cancellations

[Devlin1]

I am new to hosting on Airbnb and have a booking request that is about to expire.  I am using the instabook but I think this guest in new to Airbnb and has only provided a phone number.  I received the request yesterday with just a comment of "can't wait to see your area" and no other inforamtion.  there are no reviews for this guest and I can only see his first name.  I reached out to him again this morning requesting more info about him and his party and still no response.  If I accept it to get more information and then cancel, does it count against me as I am an instabooker??

[Ana1136 · Accepted solution]

@Devlin1 I would accept it, try to contact him again, and if he didn't respond I would contact Airbnb and have them cancel the reservation. He is obviously new and doesn't know how Airbnb works. So you could explain to him and let him know what parts of his profile he needs to fill, tell him what to expect from the place because I highly doubt he read anything and ask him whatever information you feel you need to know. 

[Tamara398]

Hi, it looks like, based on your "level" you've been hosting awhile. Do YOU have a contact number for Airbnb?  I can't contact them and they accepted a reservation on my behalf and I'm already booked.  Thanks

[Tamara398]

Hi, I am new to Hosting.  I tried to block out August, as I am already booked.  Airnb accepted a reservation on my behalf, I had selected that a guest must contact ME first before booking.  I feel there was a glitch in their system. I'm NOW being charged a $50 dollar cancellation fee.  What???  Does anyone have a direct phone number for them?  I've searched the internet.  So far, I've only been up for a few weeks, and am already very unhappy as a host.  I also just read a ton of horror stories.  Both from hosts and guest.  If anyone has been using this service as a HOST for awhile, please advise.  Thanks!!  

[Bruce-And-Patty0]

@Tamara398  You can contact Airbnb at 1-855-424-7262 or 1-415-800-5959.  The contact numbers are buried deep within the Help link.  I have only been a host since the beginning of June 2019, and so far I have had good luck both with guests and with Airbnb customer service.  Good luck!

[Tamara398]

Hi Bruce and Patty1, thank yo so much for your feedback.  I was finally able to find a number.  We discovered a glitch in their system.  It wouldn't allow me to set up my listing for direct contact with potential guests.  I'm not comfortable with them just booking people bf I communicate with them. We have a historical home and Equine Stables and a farm with animals.  Anyhow, I'm knew to all of this and feel more comfortable doing my own booking.  But, thanks so much for your help!!  Tamara