I have been a host for many years and I recently experienced a disturbing exchange with a potential guest.

[LeighAnn2]

I had a booking request from a potential guest with 0 reviews. His request contained no information. Now, with Airbnb, there is no info about guests...no photos, no name, etc. it’s all blind. I have to go solely on the communication exchange. I asked the guest for clarification regarding their stay. I received a two word response so, basically, no response. I then declined the reservation stating that I did not gave enough info. About the stay. 

I gave a polite explanation to the potential guest. He proceeded to threaten me. I immediately reported him to Airbnb. I gave had no response. Nothing. I am thankful that I trusted my instincts, however, it’s evident that Airbnb is not screening members. You are very much in your own so be aware snd do not take reservations without information. Ask questions. Be comfortable!

[Ryan2352]

No worries!  I've been blessed lately to have gotten great applicants and instant bookings.  I have a non-party home on IB, but it's also $400-$600 a night.  Price seems to help eliminate problems.  Amazingly, people have been honest about their desires for parties and such on the big house, so I can have those discussions with them ahead of time.

Conversations really do help.

[Carolle18]

There do seem to be a LOT of new guests signing up.  And NO ONE reads through the listing before they try to make reservations.  I've really had bad luck with the last few. I'm getting so discouraged. 

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Carolle18  you are right, guests are booking without reading .... and then have to cancel more than ever. But, it's also Airbnb's fault bc most information is hidden behind "read more..." links and has to be expanded. House rules placed in the footer with custom rules behind the "read more.." link is the cherry on top.

It seems Airbnb wants them to book and then cancel and book again and by doing so they are charged 2x service fee. Good for Airbnb... bad for guests (they will wait 2 weeks for a refund and lose their service fee) and bad for the host's search rank and reviews.

@LeighAnn2short, superficial and rude communication becomes a trend lately and not only on Airbnb. I am renting some long-term properties outside Airbnb, on social networks.  I often get messages from empty profiles without any introduction or greeting, just plain "is it still available" or "when can I come to see it?" ... including the poor grammar (in their own language). But it is actually great.  It helps me to weed out good tenants 🙂

[Carolle18]

Well, I've quit allowing refunds on cancellations.  I do COVID cleaning on the whole house ahead of a guest coming, after all.  Recently, one made a reservation, then cancelled THREE HOURS later, both done well within my time limit.  THEN demanded a full refund.  I'm tired of being treated like a low level servant by people I open my home to.

[Helen427]

Sorry to read you have had this rotten experience @LeighAnn2 
Keep an eye on their Profile via your messages as that way you can see if they have been removed from the platform, or given a warning about their unacceptable behaviour.

Sometimes it's quite easy to locate further details online about people using related keywords to where they are from / and/ or occupation, maybe have a scout online and then if you feel he may pose a risk to other's Personal Safety, report them to the authorities, you may save someone's life.

Take care and remember that not all people are rotten eggs and great people will hopefully arriving in your life.