Sign of Times

[Shirley432]

This is appalling that guests think we are fair game.... I have a 3 bedroom (with 6 beds) apartment in Strathfield Sydney Australia.

“Hi ....,

My name is Yulan. We are a quite couple looking for a place to stay from 15th of May to 19th of June.

We are interested in your place but the price seems a bit too high. Given the restriction on both interstate & international travels and our planned long-term stay, would you be interested in offering a discount?

I believe it would be better for you to earn some profit and rationalize your fixed cost rather than leave the place empty. Since we are a couple with no friends here, we will use the place like ours with no drinking/party. We will adhere to your policies as well.

We can afford up to $50 per night for all fees related to the stay.
Thanks”

[Angel49]

Wow, that’s really a low offer and feels manipulative. I have drastically reduced my rates for long term in order to help get a safe booking for the summer if possible, but that’s on my terms. I have noticed that guests who complain about the listing price and get a break tend to be higher maintenance once onsite—more work for less pay! I’m sorry to see this. Best of luck getting more quality guests for your home!

[Ocean50]

let think of the nicest possible way to say fk off to this guest 🙂

“Hi Yulan,

My name is Shirley. I am really appreciate your advice on how I should run my business, but as a superhost for 4 years managing 5 properties with around 1000 stays I believe it is the other way around, I should be the one giving you advice on how to be a host.

Regarding the $50 a night, it is the best offer I've ever heard in my career. I feel like I am taking advantage of you if I accept this offer, so I have to say NO to this. I hope you can find a better use of this $50 huge amount and make the world a better place.
Thanks”

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Shirley432 

I'd go with a "Thanks for your inquiry and while we appreciate your unnecessary concern about our profits, I'd rather leave the place empty. Hope you find a place that better suits your budget :-)) " 

[Cathie19]

@Shirley432 , @Jessica-and-Henry0 , @Ocean50 , @Angel49 

The thought that comes to mind is:  “ Better an empty house than a bad tenant! “

[Mark116]

@Shirley432  I would thank them for their inquiry and say that you hope they find a place that fits their budget.  Short and sweet.

[Michaela66]

Hi all,

Sadly I have received multiple inquiries like this since the statewide (California, USA) shelter in place order was issued in March. So many guests who claim they are desperate to shelter in nature instead of the city where they live also expect deep discounts, early and late check-in etc. One couple who did stay with me, claimed that their friends were "in the area" and they planned to host them for brunch in my cabin if that was okay. They specifically agreed to the house rules of no guests and that they would adhere to the shelter in place order.  Great to have this place to vent!

This guest was the worst so far: (actual thread from the booking inquiry)

Dan 10:05 PM

Hi Michaela, I’m looking to get away for some better scenery and near Big Sur. Would you possibly extend a special 30% Covid-19 discount? The cabin views look inspiring.

Michaela10:08 PM

Hi Dan,
Thanks so much for the inquiry. I would love to host you next week. I would be happy to extend a discount to you. Will send special offer in a minute.
Best Regards,
Michaela

󱜄

Special offer sent10:10 PM

Dan10:11 PM

Perfect.....now since that was all ok. What do you think about 40% off and I’ll stay an extra day? 5th -9th?

Dan10:41 AM

Sorry, I’m guessing you didn’t see that last message since it was so late last night.

If not the first offer totally works and I’m excited to see the area

Michaela11:02 AM

Hello,
To be honest the request to negotiate an additional discount in a time of universal hardship was off putting to me as a human. My place is special and I love sharing it with grateful, like minded people. Typically I would politely indicate that my property is not a good fit in such a case.

[Debra300]

When I get inquiries for discounts or low-ball offers, I reject them.  I agree that these types of guests turn out to be high maintenance, and also not respectful of your space.

I'd probably have told those bargain hunters, "Thank you for inquiring with us.  Our rates are reflective of the current situation, and understand if it doesn't fit your budget that you may choose to rent elsewhere."

[Brisas-Kukulcan0]

I already have a saved message exactly for these types of "low-ballers" since 95% of the inquiries I've received lately have been asking for a discount. I think that's the reality for many hosts these days unfortunately.