Hello AirBnB community,
I operate 8 units with my brother. He created the listings for all units, and is thus the Listing Admin. We used to work under one account, but now having grown and operating more listings, we have split accounts. I became a co-host to help this transition easier, but was feeling shortended as Co-Hosts do not get reviews. We had switched 4 of the 8 listings to make me the Primary Host, thinking that this would help me generate reviews. Now we have discovered that only Listing Admins can earn reviews from guest stays. I think this is a flaw in AirBnB's system for all parties involved, here's why:
For me, it is an obvious downside because I am doing work through AirBnB's platform and have zero trace of it. After hundreds of happy transactions, if I were to create a listing, I'd have zero reviews and thus guests would be hesitant to book with me.
For AirBnB, this is a downside because I'd effectively be starting from scratch, even though I have been loyal the platform and proven t be a positive contributor. Additionally, the proposed solution from AirBnB customer service (which, themselves, were dumbfounded that after 500+ successful transactions I have ZERO reviews) of removing the current listings and regenerating them (so that I am Listing Admin) is a foolish one, because this now makes our proven properties and all of their 5-star reviews meaningless, which essentially means less bookings for them.
For the guest, they are forced to review a Listing Admin EVEN though, as PRIMARY HOST, I am the person that the guest comes into most contact with. The whole "co-host vs primary host" foundation is based upon who you're interacting with, and I feel that the title Primary Host sounds pretty legitimate enough to earn reviews.
Let me be clear that this is not a domestic dispute, but rather a legitimate concern with the security of AirBnB's reviewing system. I understand not having reviews for Co-Hosts, but a Listing Admin should be able to essentially forfeit their involvement and reputation by promoting a co-host or somebody to a PRIMARY HOST, a person who in turn gains reviews. Yes, the property reviews will still effect the Listing Admin overall, and the performance of the listing, but I am irked that still with the title PRIMARY HOST I can not earn reviews for the level of service that I am giving to my guests.
I am constantly trying to advocate for this change - whether it be to easily transfer power from one Listing Admin to a new one, or promoting the PRIMARY HOST as the person who receives a review after a guest's stay, allowing for more Superhosts and more trustworthy AirBnB experiences. Please do not let this issue slip through the cracks. AirBnB is a growing platform and needs feedback from US - the people supplying the product for this platform to thrive on. I know there are more people in similar situations (transfer of property ownership comes to mind) and really am just trying to gain some traction. The platform changes every week and I applaud innovation, and am really hoping that something can be done regarding this issue. The need to feel appreciared is an inherent and core human desire – I give my all everyday to enhance the stays of my guests and it shows tremendously in reviews, just not my own. Please help make this right AirBnB and AirBnB community.
Thank you,
Chris Platis