Just started, Got an instantbook before I could update settings and prices, help!

[Zach22]

Hello,

Have done some research on here around cancellation. I was setting my calendar up and someone booked it 5 months out before I had a chance to go and update my settings and prices. As i understand it since im still on IB I can cancel ir correct and not be penalized? or should I change the reservaion amount and mesage the guest? total noob here please advize. 

[Monika64]

Hi @Zach22, I would probably explore both options at the same time.

Contact the guest ASAP, tell them how this happened and ask them if they'd be willing to keep the booking with your elevated price. You can tell them to look at your profile as a proof that you just started so they'd not think you are trying to "play" them for a higher price.

At the same time, contact Airbnb (Twitter is supposedly the fasest way or you can just email them trough the help center) and describe what happened. Ask them that if the guest isn't willing to keep the booking at your normal price would they cancel the booking on your behalf (penalty free, of course, since you have IB).

Let's see if other hosts would back me up on this 🙂

[Linda108]

@Zach22  I think @Monika64 has given you good advice, but I want to give you another perspective because I am pretty sure your mistake has been one 90% of all hosts have made.  

First of all, you might want to snooze your listing until you are comfortable with your all settings.  In case you are not sure how to do that, go to Calendar and More, see the left side list and the box with "Listed" in it.  Select and change to Snooze.  This will give you breathing room to get set up and educated the way you want.

Secondly, I suggest you look at the profile of the guest who booked.  Despite the rate error, would you like to host this traveler?  If so, message the guest, explain the issue, but do not raise the rate.  Instead, start to establish a rapport and let the guest know that by the time they show up you will be experienced.  I bet you get the best review ever!  Just a thought.

[Monika64]

@Zach22 @Linda108 actually gave you a great alternative! I'm not sure if you can take the price difference, if you think it's managable you can just simply host the person and you know it'll not happen at this cheap price again.