Verify guest & Questionable Guest?

[Chris-And-Rachel0]

I tried to post this earlier, but not sure it got posted.

We got a request from an AirBNBer who wanted to book for their friends. They friends have no reviews, but I think they're staying somewhere in Boston with an AirBNB reservation they made,  but AirBNB is not letting them verify more or something?

Hello Chris, hello Rachel, we are the Friends for xxxxx She forwarded me your message. We are X&Y from Germany and we are on a trip from Boston to New York. The Problem is we can´t book with our account because Airbnb want´s to verify the Account. We booked your (I'm guessing they mean "our") Stay in Boston and New York before without any problem. We did everything what they want (upload Picture of Passport, connection to ....  and then a error message occured "Not possible the Moment".   We will be glade if it is possible to book via (Our Friend Name)´s-Account. Thanks and have a good Time X&Y

[Mark437]

I don't have Instant Book activated so I know who is coming to my house beforehand.  This is a house sleeping up to 12 so I want to know something about the group before arriving. A potential guest requested a booking for his group but there is no information on the person other than first name/email/phone nr. [visible once booking accepted only].  This guest is a member sinc 2016 but has zero reviews! This makes me uneasy. Can I ask them to get verified first [ID upload]? Is there anything else I can do get comfortable with this potential guest? Thanks!

[Sarah977]

@Mark437  Yes, you can ask the guest for verified ID, but I think it's supposed to state that in your ad if you don't use IB. But ask anyway and maybe he'll easily comply.

I've had a few guests who had scanty info and had been Airbnb members for years with no reviews. The way I get comfortable with potential guests is to message with them- I find I can tell a lot about someone from how they communicate. (I also don't use IB) There were valid reasons they had no reviews- one said she'd joined but never actually booked- just "armchair traveled". The other two said they'd stayed a couple places but the hosts hadn't left any review. In all cases they turned out to be not just okay, but wonderful guests.

 But I only host 1 guest at a time in a single room. With a place that accomodates 12, I'd be cautious-just ask some questions and see how you feel with the responses.

I worded it "So I'm just curious- I see you joined Airbnb back in 2016, but you don't have any reviews- did you never end up booking before this, or is there some other reason?"

[Mark437]

Thank you Sarah for your helpful comments. I will certainly engage with the guest and see how I get on.