How do we ensure people read our listing and understand that it is designed to accommodate one?

[Michael2523]

We currently have an "accept rate" of about 73%. The problem is that people fail to read and understand that our tiny cottage (250 sq. ft.) is designed to accommodate one person, with linens and towels etc. for one. While most people seem to read our listing head which says Cozy cottage for solo traveller, there are others who see that we have a double bed and automatically assume that we would be willing to host two guests. We then have to gently ask them if they are travelling on their own and decline them when they say they are two guests. At the same time, Airbnb seems to penalize us by noting our lower acceptance rate in assessing us for superhost this coming quarter. It doesn't seem fair that we are being penalized even though we have had solo travellers who have commented (in a kindly way) on the relatively small size of our cottage. I can imagine that there would be more comments if we routinely allowed two people as guests. Any suggestions?

[Sarah977]

@Michael2523  Further to your photos being taken to make it clear that it is only for solo guests- It looks as it there is only one table that would double as a desk or an eating table. While it only has one chair, how about moving the desk lamp and what looks like a modem to one side of the table, and actually setting up a place setting for one. One plate, one glass, silverware for one on a single placemat. Maybe an open book next to it. Giving the idea that it's only for one. It also looks like you have enough space in there for a small bistro table for eating without the space being cramped, which would be another way to show that.

[Cathie19]

Hi @Michael2523 .

@Emilia42 , @Ute42 , @Sarah977  & @Lawrene0  have all given good information and insights to you and your spouse.

options...

1:   to stick to your guns for one guest only: continue to advertise for one, communicate the space for one, expect to get two people wantin* to stay and penalise yourselves with Airbnb for declining.

2. Reconsider the use of the space. Advertise as a tiny space for 1 or a couple if they are “close” 🥰.

Make the simple modifications to your space to make this happen. Hooks for towels, small chairs etc are all doable. Including that outside setting, etc. add the something extra for couples if you want!

PERSONALLY, we have a choice, BUT sometimes our space CHOOSES its OWN niche market.

So if that’s for two people, go with the flow. You’ll probably find a slight change in the marketing for your guests, but it will increase your listings and avoid the stress.

I was not originally marketing to or for families, BUT my listing has quite naturally chosen to be a “family “ space. Other guests 4 x individuals, couples x 2 sets,  and many  others. But families in all their shapes and sizes have stared to book us. I’ve gone with the flow, and set it up that way, so.... the listing itself now has removed stresses, and kept the reviews real.

[Michael2523]

Cathie:

Thanks for the observations. Food for thought, especially as we go into the summer season.

Michael

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Michael2523 

I have a single occupancy private room with a single bed....... I *still* get inquiries about 2 guests 🙂 

I even had a couple with a 1yo child send an inquiry asking for a discount saying my rates were too high..... go figure~

To some extent, I think there will always be some clueless people we have to deal with. Probably a part of being in the hospitality business~

For inquiries I always pre-approve and send a response I'm happy to host JUST 1 GUEST and the 2nd person will have to find other accommodations since I don't allow  2nd guest. If this isn't what they want, the guest can let my pre-approval expire. 

For booking requests, I ask the guest to withdraw their request because if I accept it is still for 1 guest ONLY, and it that is not what they want they will have to contact Airbnb to get a refund which means it may take a few days for the credit card payment to actually get cancelled or for the money to actually get refunded and I don't want the guest to be inconvenienced. I explain Airbnb is set up so that hosts are penalized for declining requests and because guests can get full refunds even after we accept. I tell them I will have to accept soon (within the next 2~3hrs) - unless the guest withdraws immediately - to keep my response ratings up. 

Most potential guests are quick to withdraw after they get my very long message 🙂 

[Michael2523]

Hi,

Your message was very instructive. I actually ended up declining someone who appeared to ignore me after five requests to clarify their situation (are they travelling alone?) In the end, I didn't want to have the days blocked as unavailable so I ended up declining someone tonight.

I think you're right, that putting up with people who don't read properly or who I suspect are simply trying to slip a double occupancy by us.

Thanks for weighing in.

Michael

[Sandra126]

@Michael2523, it is not just a problem of Superhost, you also slide down in searches for each decline. Your listing won't be disabled(I have one at a very low acceptance rate because nobody reads it) but it will head towards the bottom of the pile. So if you can, accept.  Two guests make a booking request? Say something like '' We would love to accept your booking, but the space is only big enough for one. You can either withdraw your request or we can accept it, but you must be aware that it is totally unsuitable for both of you. As declining a reservation puts penalties on hosts, we have reached our limit of declines. Hence we ask that you please remove the request.''

Can probably word that better, but I would stop declining immediately as listing position really matters to me.

(unless it's an enquiry, then it doesn't matter)

[Helen56]

I have wording in my house rules about the booking being for one person and no overnight guests.

It's the same situation as your place - a double bed but only for one guest.  I've only ever had one guest ask if it was for two... she had a photo of herself in scanty lingerie....  this was before they hid the photos!

[Jennifer1421]

Your listing is so cozy! I love the trail photos you've included, too.

I wonder if calling it a "Cozy Studio Cottage" in the title (along with your "for the solo traveller") might help further eliminate requests for 2? It may help highlight the size/impracticalities for couples who don't wish to read. Or perhaps there's another word for an apartment that's "all in one" that might be better recognized.

This could help with getting your acceptance rate up by eliminating more inappropriate requests.

[John-and-Tracy0]

So our cute cozy cabin as listed is for 4 people. We listed addl people would be  additional costs. I asked ahead if time to clarify that there were fit and was told yes. In the customers review she stated the kitchen and refrigerator are small therefore if you have a large group for an extended time you would be squeezed. She wrote they had a group of six.  I decided to charge the additional fee but now she states the review was misleading as written as there were only four however they had two extra guests for dinner one night. The group did not recycle as written in out binder so we had to go thru 4 or 6 people’s garbage for six days to separate I feel our time is atleast worth that.  However based on her statement they were only there for dinner  Should I believe this and drop the extra charge or proceed. Thoughts?