How to give a military discount

[Mike-and-Marcia0]

We have had a couple of people inquire lately if we would give them a military discount if they chose to book our place.  Wondering the best way to do that, and since we aren’t owner occupied, how to verify that they ARE actually indeed military?   Do most people offer military discounts?  

[Anonymous]

@Mike-and-Marcia0  Airbnb does not offer a method of building a demographic-selective discount (e.g. military, senior citizen, government, etc) into the booking process, so they're really not a thing. If Airbnb wanted to extend special discounts as a company (out of their pocket, rather than the hosts') they would do so. But you can take comfort in knowing that you are by no means expected to have your own discount system.

And I really don't recommend taking these requests seriously - guests who want certain types of discounts should stick to chain hotels that have a system built for them. If you get an inquiry from a guest that you'd like to offer a special discount for your own reasons, you can respond with a Special Offer of your choice. But I'd be wary of guests who ask for a discount in the booking process; you're not a corporate hotel chain, so what these guests are actually asking is that you take a pay cut for your own hard work. These guests are significantly likelier to undervalue your hospitality and "reward" you with an underwhelming review.

If you respond that Airbnb doesn't have a military discount system and the guests still decide that they're happy to book your place at its regular price, everything is OK. If you feel inclined to offer something special for members of the armed forces you are of course free to come up with a nice uniquely Nashville gift to offer upon arrival.

[Mike-and-Marcia0]

Thank you so much for your detailed response Andrew!   That truly helps so much.  We have only been hosting for a few months and this is only the 2nd time we have ever had someone specifically ask us for a discount.  I did feel like I was put on the spot a bit... however, we also don’t mind helping out active duty on vacation which they claim to be. Not sure how I can truly verify that though since we live 4 hours away from our rental and wouldn’t be there when they arrive.  Anyway, THANK YOU again for the advice!  It was very helpful.  🙂

[Rachael208]

Hello,  I am new to this as well.  I too do not mind offering a discount for military discount.  Did you come up with a way to prove they truly are military and if so, how did you prove this before  accepting the reservation?  My fear is giving them a special rate, they accept and then they cannot prove it to me.