What's that one thing new hosts don't know about hosting? 🧠

[Alex]

Hi everyone and happy Thursday! 😊

I hope your week is going well so far. We often chat in the Community about tips and advice that new hosts can use to improve their bookings, learn something new, or simply expand their knowledge. Today, I’d like to focus on things you should know before hosting. 🏡

What’s one thing that new hosts don’t usually know about hosting? Is there something you wish you had known before you started welcoming guests? Share with us what you consider crucial but was never mentioned to you! 🤗

Looking forward to hearing your experiences!

Best, 

Alex

[Devid12]

New hosts don’t realize how many roles they end up playing it’s not just handing over the keys. You become tech support, cleaner, problem-solver, and sometimes even a therapist. It can be a lot, but those small moments when guests feel at home make it worth it.

[Elisa]

Hi @Devid12 😊, 

You're right, being versatile is key while hosting.

Has it ever happened that you became a therapist while hosting? What happened?

[Anna14038]

I didn't realise that some guests will rate me 4 star thinking it is a good rating and yet according to Airbnb it is a fail. People think Ritz or similar deserves 5 stars, everything else is 4.  We know it is not how it works here.

[Elizabeth3879]

In the beginning I tried to have "breakfast" items in my Airbnb for guests. I wasted so much money trying to guess what guests might like and buying pre-wrapped Danishes, cereal, small milk carton, etc.  Half the time the pastries/milk would expire and I'd just be throwing them away.  Now I just have coffee and tea supplies, seasonings/cooking oil, and eggs (we have chickens...so fresh eggs don't cost).  This has been so much easier to manage!

Also, create Quick Replies and/or a good guide book on the Airbnb site.  People will ask you about places to eat, how far it is to get to attractions, and things to do in your area.  It's nice to have quick replies and/or a guide book ready so you aren't having to take a lot of time answering questions.

[Alex]

This is really great to know, @Elizabeth3879! I know that there are some hosts who really love leaving welcome packages, so I'm sure this will be very helpful! How long have you been hosting? 🏡

[Lin29864]

Guest requesting for a specific type of coffee when I complimentary provided a dunkin donut coffee, creamer and sugar although not required. I expect guest to be more appreciative that we're not charging them for that and take as is. Microwave food cover disappearing is another one lol.

[Alex]

Hi @Lin29864!

A few weeks ago, I read a thread where a host mentioned that her forks kept disappearing. Now I'm seeing that microwave covers are also going missing! 😅 Where do you think they're ending up? 👀

[Lin29864]

@Alex 😅 beats me! I’m wondering myself lol. Not even worth it. 

[Tara0]

That Aircover is meaningless and that hosts must obtain insurance for short lets which covers not only damage etc by guests but public liability in the event that a guest suffers injury or dies. 

I knew this already when I started out in 2014, as I used to do long lets. 

Both long- and short-let landlords are responsible for the health and safety of paying occupiers. 

[Jennifer5380]

I came across this post while researching the idea of renting our current primary home and moving into our vacation home.  When our children were young, we had a silverware set of 8.  Over time, I noticed our SPOONS were half as many as our the rest.  Some of our dessert/salad forks also.  I discovered the reason as I watched my 8 year old child toss a spoon in the trash after using a disposable bowl for dessert.  She didn't realize she did it until I pointed it out.  One of our other children said, "Oh, yeah! I found myself doing that too." What??? Why????????? LOL   Mystery solved!!  They used plasticware after that...lol

[Rebecca]

@Oksana127 could @Jennifer5380's comment be the cause of the missing spoons? 🥄

[Laurelle3]

@Alex One thing I wish I had known when I first started hosting is that Hosting isn’t just a roof over someone’s head, it's about sharing your space, and your local I information and giving a little bit of your heart.

Clear communication goes a long way and saves time and stress. Guests aren’t mind readers.

You need a checklist, a few clear rules, and a routine

[Rebecca]

Clear communication delivered in a friendly way, always puts the mind are ease and eliminates unnecessary stress @Laurelle3, I agree with you. What's your checklist for? Is it a guest checklist or something you use for every stay? 

[Laurelle3]

@Rebecca the checklist is what I put in for each guest. It can change with the age of the children for toys and books. 

[Rebecca]

Ah, thank you for clarifying @Laurelle3. Does it include things for checkout?