Super host ranking after cancelling dodgy enquiries

[Dominic254]

I've just turned down two enquiries because guest 1 was trying to book on behalf of her unverified son (guest 2), and the latter also tried booking direct via a special offer from me but couldn't accept it as he was unverified (quite why the platform allows an unverified guest to make an enquiry is beyond me). Both also repeatedly tried to get me to accept payment outside of the platform.

I ended up declining the first one and withdrawing the special offer from the second one. I think for the first guest I chose the 'dates don't work option' when I should have chosen the 'I feel uncomfortable about this booking option. I didn't need to provide a reason for withdrawing the special offer from the second guest.

Will our super host profile / ranking be affected by this?

many thanks 

[Helen3]

Hi Dominic

Why would you turn down two inquiries - all you have to do is respond - you don't need to decline? Why would you send a special offer to an unverified guest? @Dominic254 

Much better for you to have flagged the first person with airbnb and asked Airbnb to block them from contacting you citing it was a third party booking and they were trying to get you to book off platform.

With the second  inquiry, all you had to do is reply to the guest and say when they have got a verified ID you would be happy to consider his booking. 

Do have a look on the Airbnb Help Centre where it outlines the difference between an inquiry and a request. 

[Dominic254]

Yes that makes sense now however it wasn’t initially obvious that the first guest was trying to book on behalf of her son, that all came out 12 hours later.

Also I don’t understand why Airbnb let’s unverified guests make booking enquires if they can’t actually book (first time I’ve encountered an unverified guest) 

[Colleen253]

@Dominic254 “I don’t understand why Airbnb let’s unverified guests make booking enquires if they can’t actually book.”

Identity verification is not required to become a member or to book. Airbnb’s identity verification process is meaningless anyway. Hosts must not rely on ANY Airbnb process, and instead should take full control of the guest screening and vetting process themselves. Take full control of everything, from start to finish. 

https://www.airbnb.ca/help/article/1170/booking-requirements

”Before booking a stay or an Experience, we may ask for a government-issued ID or that you verify your identity”

[John5097]

@Dominic254 

For Request to Book host have 24 hours to accept or decline. You will see it and get reminders. If you don't accept or decline a RTB you will get penalized and can lose SH status. 

For Inquiries host only need to respond to the message with any text. Host don't need to accept or make special offer. Most host only respond to Inquires with the text. If you pre approve it only limits guest to 24 hr to accept or decline.  

[Elaine701]

@Dominic254 

Ok, well, I always look closely at "inquiries" and ask questions before "pre approving". Especially if they're "No profile, no history" inquiries. They're the most dangerous. 

As far as offering special prices, I don't. If they want it, they can book it at the price offered. If not, c'est la vie. There's another one in the queue. Just be patient. Last minute bookings in particular, require more questions and verification of who's booking and how many persons. Asking twice isn't a bad idea, especially if the first answer sounds iffy. Or better yet, if it's still sounding flaky, explain how bad a fit your place is for them. Adios. 

Morale of the story is that it's always better if a guest you're not comfortable with chooses to go elsewhere of their own accord. It absolves you of penalties. And obviously, bad guests, which can be even worse. 

I'm sure you're on the right track. Keep it up, and I have no doubt you'll end up on the sunny side of it. 

Best wishes for the new year 🥂