host referral scheme

[Anne-Marie102]

I referred a new host using the link sent to me. The new host is up and running but I didn't get the referral payment which was advertised. I am being fobbed of with excuses such as the link  must not have been used properly. If hte link wasnt working how come my friend was able to use it??? Has anyone else had the same experience? 

[Inna22]

I referred someone but was told that it took them too long to create the first listing so they did not pay me. That was not in the advertising either. It seems that they have excuses not to pay most. That is why they are able to advertise such a huge dollar amount- they can say anything they want since they are not planning on parting with the money

[Patricia3721]

I wasn’t given a referral bonus either. My referral decided to wait and link expired and 100% void for life at that address now. They put way too many stipulations on hosts trying to not only grow their own profits but grow the company profits. Just not worth trying to refer people. You spend hours helping them get up and running, taking away time from yourself. 

[Chelsea483]

This seems to be a very common theme on here. 

I have a friend with a rental property who was considering transitioning her long-term rental into an Airbnb. I spent hours advising my friend and her husband on this process, shared my automated messages with them, and allowed them to borrow our camera for photos.

I sent my link to these friends. They used said link to create their listing (they have stated numerous times that they are 100% positive that they used this link without any error message, etc). They are new hosts who have never had a listing before. They have now completed several qualifying stays. Yet, I have not been compensated by Airbnb for this referral. In looking through this forum, this is not an uncommon occurrence.

I have attempted to contact the Airbnb Superhost support chat. They have been answering me in the middle of the night with repetitive automated messages, typically at 2 AM, and then closing my chat without further assistance.

When I spoke to someone on the phone, she asked me for proof that my link was sent and that they used said link. I sent her a screenshot of our text conversation, where I sent the link (following which their listing was created in a matter of days), and them confirming that they used the link to create the account. She then asked me for "video evidence" of this occurring, as if one would think ahead to videotape step-by-step actions that you are completing. One would only do such a thing if they suspected fraud on Airbnb's end, which if you are reading this prior to sending your host referral, I would suggest doing so.

I am still attempting to contact Airbnb support (have had to create several new chat conversations given that they have closed out previous conversations), and they are now telling me that the only "host referral" that they see completed on my account was on 1.26.2020, which is a joke because I myself was not even a host in 2020. The referral was made on 1.23.2024 and they created their listing on 1.26.2024. This is an obvious error on their end that they are refusing to correct.

The referral promotion system is a scam and I will not be playing into it again. 

[Sharon1893]

I’m now battling with them about their failure to payout. I keep going back and insisting they payout. Every time, the excuse for non-payment is different. That, in and of itself, says a lot. Bottom line, we all brought a new host to them and they found some excuse to avoid paying. I am looking for others who are interested in exploring a class action lawsuit. Message me.

[Alberto-And-Julia0]

Also if you are using a property management system (PMS) like Guesty or Hostaway, you are not eligible for the referral program.

"This is Sheila, one of the Support Ambassadors from Airbnb. Thank you for reaching out to us. It's such a pleasure speaking with you.

I understand you reached out to us about the Host referral program, as the Host that you referred did not show up as a referral. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused you.

As discussed over the phone, the reason why the Host that you have referred did not show up as a referral because you are connected to a property management system, what we call as software connected Host. With regard to this, since you are a software connected Host or Host who uses API-connected software, you are no longer eligible for the Host referral program.

Furthermore, you may check the Help center link below for more details about the Host Referrals overview.
www.airbnb.com/help/article/3405"

[Agnes215]

I agree it’s a scam. This happened to our friend and us. No one got any money from the referral scheme as there is no way of proving you clicked on the link. 

[Molly548]

Yes, I am going through the same thing right now.  I sent the link to my friend, and she set up her airbnb through the link with my assistance.  She had her first booking.  AirBNB says there is no record of my link.  I called 3 times, no assistance so far.  Will keep trying.