Just joined and need help

[Susie27]

Hi I just joined air bnb and Im hosting a private room.Problem is that I recieved a message from someone mentioning they cant book.. Im looking for a phone number to call and get assistance on this but it seems they dont have an assistance number.Has anyone had this problem before. Everything seems to be set up just fine but people cant book or reserve or whatever its called.I have not hosted yet but want to know if its because of this issue and how I can resolve it..

[Robert-And-Nancy0]

Hi @Susie27

If the guest cannot book it is most likely an issue on their part and recommend that they call Airbnb.  Do not contact them outside the Airbnb platform.  There have been "guests" targeting new Airbnb hosts with fraud.   

Looking at your listing, which is very nice with beautiful views, I would add more defined House Rules like instructions about your guest’s visitors, common space, and how you would like guest to clean up the common areas.  I would be careful with the statement that you are not home that often.  In the beginning it is better to let guests believe you are going to be around.  

Also, you have instant book on.  I think all of us that have some experience with hosting would recommend that you have a few guests before you use instant book. Your best education other than reading all the links Airbnb provides on their site is to go to the Community Center and read about all the host’s issues especially pertaining to guests.  It is eye opening and will help you be the host you want to be. 

I know I did not really answer your question but really do not want to see you being taken advantage of.

Best of luck with the Airbnb Hosting experience!!

[Dede0]

@Susie27 I second what @Robert-And-Nancy0 said. Since your listing is brand new, that increases the likelihood that the person who claimed they can't book is trying to get non-AirBnB contact info from you, which could then lead to a financial scam. (There are many ways to scam a host.)

As @Robert-And-Nancy0 also said, if you're able to turn off Instant Book until you're more familar with working within AirBnB, I recommend doing that. However, you might not be able to turn it off because AirBnB has been "forcing" it on some high percentage of new hosts.

[Lizzie]

Hello @Susie27,

Welcome to the Community Center. 

Just to let you know I have moved your topic from the Host Voice section, as this is for idea suggestions for Airbnb, into the Community Help board. 

I also see you are based in Mexico, you might be interested to know we have a Spanish speaking Community Center. 

I wish you well with your getting your first booking. 

Lizzie

[Rudolph1]

Hi , on the airbnb site its showing that i joined in October 2016, but the place is going to be mine this September ( as the host from which i am going to buy the property told me to put me on the site so that I will get accustomed with it - but he was the host even till this very day ...i am going to buy the apartment next month in Sept.) Now the problem is that since i will be the new host in September viewers are thinking that i have had not even 1 review since Oct 2016 and i think its effecting me in the bookings.