A request that does not seem forthcoming or totally honest

[Donna-And-Mike0]

We had a request for 1 night- 4 guests. When reading the message sent by the interested party they stated that there would be 3 adults and 4 childeren [ages 10-15]. We asked for if there would just be 4 in there party staying with us or were they planning all 7 to stay with us. There has been no response. We did not want to decline with out this being cleared up. We are new to hosting. How could this be handeled with out affecting our host rating with airb&b

[City-Limits-Ranch0]

If the request has not been approved by you, you may inform the guest that you need them to reply by a certain time (tell them your deadline for a reply is a couple of hours before the 24 hour deadline for your decison.)  Tell them if you do not receive clarification by that time you will decline and they can resubmit a request after they decide what they want to do and communicate with you to your satisfaction.

If it was instant book then they have a reservation.  You can message them that their reservation is for however many they booked for and that if they arrive with more than that many people they will have to send the others away to a different place. 

It is not your responsibility to make a correct reservation for them, nor is it wise to accept a reservation that is not clear to you unless you are willing to accommodate how ever many show up.  People who fail to communicate before they even arrive are a big red flag!

[Sally65]

Can you send them a "special offer"? One that includes a higher price for more people? It is my experience to just allow the reservation inquiries play themselves out before the final acceptance. Don't accept unless you are happy with the info they give you. It is your home. They are guest. Soon only guest you desire will be coming as the reviews will be positive. Better to skip a reservation you are uncomfortable with than accept and get or give bad reviews. Plenty of time to build your reputation as a destination. Just don't count your eggs LOL the money comes when you put your needs and values first. Lots of people Inqiure and then stop responding. Move on. Let them be.