Guests requesting the original requested rate after letting the approved request expire

[Jasmine204]

Hi community, 

This wasn't a drama but it did get me thinking and I want to see if this is common, what the perspective is on this scenario: 

I had a guest send a request to book. I approved the request and offered the dates. The offer expired and they had not booked.  I received an email from them again explaining that they had found alternative accommodation that was cheaper. Could I review my rate? 

I reviewed my rate and made a small change, it wasn't as much as they asked, I then replied and advised they can send the request through again. I got another email asking for early check in, late check out and sleeping arrangements. I confirmed the requests and what I could accommodate. They advised that they would still be looking at the alternate accommodation if the flights were too expensive. 

They did not send the request through, they did message asking to hold the dates as they were looking into flight options. Then followed up with a message to advise the price had gone up again and they wanted the first. I didn't receive the messages until this last one. I advised I would look at the issue on the website and get back to them. They requested that I respond before 7pm London time. 

I checked the listing, another request had come through, the price had changed due to more interest in the dates and the new request came through and blocked it. I decided to take the new request and advised the previous that someone else had taken the dates. 

Should I have kept the dates for the first enquiry? Or due to them letting the offer expire my actions were acceptable? 

[Ana1136]

@Jasmine204 no you shouldn't have kept the dates and you shouldn't offer discounts because I am sure you have set your prices for a reason. These guests would have been trouble and you are very lucky someone else booked. Never keep the dates for guests, if they really want them they will book immediately and the dates will be automatically blocked. 

[Jeff158]

You've had a lucky escape @Jasmine204 , demanding guests give poor reviews.

[Ricardo85]

@Jasmine204 

My experience tells me that guest who really wants to book the accommodation makes the reservation immediately because he has already looked at the photos, read the reviews and saw that the price is reasonable.

If there is a possibility of filtering the lisitngs based on a price range, it does not make much sense to ask for a discount. Usually those who ask for a discount are people who want the Host to adjust its price to the financial restrictions of the Guest.

Ricardo

[Emilia42]

@Ricardo85, 100% agree. I am most confident in guests who are confident enough to booked my listings based on my photos, reviews, and price. No questions asked.

[Emilia42]

@Jasmine204 

The second this guest said they wanted a cheap accommodation is when you should have ended the conversation. 

“There are many listings in the area. I wish you luck finding one that will better suit your budget.”

[Mark116]

@Jasmine204  No, those guests would have probably been terrible and given you a 4 star rating.  Be glad that for once, smart pricing helped you dodge a bullet.