declining listings

[Tammy171]

I am new to AirBnB and all of my requests to book to date have been with requests outside of the listing parameters, mostly people want to pay less, they want to bring double the number of people, or they want to stay less nights than the minimum.  I am afraid i am going to get dinged if i have to keep declining.  If the guest sends in a booking with a request to pay less money or to skirt the minimum night requirement, can i accept the booking and then force them to cancel when they realize they have to pay the full amount?  Would that be a better process for me as a host then declining them?

Thanks,

Tammy

[Sarah977]

@Tammy171 If it's an inquiry, just reply to the guest stating why what they are looking for is not offered at your listing, and wish them luck finding a suitable accommodation. You don't need to pre-approve or decline an inquiry- just answer the message well withi the 24 hour window.

If it's a booking request, do the same, but those you do have to approve or decline within 24 hours, or you'll be penalized by Airbnb. If the guest still tries to book after you've informed them why it's not suitable, contact Airbnb to cancel the booking for you without penalties.

"Hi XXX- it appears that you didn't actually read my listing information before putting in your request. If you do, you will see that I have a 3 day minimum stay (2 guest limit, whatever the case may be). I'm sorry, but I don't make exceptions. Thank you for your interest and wish you luck on finding a place that meets your needs."

"Hi XXX- my listing price is quite reasonable for what I offer, therefore I don't offer discounts. Thank you for your Inquiry."

[Cathie19]

Hi @Tammy171. 

I agree with @Sarah977. “What she said!”

Breaking your rules is not the way to go, as the guest will consider your word and rules flexible, and will break more rules, and you lose ground, and authority. Even if you discount, they will probably use everything and mark you down on “value”.

Ensure all messages go through the Airbnb site at all times. Screenshot text messages and send them back through the message board if you have to, or recount a conversation. (If a guest books, but is slow to cancel)

[Sarah977]

@Tammy171   I just had a look at your listing. Beautiful place. Can a offer a couple of suggestions since you're a new host? It's not advisable to post a photo of the front of your place making it easily recognizable. It's a security issue- people can drive around the area, find the house, maybe go up and knock on the door, disturbing guests who are there (some people will do this, hoping that the host is here, that they can make a private deal, circumventing Airbnb fees), as well, thieves can scout for Airbnb homes that may be empty at some times, or full of guest's things, money, etc.

Also you might look at working on your listing description a bit, trying to put a more personal touch into it. At present, it reads like a real-estate ad or resort ad. This can lead guests to have the impression that they are not being watched, that they can throw a giant party with a cast of hundreds, and no one will know. And your place, a big self-contained listing that sleeps up to 10, is a prime target for this kind of behavior, altho the listing price will eliminate a lot of the rabble.

[Tammy171]

Thanks Sarah!  I will make those changes.  I am very new to this.

[Michelle1661]

Hi, 

I’m also new and have a big house. Therefore we have a lot of inquiries for larger groups. I’m more ok with larger families as I want quieter guests than for large unrelated people as I do not want parties. Any suggestions on how to decline a booking when I know it’s the latter?