The pre-approval /decline time frame

[Joy50]

I am feeling under too much pressure to have to repond within 24 hours 

I have already been penalised for not replying soon enough when in fact it was not my fault 

There are dates blocked on my calendar because I did not receive a reply in time .

The person making the enquiry did not respond in time 

It seems that the potentail guests do not relaise that we as hosts have to make a decision either way  within 24 hours 

I feel it would work better if there was another way -maybe another stage to the conversation ?

Maybe an enquiry only stage ?

Maybe a reminder sent to the guests to get them to respond within the time frame 

"Do they want to book -yes or no?"

I do not use a cell phone & am not always available but I will check my emails at least 2 x day .

I am feeling that I may withdraw from using Airbnb for these reasons 

I am on another site in New Zealand & that works much better -no pressure no penalties 

What do others feel about this ?

I only have 1 cabin so it does not make a lot of money & I need to do other things to earn a living 

Some guests do not understand this & think I am running a hotel business single handedly!

How can I make it easier for myself ?

It seems like a lot of work for such a small return 

[Annette33]

Hi @Joy50 , welcome to the new Airbnb world! Yes, there is increasing pressure in hosts to be super fast in their responses, or else. The relatively new Instant booking feature is just an extension of that. Beware of the penalties in case you cancel...... I'm afraid we all are fighting a losing battle as hosts regarding those changes. Your only option is to  get used to it, or Airbnb is not for you.

[Ange2]

Hi @Joy50   If it is a 'reservation'  I tell the guests if I do not receive a response in xxx hours I will have to decline their reservation so as not to be penalized by Airbnb,  should they still be interested they can send a new inquiry responding to my questions. The few I have had to decline have always responded with a new inquiry and then rebooked.

p.s. I also put on my listing please send an inquiry before making a reservation.