Mysterious inquiry

Answered!
Nancy634
Level 2
Salt Point, NY

Mysterious inquiry

Someone is requesting to book with me, but has no reviews and just goes by “M”. Being somewhat new to hosting, I’d like to hear advice on how to proceed with this inquiry. (And why does Airbnb allow someone to not use their name?)

Top Answer
Louise231
Level 10
Manchester, United Kingdom

Hi @Nancy634 Some Asian guests have 'western' names for ease abroad, if they have this name as a facebook name it may have transfered to their name on airbnb if they set up the account with the 'login via facebook' option.

 

The facebook set up route also tends to cause most of the issues with crappy profile photo's of objects/ animals/ weird arty pictures not of the person. Guests don't often realise, if you ask them to swap they normally are fine with it.

 

You can ask them to make sure they have verified with Gov ID before you accept the enquiry if you want a bit more security, or you can ask the guest to let you take a photo or copy their passport on arrival.

 

Hope this helps.

 

(I've happily sent preconditions in my messages before pre-approving. "I'm accepting your reservation on the understanding you will change your profile picture to a clear identifable picture. If you are unwilling to accept this condition you will be denined entry. You have the 48hour Grace Period to Cancel Penalty free your booking should you wish book elsewhere, otherwise you will be subject to my cancellation Policy"

 

In all fairness people tend to agree waaaaay before it gets to this stage

 

Good luck

View Top Answer in original post

4 Replies 4
Louise231
Level 10
Manchester, United Kingdom

Hi @Nancy634 Some Asian guests have 'western' names for ease abroad, if they have this name as a facebook name it may have transfered to their name on airbnb if they set up the account with the 'login via facebook' option.

 

The facebook set up route also tends to cause most of the issues with crappy profile photo's of objects/ animals/ weird arty pictures not of the person. Guests don't often realise, if you ask them to swap they normally are fine with it.

 

You can ask them to make sure they have verified with Gov ID before you accept the enquiry if you want a bit more security, or you can ask the guest to let you take a photo or copy their passport on arrival.

 

Hope this helps.

 

(I've happily sent preconditions in my messages before pre-approving. "I'm accepting your reservation on the understanding you will change your profile picture to a clear identifable picture. If you are unwilling to accept this condition you will be denined entry. You have the 48hour Grace Period to Cancel Penalty free your booking should you wish book elsewhere, otherwise you will be subject to my cancellation Policy"

 

In all fairness people tend to agree waaaaay before it gets to this stage

 

Good luck

Thank you Louise. Terrific advice. I'm cutting and pasting!

Ute42
Level 10
Germany

.

Hi @Louise231 ,

 

this is a very good policy that You have in place.

 

Quincy
Community Manager
Community Manager
London, United Kingdom

Hi @Nancy634,

 

Welcome to the Community.

 

I was wondering if you've seen Louise's reply to your question? It'd be great if you could let her know that you've seen her reply :-). 

 

Thank you!

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