Hi, Thanks for all the comments on my question about how to handle this business propostion and fake guest request. I contacted Airbnb and they advised, just as someone on this forum, that I "Flag" the request...which I did. I believe this person will not be blocked.
I understand that there are people who want to do side businesses and are have inovative ideas about hosting but there does exist other ways to get the word out about ideas or services. In San Francisco we have independent Home Sharing groups where any number of people --with new ideas have presented their proposals for services to hosts. Some are great and might take off but others are goining to go against all the regulatory restrictions that we have been fighting. So these proposals would not only be unwelcome but might be harmful by jeopradizing the permit or license of the person they were approaching. I did reply to him and said, "Not Interested". But I did think that since hosts are in such a delicate balance with regulartory issues in many locations that a request like this to do something outside all the codes in our area could create harm for our community.
In the past I have had a number or requests from folks--who are unfamiliar with how Airbnb works--ask me to have side conversations or come veiw the property before they decide. I don't view those as fake booking requests and I just politely explain to them the situation and process. I don't flag them as harmful or a scam.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on my situation. I value the feedback from everyone.
Linda
