Pre-approval/decline help

[Noelle33]

Hi everyone, I’m new to hosting on AirBnb and I’m still a little confused on what to do with inquiries that need to be pre-approved or declined. I recently had a host ask to stay at my place for a discounted price and offer to pay outside of Airbnb. I’m definitely not comfortable with him asking to pay outside of Airbnb and I don’t want to reduce my price. Do I have to decline? And I can approve if he wants to go ahead and pay the full asking price. 

[Matthew285]

@Noelle33 you can just Pre-Approve the Inquiry at full price. The only way the guest will be able to book using the Pre-Approval is to pay fully through Airbnb. Do not accept any other forms of payment except full payment via Airbnb and you will be fine. The guest is free to not make the booking, and you will have fulfilled your obligation to respond.

Just because someone asks to pay outside of Airbnb doesn't mean you have to accept it.

[Louise231]

Yeah agree with @Matthew285 you may find sometimes it's better to pre-approve a guest and then actually say 'no' in the details.

Examples-

Guest- sends an enquiry for one night in April, message says "Hi, i want to come in May and stay for 3 months can you do?"

You- press 'pre-aprove' but message to guest "sorry my maximum stay is 28 days but you're welcome to book the date in April if you still need.

or

Guest- sends enquiry for Tuesday to Friday, message says "Hi i actually want to book for Tuesday to Sunday but it's more expensive on the weekend, can you give me Friday night and Sat night free?"

You- press 'pre aprove' but message says- " Hi nice to meet you glad you're interested in staying! I certainly have availability on the weekend but it's a little more expensive as they are much more popular days. I think the price is very competitive but if you find another host who is willing to add them in pro bono, you should definatly take up their offer, Good luck with the search!"

Both are examples are actually real, and not unique tbh. You can answer with a counter offer in you fancy it, but a 'decline' can have a negative impact on your search ranking (the future bain of your listing!)

In all honesty be careful with the counter offer. While you think giving a counter offer of giving the weekend stay for the same price as a weekday night would make them appriciative, it probably just means they are cheap and the kind of people who think they paid for the room so it's ok to take the spare toilet rolls with them...

[Noelle33]

Thank you for the help!