Hi-
I'm concerned re the expectation from Air BnB that I accept a certain number of requests - even when the potential guests have NO Reviews yet...Also, when it's not a good match for their needs.
For example, currently, I have a request for a guest room. However, the guest said she needs a cool bedroom. With the heat we've had and fans only I can't guarantee that. Also, she has no reviews, no picture etc. I've explained this to her and have asked her to please cancel the request, to avoid my "Accepted Reservations" quota being dinged. This seems ridiculous for Air bnb to incentivize this with the lax requirements required from guests.
I would like to see a change so that IF guests choose to use Instabook they MUST first have two positive reviews from other hosts.
There is also incentives/pressure to use InstaBook and encouragement in general to book book book. I do have InstaBook after starting being a host without it. I'm fine with it if someone has a couple of positive reviews. If they don't, the space description requests a reference. I've had numerous guests who have done this and it's worked out.
I also have had way too many guests NOT read the description and details. I learned, the hard way, to put in a Hidden Question to answer, to assure all has been read and they find it a good match for them.
Let's have a change to this policy Air bnb.
Thanks,
Maggie
Burlington VT