Have Airbnb create a low pressure but obvious option for guests to add a gratuity after their stay?

[Seth2]

I sometimes use Peapod- a grocery delivery system for Stop & Shop. When my delivery arrives I sign a reciept on it is a visible invitation to tip the delivey person. While I don't think tips are nescessary they are always appreciated and cetainly since using the price recommendations that have more often than not lowered my rates I would really appreciate if some guests became comfortable with the idea that it's OK to show their appreciation by giving gratuties. 

I have not tried to propose this adjustment in the airbnb format for guests yet, but am curious if this sounds like a good idea to other hosts here.

Thanks! 

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

I think it depends on what country you operate in.

Personally I we would never invite or expect guests to leave a tip. And in hotels in the UK, it would be considered strange unless you were resident in the hotel for a longer period and made good use of the concierge's local knowledge to book restaurants, etc..

So it feels wrong to me...and not sure how it would work as they pay upfront.

Perhaps our reward is good reviews....well worth a few pounds!

[Seth2]

I agree- it could be different for every country/culture, and you raise some good points about the difference between this being a home-based operation- I actually was tipped once and while I was appreciative did feel it was odd since no else had... norms and expectations do change over time, but I'm less enthusiastic about proposing such an idea then I was prior to seeing your thoughts- thank you!

[Clare0]

@Seth2 I certainly wouldn't put it in your listing description anywhere as it could be misconstrued by the guest and get you into trouble with Airbnb.  That said, if a guest decides on their own to tip you, well, I'm sure that's fine.  One guest I had left $20 on the kitchen table.  🙂

[Seth2]

Thanks- no in no way would I put anything in my listing description. My thinking that Airbnb could set up as part of when guests are going to review you an option to add a gratuity- something like that... And though it sounds nice to discover cash clearly left for you when you're going to clean a room after reading Gary's response here, I'm not so sure my idea makes sense both in terms of the wide cultural differences that airbnb has in it's community or in the sense of hosts being more home than hotel...

[Jim42]

Guests have a multitude  of choices to stay at in my community. I find that their choosing to stay at our BNB is all the gratuity I need. I have yet to get a tip and would be surprised to get one. Although I do occasionally find a beer or two left in the refrigerator after they leave, and for this I am thankful....it makes it extremely helpful in making cleaning up a much easier job!

But no, I think that indicating a tip would be appreciated is unnecessary. If you think so, perhaps you could raise your cleaning fee to provide you with a "hidden tip" and then indicate that no tipping is required or expected! The added price may decrease the probability of someone selecting to stay with you however. But this is a business call that you need to make.

One good way to look at it would be from the perspective of your guest when they read your listing.

[John212]

Hey Seth!  In hotels, tips are generally geared toward a good job done for maid service. I do charge a good and fair cleaning fee, and I do the cleaning myself. Its fair for the guest, and its a fair wage for me.  I view this, as my tip, for a cleaning job well done. During my guests stay,..I serve breakfast, clean up after they have left for the day, put fresh towels in every 2 days, and change linens once every 7 days, without being asked.  I leave friendly notes for them, clean their mirrors, empty their trash, and it all magically happens while they are out for the day.  I never ask for a tip.  However, about 25% of my guests, leave a monetary tip.....ranging as low as $10 to as high as $100, depending on length of stay.   In addition, I cannot count the bottles of wine, beer, chocolates, cakes, pies, pastries, ....even a piece of the Berlin wall as a gift lol.  If you leave an impression on your guest, and ask for nothing in return.....they will remember you.  It will mean something to them. Go above and beyond, and you may, on occasion, be surprised by an extra thank you in the form of a gift of sorts. Good luck!  John