I just got featured in a few publications and got the usual millions of hits, but the questions that followed were amusing from the hundreds of direct inquiries (to my web site) that followed the articles. Two didn't mention Airbnb, the great majority do associate Bird Island with Airbnb.
1. For a 3-day stay I should pay for only 2 nights but get to stay 3 full days
2. Doesn't from the 12th-16th constitudes only 3 days?
3. How many people can I bring to keep the first-2-person base price the same?
4. What is the maximum amount of people the place holds, we are 11 people but like to know if we can bring more! (6 person maximum)
5. Can you hold X dates till I get paid?
6. So do I really have to send a 50% deposit now? Why?
7. Can I pay in monthly installments?
8. Why should my deposit not be fully defundable if I cancel even on the eve of my arrival?
9. Please book me for dates X (never bothering to look at the calendar).
10. I am 'considering' staying in your place if you take care of all my transportation to it. (Don't take too long)
11. Why can't I book for only 1 day (4-day minimum), because that is all I can afford.
Well that was 'fun'; 95% were like these, serious. Most were innocent enough, but most were clueless how STR works. I removed my reservation form in my web site and temporarily replaced it with a link to Airbnb till the scary avalanche subsides. At least with Airbnb they will have to verify themselves, will have to make an account if able to read somewhat, will have the math done for them and will have to pay up front.
Trust me folks, it is a frightening world out there! I think Airbnb has the patience of a saint.