Non-Refundable discount

[Traci293]

Hi, I am just wanting to see what other host are doing?

Do you believe that it is better to offer a higher nightly rate with a firm/ Non -refundable discount?

Thanks I've been playing back and forth and just wondering others super host thoughts.

Thanks I just started Air-BNB 2 years ago and both of my properties are doing good with me hosting myself.

This is new to me but I love it!

[Joan2709]

@Traci293 

Some Hosts find the non-refundable option works well for them. I would caution you that sometimes guests will choose non-refundable to get that discount, but then realize they can't cancel and get a refund (isn't that what non-refundable means 🙄). They will then make up reasons to get Airbnb to cancel it and get the full refund anyway. They'll say their was a gas odor, the listing wasn't clean, or there was a mold or safety issue. We don't use non-refundable for these reasons...not worth it.

The Hosts that do use it, usually send a followup message after booking to the guest and say they are looking forward to Hosting them and that the guest has chosen the non-refundable option. Then explain what that means (if they cancel, they will only get the cleaning fee back). Sometimes guests still think they can get a full refund using this option, (lured by the lower price) and will do whatever they need to in order to get it (including fake claims). 

Non Refundable 

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2600

[Joelle43]

Hello @Joan2709 @Traci293 

I am one of those hosts who offer a non refundable rate and it is a popular option with guests.  So far I haven't been put in the situations that Joan mentions but know that this day will surely come!

I always double check with my guests that this is the rate that they have asked for in their trip request but that there is a more moderate cancellation policy available if they are not sure of their holiday plans.

Having a non refundable rate means that Airbnb will show guests this lower rate in the search results making us more attractive than other places to stay.

So it's important to weigh up all the odds before you decide Traci,

All the best
Joëlle