he wants to come back. He even asked for my number so he can book again off airbnb. 

I remember now that he was booking for 2 female friends from alabama who were coming to town to visit him. He wanted to book for 2 people and then come for free and hang out with them for free. I declined his booking and told him that we don't allow our guests to have their own guests. He rebooked for 3 people and I accepted.  However, he did not stay the night but played until 1:30am and then came back in the morning and played for a couple more hours. That cost him an extra $10 for the 3rd person. He didn't like that and this was probably him letting me know somewhat passive aggressively.  

"Hell no you can't come back. You left me a 3! My price is too high bud! Instead, take your party of 3 to dave & busters and you'll end up spending about $50 an hour (per person) to play the games. I know, I have done it." 

They'll spend $200 - $300 in 2 hours just to play the games but my $213 price was too much for 21 hours of play and a nights stay for 3 people?!? Man that's annoying. 

[Emilia42]

@Donald28 I'm on a laptop . . . go to the Performance tab then click quality.

It looks like this (at least for me) and then click on 'Read more' for the individual ratings:

[Donald28]

thanks I did find it and edited my previous review. The guest left me a 3 for value. LOL

You have a bunch of great reviews! Nice job!

[Emilia42]

Thanks, @Donald28, that is super annoying! But luckily he is an outlier and your overall average for value is still 5.0. Some people; we just have to roll our eyes and thanks goodness they only come along once in every 200 reviews!