Hi @Elliot0
I’m sorry to hear from @Steve0 that this is the case for group payment. Like @Shaun0 I’m now alerted to the dilemma.
In the past I have been part of a group booking on Airbnb. We just had one person pay and then we all reimbursed them through cash or bank account transfers.
I can see that the current group payment feature should be there, but not at the expense of the host.
1. Maybe Airbnb guests could be given a 24 hour window from the initial group pay received till the end portion is completed for the combined transaction.
I think if they all agree in a place, then 23hours +60 minutes is long enough. If a booking is to be considered genuine, then it needs to be done in a timely fashion.
2. When we pre-approve a guest, they have a window of 24hours before it expires.
a. With dates closed. Or b. With calendar dates remaining open...
3. This is a business transaction and needs to be respected by all three parties: by Airbnb, guest/s and hosts. Hosts should not be disadvantaged beyond twenty four hours. If the transaction doesn’t complete in the time, (24hours) they can remove the “pre approval - styled hold” status and guests will have to begin again. However, the second time around, the group option isn’t available. Only the initial booking party can book for all. Making the initial 24 hour period far more effective from a business stand point. You want the place, then make an effort!
4. Alternatively, allow a group payment to take 72 hours to complete a transaction, but your host calendar should still be visible and the dates available to the open public, as no financial agreement has been completed. (As can be done as a chosen feature with pre-approvals).
The motivated and keen guests will have already sent links to those involved, and got a majority vote. So a 24 hour window is more than long enough. If a calendar stays open, and the space is in a peak season, they’ll book quickly. The guests are not stupid, just unmotivated, or one of them is unorganised. ..... for there is always one! Lol.... but 5hats the groups problem, not the hosts!