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! 😊

[Daniel8307]

1. Guests will consistently ask for more than they paid for (early check in, late check out). Establishing rules and fees for these things and communicating them to guests helps to prevent guests from walking all over you and your rules 

2. Airbnb defaults to taking the side of the guests. The guests is the one paying and is the true customer. Document all rule violations, get cameras and call Airbnb to report issues quickly.

3. Discount seekers are refund seekers. 'if you give a mouse a cookie, they want the whole jar'. Guests that reach out looking for a discount will often be the worst guests you've had. They will nit pick all the smallest details and send you photos of the dirt they tracked in with their shoes to extort for a refund

4. Inspect cleaners. Don't just assume that the cleaner is doing an amazing job. Periodically send someone after the cleaner to make sure they completed 100% of their tasks

[Daniel13303]

Ensure that you turn your notifications on so that you get an email or text message directly to your phone whenever your guest send you a message on the Airbnb app. This helps to ensure that you are always in communication with your guests and it maintains your response rate so that you can eventually become a SuperHost. 

[Dr-Marv-Wint0]

I wish there was a checklist available to help guide newbies like me on what’s necessary to be in the home. Also an individual to kinda steer me thru my first couple of bookings. 

[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!

[Frank1617]

Hi Rebecca,

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

[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