Double booking

[Candice7]

I just listed my place, I'm getting tons of action and inquiries. Here's my issue, one person requested a weekend, had a question if I could accommodate 3 even though I said 2, I responded that I could leave out an airbed. This was last night
And they did not confirm the reservation. In the meantime, someone else made a reservation for the same weekend, I approved them and they confirmed the reservation. Now the first person is trying to book. Did I mess up? Should I have held it open?

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

No..you did the right thing - you can pre-approve as many people as you like for the same dates. Whoever books first gets the space. Usually good to tell someone that there is another party interested in the same dates. Can pretty much guarantee you that if you start to hold space for people then you will lose business as people are usually equiring with a few properties at the same time.

[Donna15]

@Candice7, I note you offer use of an airbed for a third guest. 

I strongly suggest you charge for a third guest, as hosting that person means more work for you (e.g. getting out the air mattress, laundering the bedding, extra towels, etc.).

You can add an amount in the Extra Person charge box. 

I also recommend the following:

- request a Security Deposit;

- change your cancellation from flexible to moderate or - even better - strict;

- lay out a more comprehensive and clear set of House Rules.