Hey there,
First time poster, long time hoster here. Has anyone else had any issues with gaining a referral bonus from Airbnb? I've never really thought much about it, even though a few friends/acquaintances have started up after hearing me talk about it all the time - wish they had asked me before they got started, but it happens. However, I did officially refer and help a friend/coworker start up about a month ago and even helped her set up her listing. She's a bit of a loss with technology so I had to send her my link about 6 ways to Sunday but then I actually sat next to her at my dining room table while she put up her listing via her phone. I *know* she used my link, I was right there. I've since become her co-host because she is lovely, but totally hopeless, that's another story altogether.
I did a lot of work with her, which I would have done anyways, but it was kinda nice knowing Airbnb was going to give me a little present for bringing someone into the fold after 4+ years of being a superhost. Quick detour: I then stumbled upon the caveat that a $100 stay had to take place before the bonus would be paid out, for which I have a bone to pick as we're in a rural area and my listing averages $32/night and hers is only at $40. People don't come to farmville Northern New York for a week of rest and relaxation, they come for two nights of travel nursing, or a family wedding, or a lacrosse tournament. Sorry, tangent over - no it's not actually, I'm also mad that the $100 Superhost bonus in travel credit can't be split up. If I'm staying local or even visting a friend in Boston and only need one night it's far less than $100 and if you don't use it in full, the rest goes out the window. What a ripoff!
Back on track. Somehow, my link wasn't used or not logged or whatever (sadly, my only proof is a screen shot of my work e-mail where I mistakenly sent her my listing link instead of the referral link when she lost the first one I sent) and I can't seem to find a way to prove that I sent the referral but I absolutely KNOW I did (oh no, maybe I'm actually the one that's technologically impaired?!?). Airbnb has responded to my questions about the bonus with the usual platitutes of sorry, this is our policy, she didn't use the link PERIOD. End of story for them, case closed. Ugh.
Have I no recourse? It's so frustrating to actually have been able to refer someone after Airbnb reminding 14 times a day to refer new hosts and then have them find a way out of rewarding me for it. I trusted so completely and now my trust is turned into spite. Also, I find it interesting that the promised $240 for a superhost bonus dropped to $210 at almost the exact time that I had a referral finally work. I'm sure that policy changed with everyone, but the timing sure seemed fishy to me. Oh boy, now I'm lowering myself to conspiracy theories. Help me get back on track. I don't want to hate Airbnb for this little spat but I still feel the burden of unfairness and it's really chapping my a**. Are you people out there making a mockery of the referral system, misusing it? Abusing it? I certainly am not (having only just realized we can also get referral bonuses for guests - where have I been living, under a rock?).
Anywho, thanks for listening, and if you're ever north of Syracuse, NY, come see us, it really is lovely country and Airbnb prices are dirt cheap!
