Some Curious Questions

[Paras45]

Why is Airbnb showing a different main image? + Guest ID & Listing Insights Questions

Hey Airbnb community!

1 Listing Image Issue 

So, I recently added a cute aesthetic chair to my space (because, you know, vibes matter), uploaded a new photo, and suddenly—BOOM—Airbnb decided to make it my main listing image. Even though I already have a carefully selected cover photo! Does Airbnb auto-prioritize newer uploads, or is there a way to lock in my chosen cover?

(Is it same for everyone ? i stalked my listing!)

2 Guest ID Verification & Booking ID 

I have a booking awaiting guest ID verification. Can I still accept bookings without ID verification, or does Airbnb require it before confirming a stay?

3 Comparing Listing Performance & Dashboard Updates 
I’m looking to track my listing’s engagement. Will Airbnb launch a separate dashboard analysis soon, or is there a way to compare my listing’s response rate already, as i saw someone had a more features then i have ?

Would love some insights from fellow hosts—thanks in advance! 

[Paras45]

@Joelle43  @Rebecca trying to attach a SS but i can't its saying, Maximum flood limit reached.

Also, 

Sorry to bother you, but I see your very experienced and i would appreciate any help, only if it's possible.

I’d like to avoid repeatedly discussing the same dates with guests who inquire and then cancel. To streamline things, I’m thinking of adding a non-refundable option with a 10% discount, but only for June (while keeping my current flexible policy for April and May).

Would it be possible to apply this only for a specific month? I want to ensure I don’t have to keep looping back with the same guests due to cancellations. Hope you understand, and thanks for your help! 😊

[Joelle43 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Paras45 

1. That warning happens when the image you want to upload is too large so you'll need to reduce it to post it here.
2. Afraid Airbnb doesn't allow us to have different cancellation periods according to certain months - I would love this feature too
3. Listing performance dashboard - those of us who use professional tools (available to everyone now) have a more detailed and versatile dashboard.  However, if you are starting out, the algorithm bases its comparisons on previous months, and even last year so if you're new, not enough data has been amassed.
4. Guest ID verification - Paras, you do not want to accept a booking from someone who hasn't given their ID to Airbnb - that's just asking for trouble😉
5. Can you accept another reservation whilst you're waiting for this person to upload the necessary ID?  It depends if this request came through as an enquiry or as a request to book.  Only the latter blocks your calendar so check if it's blocked or not for those dates.  It's a first come first serve principle so if the dates are free but someone with verified ID wants to book and dates are available then they win.  A guest who instant Books or sends a request to book will trump over a guest who sent you an enquiry.
6. The algorithm has changed your cover photo!  Yes this happens unfortunately.  Go onto your Photo Tour and put that unwanted photo into the Additional Photos and pick again the one you want as your cover photo.  Then go back into additional photos and put that photo into the correct room.  Check in guest mode that this has worked!
7. Tell us more about these guests repeatedly asking for the same dates?  Is there a reason for that?  Why are the cancelling do you think?  What's your cancellation policy - flexible?  If so change to moderate (5 days before check-in to cancel) to stop these time wasters
8. You can use Quick replies or scheduled messages that save us a lot of time for questions that are often asked by guests.   These messages are saved in our message board and then we just have to select it and send to the guest.  Here's the link:

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/2898

Let me know if I missed something!

All  the best
Joëlle

[Paras45]

Thanks a ton mam! @Joelle43 yea different cancellation periods according to certain months would have been great! ya i can't see if i am in someone's wish-list or any other analytics for now.

Actually i had 2-3 cases where guest after enquiring paid and all but their ID was not confirmed for some reason so, anyways as per legal rules i also keep a hardcopy of the ID, and thanks for the hack i deleted and re-uploaded the picture and it worked! yes i use quick replies and moderate cancellation but like  for bookings after a month or so even after going through everything there might be some cancellations so for those booking if i could have this feature of 10% off and non-refundable it would have been great as then i won't have to  go through same dates enquiries! Thanks again for your time.