Potential guests requesting pre booking walk through?

[Meagan-and-Wade0]

Hi. I'm curious how other people would handle someone asking for already booking walk through. It seems somewhat understandable since they want to book for multi week and then come back after thebholidays for a month in December. But I keep having feelings about his request for pre walk through a  then he kept asking about discounts and what I could offer him even though it is clearly stated and pretty straight forward. Now his partner is coming to view the place not him since he is still working across the country. At first he said he was on an adventure with his family and now he says his partner is in grad school here where we are . I even said casually " oh what other Airbnb hosts have you booked with here?" To get an idea of who the person was. Two good reviews and he could probably just be wanting to make sure he books the right place considering the time frame would be a major commitment. 

But maybe I'm just feeling a little over extended or a little protective since I'm new.  

Theywant toncome today so I'd appreciate any feedback asap. 

Other than that that being a new host on Airbnb is off to a great start!! 

 *it Pre-booking walk through- 

I apologize for a typos, the sites text box is being difficult and faulty. 

[Fred13]

Pre-walks are not usual, at all. Considering how fastidiously he comes across, I would be from, here onward, very formal with this person. The discount discussion is also a bit of a clue, it may mean you be subjected to constant compromises. Nothing has to be, beware.

[Meagan-and-Wade0]

Thank you thank you! My gut says something is off. I've been very general about all info with him thus far thankfully. Even down to his 3-4 requests for my address. I told them as soon as we secured a time and person who was meeting me I'd supply address then. Thankfully I have not given anything out. I will let them know asap this is against rules. So glad I wrote in. Thank you! 

[Helen3]

Hi @Meagan-and-Wade0

It would be worth you reminding yourself about how BNB works from a host's perspective - they have lots of useful information on their website and help section for hosts including covering these issues.

Asking to see a property before you book is very clearly against BNB rules, regardless of the length of the stay. They should be able to gain all the information they need about whether to stay with you through your photos listing description and by talking to you through the messaging system

Allowing a guest to come to your home is a big security risk for you - personal safety and they could be looking at your home for future opportunities to steal from your home.

Asking for discounts is another big red flag for hosts.

If his partner is in grad school in your area - why can't he stay with her.

You can remind them it is against BNB rules for guests to ask to view a property before confirming a booking, offer to answer any questions that they have that aren't covered by your listing and that any discounts you offer are already shown and see if they still want to proceed on this basis.

In your situation I would decline the booking as it has all sorts of red flags.

[Meagan-and-Wade0]

Thank you thank you! My gut says something is off. I've been very general about all info with him thus far thankfully. Even down to his 3-4 requests for my address. I told them as soon as we secured a time and person who was meeting me I'd supply address then. Thankfully I have not given anything out. I will let them know asap this is against rules. So glad I wrote in. Thank you!

[Elaine-and-Duane0]

Walk through is against policy. However if booking long long term, airbnb has said under some circumstances you could meet off site to see if a good fit.  Again- no house tours.  Think about it, without making a reservation, guest does not have your address! Agree that red flags are popping out all over. 

[Linda108]

Hello @Meagan & Wade  Your cabin is beautiful!  What a unique experience you offer!  Do not allow pre-booking tour.  You have one glowing review which does provide some support to the 50 pictures.  What are the host reviews of this guest like?  It is tempting to ignore the Air BNB policies when there is so much potential income, but I would err on the side of caution.

[Andrea9]

@Meagan-and-Wade0

Some pre-reading to get you up to speed on quirks and stuff around hosting:

Red flags for hosts

Get a grip on how to have a hosting business

https://globalhostingblogs.com/2015/12/06/ten-guests-you-dont-want/

http://www.evelynbadia.com/blog/2016/8/2/how-to-deal-with-a-difficult-airbnb-guest

[Meagan-and-Wade0]

So then in this situation or in others, would you recommend instant booking. Since all they have to do is book with you and get all your info immediately no matter their requests? 

[Helen3]

I don't know what happened I wrote you a very long response which has disappeared.

1. In summary do not let them visit your home before they book. It's against BNB rules and give you a personal security risk and a risk of your home being cased for future burgalaries.

2. Having a guest ask to visit and ask for additional discounts are major red flags to established hosts

3. In your situation I would decline - they are already showing they will be nightmare guests. If you want to consider them tell them its against BNB rules to visit a property in advance of booking - all the info they need is on your listing but if they have additional questions you would be happy to chat via BNB messaging. If they want to book on this basis you can make a choice. I bet though one of the reasons they want to visit is to try and haggle on price and perhaps offer cash directly.

4. Don't use instant book you have no control over who books your property, how long you receive bookings for etc. A nightmare for new hosts.

Do read BNBs information for host and this and many other issues of importance for hosts are covered on their website.

[Helen3]

 Oh I see why now...you posted the same query twice 🙂

[John-and-Heather0]

Do you allow events?  In our experience, 100% of guests who request pre-booking walk throughs are planning an event (i.e. want to get married in your space). If your listing is too small for that, I too would be concerned about walk throughs.

After some experience with this, we politely decline all walk through requests--citing the privacy of our current guests and that if the inquiring guest books our home, we certainly wouldn't encourage strangers to walk through.

We also suggest other local business that are more suitable for big events/weddings/parties. 

[Jim40]

I recently had my first request for a pre-booking tour for "a place to stay for a little while."  The guest wanted to visit right away, and included their phone number for me to call (blocked per Air BnB policy).     The guest profile, by the way, included only one verification, no government ID, no photo, no reviews.  I simply replied that for security the personal information of hosts AND guests is blocked until a reservation is confirmed, so I wouldn't be able to contact her outside of the Air BnB messaging system.  I also assured the guest that even a quick perusal of my reviews would attest to the accurateness of my listing and photos.  Never heard another word from the potential guest.  File under "buyer beware."  Better still, don't buy.