Brand new host first my first booking

[Carrie31]

Hi-- I just listed my personal residence and got my very first guests.  They are coming to our town from CHINA (we're in MN) for a major event in town next month.  

A couple things-- we won't be there-- we're renting the whole house.  What's the best way to protect myself against damages?  Anything you can tell me to make me a little less nervous?

And 2-- what is your best tip for a brand new Airbnb-er?

Thanks so much-- we're eagerly getting our house ready starting now!

[Helen3]

Read the website thoroughly, particularly the section for hosts. You'd be suprised how many hosts, start without understanding pricing, cancellation, house rules, instant booking etc

If you haven't already, make sure you understand their plans for their visit.

If you can - don't have instant book, make sure there is a clear photo of the person booking, only takes guests with verified profile and set your cancellation charges to strict.

Agree arrival and departure time before you confirm bookings. Have a deposit.

Have a compehensive visitor pack with maps, instructions for heating, shower, public transport, local attractions, cafes, shops, restaurants, entertainment.

Make sure your house rules cover

1. Not having anyone on the premises who hasn't been booked and paid for

2. Leaving your property how they found it

3. What to do with rubbish

4. About being aware of the neigbours and no late night noise

5. No parties

6. Damage to property should be reported

Someone else mentioned translating rules and intruction pack into Chinese/other languages likely to be found in your guests

[Lukasz1]

We just started hosting last week and so far it has been a very positive experience. We are not renting the whole house, just a private room, but we approach it with providing the full service hospitality one would find in a hotel - the cleanliness, amenities, etc. Keeping valuables off the shared premises, expecting some things to be broken, damaged, so not leaving anything out that you couldn't replace. Worrying is normal, but the people we met so far are very nice, plus Airbnb does have a good host protection policy. Good luck!

[Don28]

We have histed for about 3 years. Pn our 200th or so booking, we have never had a single issue. Only a few of those have we been away for but one suggestion would be to check out thier profile and reviews this should help you have more of a pice of mind about it. I have found that our international guests tend to be some of the most respectful of our space.

[Don28]

Sorry about the typos, app is messing up right now.

[Jim68]

Hey,

Just a little heads up, Asian toilets and bathrooms are very differnt than here in the U.S.

You really should have someone available to walk your guests through the facilities.  And be available if (when) they need help!

Garbge disposals are unknown.

A rice cooker is more important than a coffee pot.

Good luck, let us knowhow things work out.

Jim

[Dee9]

You are penalized for cancelling reservations so avoid it at all costs. And if a guests asks you to cancel, let them know they have to cancel it themself.

Be weary of 3rd party bookings as the 3rd party who is doing the booking on behalf of someone else has not been verified by Airbnb.

And commenting on what someone else said in this thread about Asians bathrooms - I can just tell you that I had an Asian female stay once and she left my bathroom disgusting.

I do make some good extra money doing this!

[City-Limits-Ranch0]

You might want to send a 'maid' or a 'cleaner' into the listing once daily to make sure that there are no major issues in the kitchen, bathroom, etc.  You yourself could be that person as long as you tell the guests that you are just going to come in, take out trash and restock toilet paper etc very day at 11 am or some such.  Make the instructions for House Rules as plain as plain:

Shower only with the shower curtain in the tub.  Wipe up all spilled water promptly.

Hang wet towels on racks provided.

Use toilet only if seated.  Do not stand on rim.

If you encounter any problem with complete flush, notify host immediately.

Wash dishes after each use. Wipe dry and put away.

Wipe up all spilled grease promptly.

Do not put any grease in sink or drain.  Discard grease or oil in leakproof containers only.

Do not place hot pots on any surfaces except stove.

And so on.

Translation into Simplified Chinese (I think it has some name like that) would be wise.

[Linda108]

Welcome to Air BNB Carrie.  There is another discussion thread about hosting Chinese guests with excellent responses to the host's questions.  Using the search tool, enter Chinese and select the posting entitled "Hosting Chinese guests for the first time."  There is great summary about what is welcoming to Chinese guests.  You might enjoy this as well.