Payments

[Mayra326]

Hello everyone.

New to the hosting community. I have received a message from a potential guest asking to pay a small deposit to hold the reservation due to her payday. My first instinct is to deny the request. As hosts, do we even have the option to accept a deposit to "hold" a reservation? Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.  

[Shelley159]

Hi @Mayra326 

I would advise against getting involved in the payment process.

Payment is between the guest and Airbnb - you don't control it and you shouldn't be held responsible for it.

I would simply let the guest know that they should contact Airbnb with any questions about payment. If they have questions about the listing, you'll gladly respond.

It's possible that you won't hear from this guest again, which may even be for the best - you won't know for sure how the booking would've turned out.

[ManiKu0]

My Friend Mayra, Its a scam, AirBnb does't offer this option, a serious guest should just pay and secure the stay. He would ask you next that my payment is not working, please share your number so, always ignore such people. Explain clearly your house rules, cleaning rules, parking rules in the advance and never accept any payment off Airbnb portal. 

[Emilie]

Hi @Mayra326, 

Welcome to the community, and to the world of hosting! How have you found it so far?

I hope Shelley and ManiKui's advice was useful, it would be great if you could let us know what you decided to do in the end regarding this guest query. 🙂

Thanks, 

Emilie