What do you wish you would have known before your first guest?

[Rebecca]

Hello hosts! 👋

I hope you’re all doing well! As you continue to create unforgettable experiences for your guests, I’d love to tap into your wisdom. What do you wish you would have known before welcoming your very first guest?

Whether it’s a little tip, a funny story, or a lesson learned, your insights can be incredibly valuable for those just starting out or looking to enhance their hosting journey.

Please share your thoughts, experiences, or any advice you have! Can't wait to hear your stories! 😊

[Rebecca]

What a fantastic idea about the checklist @Dr-Marv-Wint0! 

I'd love to bring in a few of our experienced hosts here who may be able to share their experiences! @Robin4, @Joelle43 and @Kitty-and-Creek0 - I hope you don't mind me tagging you here. I think this could be a great opportunity for a checklist guide for new hosts on what necessary items should be in the listings - what do you think? 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Rebecca 

Rather than a list, I'd recommend a host stay in their listing and see how it works. I know that when I stay anywhere, I notice and I learn. 

[Grace1323]

I wish I had known earlier the wonderful feeling it is to be a host!  I love being part of a guest's experience during their visit in Austin.

[Dena240]

I feel this!  I wish I'd have started years ago. I love the hospitality of it!

[Rebecca]

Beautiful response here @Grace1323 & @Dena240 😍

I'd love to hear about some of your experiences that have made you feel that way! 

Perhaps you could share a story with us in a new thread? 

[Frank1617]

Hi Rebecca,

I wish we had more clearly communicated some of our house rules and expectations earlier on to avoid some misunderstandings.

[Rebecca]

@Frank1617 - a fantastic reflection. Do you have an example that you could share with us? 

[Deena61]

I would have liked to know whether it’s safe to communicate outside the platform, as well as the potential pitfalls, do’s, and don’ts of being a first-time host. Setting up payouts, especially when working with a co-host, was another area where I wish I had clearer guidance. Understanding guest expectations, handling cancellations, and setting house rules from the start would have also been really helpful!

The ambassador did mention that all communication should remain within the platform, which makes sense. However, a suggestion would be to provide a comprehensive guide at the initial application stage, covering all the do’s and don’ts, potential risks, and mitigation factors so that new hosts can make informed decisions and set up their listings accordingly. It would also be beneficial if the information provided were area-specific, as hosting challenges can vary by location.

That said, the ambassador consultation was a great idea and very helpful!

[Deena61]

Furthermore, guests should perhaps be clearly informed on how to respect and care for someone else’s home—even though it’s already included in my policies and house rules. I’m not sure if this is explicitly mentioned during the booking process, though

[Rebecca]

A great idea for a guide here @Deena61 - have you seen our Host Guides section on the Community Center? 

@Joan2709 recently put together a fantastic guide that I think would help new hosts in the future - check it out here > A Guide For New Hosts 😍

[Joseph2571]

One of the biggest early lessons for me? Folks don’t always read—even the things you think they definitely will. Listing details, guidebooks, welcome manuals, even the messages we send right before check-in with the key info... often get overlooked.

We’re semi-off-the-grid, so a little prep goes a long way. I used to assume guests would arrive knowing what to expect. These days, I play it safe and set out a few rustic-style signs around the cabin—especially for things like our waterless toilet setup. Not exactly part of the aesthetic, but it’s saved us a lot of confusion (and cleanup).

I am enjoying (and noting) the tips others have shared as well. Thanks, everyone!

[Rebecca]

@Joseph2571 Love the idea of rustic-style signs to keep the vibe while still getting the message across. Smart move with the waterless toilet too... that’s one of those things where a heads-up really matters! (I've never heard of a waterless toilet - how does that work?) 

Have you found a particular way of wording things that gets guests to actually read and take note? Or is it more trial and error?

[Joseph2571]

Yeah, @Rebecca, the ThinkTank upgrade was definitely one I’m glad we made...odourless, easier cleanup, and just a better all-around experience for guests (especially women, who’ve told us they really appreciate it). The instructions are simple, but actually getting guests to read and follow them—that’s been the tricky part.

We started with clear, easy directions in our Cabin Guide and walked our first guests through it in person... still had a snafu. So we added it to our welcome message... different snafu. Finally, we gave in to practicality over aesthetics and hung a cheeky little framed chalkboard with instructions right beside it. Not perfect, but definitely fewer messes to sort out. So far, that’s been the most effective. Trial, error, and a little humour seem to go a long way.

[Fouad74]

Hi @Rebecca ,

Ensure that everything is working fine from A to Z (water, ACs, equipments...), literally everything.

Every single should be tested and ensure that everything is on point, all the amenities mentioned in the listing should be available.

Take nothing for granted and put yourself in the guest's shoes, then you will understand that every single details matters to ensure that the guest will have a comfortable stay and nothing's missing since he paid for everything mentioned.

Best,

Fouad