First time guest education

[Cross-Cultural0]

Hello hosts - I have an idea to help us with our economics for hosting new airbnb - first time guests at our property.  

We are on a major highway and so we get a lot of first time guest requests - and we have had to meet 50% of them at the property to help with understanding the August Lock keypad (even though it is very simple & we have instructions there), and then we have problems that they don't follow the checkout checklist and it costs us a lot ...

My idea is this: 

I would like to put in my listing description & house rules that I require a host to meet first time airbnb users, or anyone without reviews yet, at the property and do a walk through in person of the house rules.  It would read something like this:

House Rule:  First-time airbnb users are required to pay $10 - $15 for an introductory in person meeting with the host to walk them through how to use the lock, the house rules for our property, and any questions they might have on how to use airbnb for future bookings.

[Helen427]

Hello @Cross-Cultural0 

Have you considered simply incorporating an extra amount in your listing price?

Or sending a Special Offer, discount when the guest books?

You may find for some people who are new that they are also knowledgeable so should be given the benefit of the doubt.

Would it work for you to meet Guests at the property & give them a Guided Tour regardless of their status?
It's always nice to meet people and have a chat, they may appreciate that.

All the best

[Emilia42]

@Cross-Cultural0 

Why do you think that these problems stem from being first time Airbnb users? I've used Airbnb as a guest a few times but would have no idea how to use the August lock. I don't even have a smartphone to access it.

I have found that # of reviews/# of times using Airbnb doesn't really make a difference. Actually, many times the guests with the most reviews are the one who fail to communicate, use my white towels to wipe off their makeup (despite the black wash clothes provided) and leave the windows wide open with the heat on.