Payment balances

[Steven65]

Guest occasionally contact me to ask when they should pay the balance. Clearly, they have paid a deposit and balances are due later. However, i have no control on payments and explain to them that Airbnb hold payments to me until one day after arrival. I have not enrolled to accept balance payments. So Airbnb is taking the risk. Or are they? What happens if a guest does not pay their balance? Why are they taking that risk without my permission? Or am i missing something? 

[Linda108]

The delayed or split payment option is offered as someone is booking a reservation.  Air BNB notifies the guest the second or balance payment is being taken about 2 weeks before the check in.  It is a good news/bad news situation for the host.  It does encourage guests to book way in advance without having to pay the full amount up front so it is meant to overcome some of the guest resistance or helps with low credit card or debit card limits.  It does interfere with the host requesting additional funds for additional services until the nightly stay is paid in full.  I have't had any problems with the balance payment system but I can see some problems for reservations way in advance not being paid in a timely way if the guest changes  method of payment.

[Gordon0]

It's actually very simple and I use it myself. I'm staying in NYC from early December and received the reminder today. Because I've updated my credit card, I simply updated it. Easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy.

[Steven65]

@Gordon0 @Linda108 Hi. I havent had any cases of non payment. But i was curious to know what would happen if the guest does not pay the balance, or the balance payment is refused. Does that mean Airbnb cancels the guest, leaving the host potentially out of pocket for an empty calendar. If so, why does Airbnb take that risk without my consent. As far as I'm concerned, to make the booking,  full payment has to be made, which is then held on account.  

[Gordon0]

I'd say you're spot on, @Steven65, in that if the would-be guest's card doesn't go though then the res is cancelled. As for Airbnb talking that risk on your behalf, that's just the way it is. I've never had this problem with a would-be guest.

[Harry41]

So the remainder of the payment is due 2 weeks before arrival?