Slow bookings and more cancellations

[Laura2592]

This year has seen our bookings slow down. We almost never had cancellations in the first few years of hosting and I am seeing those increase too. 

I had a somewhat odd stay from a Sunday through Tuesday that blocked a weekend (we need a day before and after to clean) cancel this morning. I will see if that weekend will book-- still kind of annoyed that that particular stay canceled as I am sure we would have had that weekend gone. 

Anyone else seeing a slow down in bookings/increase in cancellations?

[Katrina79]

@Sarah977 Cancellations don’t really bother me too much, I have a four day in advance cancellation policy. If I was concerned I would get a stronger cancellation policy. Guests usually inquire if it’s a very long time out instead of book. 
My places are linked so that my entire house (basically two suites) can be booked as a whole. Or I have separate listings for each suite. I like to have a longer advance on the entire house as I prefer those bookings over the individual suite bookings (which have a shorter calendar booking window). 

[Richard531]

No more cancelations than usual (we have maybe a 2% cancelation rate).  And when they cancel, they pay full freight less the cleaning fee (even though they always ask for a refund, which we refuse).  Maybe it's not more/less cancelations because we're STRICT/NON-REFUNDABLE?

We had a couple successful COVID-excuse cancelations with refunds maybe 18 months ago, but none since.  

[Ann72]

@Laura2592  Much slower than the last two years so far.  While I got plenty of bookings early for the summer, some of those are already cancelling and rescheduling.  I have a lot of dates blocked because I'm going to have to live there for 4 or 5 months because of an apartment reno, but I still get the sense that people are tired of uncertainty and cancelled plans, so they're waiting longer. 

The variant was some kind of final straw.  I had theatre tickets over the holidays, and when we couldn't go, I didn't even bother to call the theatre or try to pass on the tickets.  It seemed pointless.  I want to make travel plans, but it seems impossible until this variant settles down.  Famous last words these days.

[Cathie19]

I think @Laura2592 , that @Ann72  has made a very strong point. I think there were periods of time where guests were feeling far more confident to travel, relax, sightsee and be tourists….

We are dead in the water here and it’s definitely the Covid19 Omicron variant that has brought about the lower morale and lack of confidence with bookings. People have tried to have holidays for two years now. 

Some received monetary refunds early in the pandemic, whether through Airbnb or other booking companies. Between airfares, credit vouchers which many won’t use, country border or state restrictions and isolation or vaccination requirements, and changing rules, many have just shut the door on the “get-away” or  “holiday” concept. Too much money, time and energy already tied up in vouchers or previous efforts to take a holiday.

I think everyone, both guests and hosts, where it isn’t business as usual, are feeling tired &/or vulnerable. My calendar is currently closed but when it’s open, I only open three months maximum at a time. This use to reduce guests cancelling, as they planned trips in the very near future. But Omicron had become a game changer with its higher infection rate.

[Laurelle3]

@Laura2592  since July we have had 18 cancellations but it comes in waves when Covid rules and regulations change along with State borders. even over the Cristmas New year holiday period with Omncrob as @Cathie19 mentioned. I too have shortened my open bookings to 3 months as this way I am able to have more control when our health situation changes and we are able to take a break and catch up with family and friends. @Richard531  and @Katrina79 we have chosen flexible cancellation policy 24 hrs and have no regretts because I feel that we are all in this Covid health matters together and it could be us on holidays and have to cancel because of Covid or I have lost my job and still have to put food on the table and buy medication. But I believe that everyone has to choose what is best for them and we all have different circumstances that no-else knows but ourselves. 

[Stephanie365]

Toughen up your cancellation policy. Strict is the way to go.

[Kathleen257]

This December I have had 5 short notice cancellations. It’s really crazy and hard to get rebooked that quickly during holidays where people have plans. Most cancellations have been 6 -8 days before my 5 day non refundable time so I’m left high and dry.

[Debra300]

@Kathleen257 I recommend the Firm cancellation policy.  It's been my experience that guests select properties with Moderate and Flexible cancellation policies because they are still looking for other places or just don't feel a commitment to honor the reservation.