guest verification - how important is it?

[Julie1525]

Hi everyone

I am a brand new host and just listed my house a couple of days a go. I got my first request yesterday, but the potential guest didn't meet my verification requirement of having a government issued ID. I felt, when I set this up, that it would be important to have verification, especially since we live in the country without close neighbors or services. When I saw that he failed verification, I was disappointed not to have a guest coming. I didn't see anywhere that he could get verified and then book.

So my question is, which method of verification would yield the most reservations? Would that be requiring that my guests be verified as Airbnb users and have good reviews as guests? I want to be safe, but I want to have guests, too!

[Rachel177]

@Julie1525 I have always had the requirements for verified guest ID. It did not impact my bookings when I was starting out as a host, and it's a wonderful red flag if guests refuse to complete the verification process. And there are some horror stories out there about new hosts being taken for a ride by dodgy guests, so hold firm on the ID.

And you can message your potential guest and say that you will accept the booking once the ID is done. 

[Ana1136]

@Julie1525 you don't want guests by any price trust me. They need to have at least verified ID if not reviews. Always be careful, your top priority is your safety! 

[Julie1525]

Ana and Rachel, thank you. Rachel, I didn't see anywhere that I could message the guest. I received 2 emails: one saying he wanted to stay. Then 3 minutes later I got a notification from Airbnb saying he no longer needed the reservation. So I'm wondering now if he backed out after failing verification and if that's why I can't message him.

[Linda108]

@Julie1525   Guests change their minds all the time.  Now that they can cancel a reservation within 48 hours with no penalty, guest might make a reservation and keep on looking for a better or more suitable deal.  Not sure the change is related to your Gov ID.  

[Rosemary18]

In addition to ID verification I'm strict about wanting a profile picture. I live on the property and I want a face to recognize when I answer the door. Two toddlers holding hands walking on the beach are adorable but will not do.

[Rosemary18]

I recently learned something about reviews. If you have a potential guest that has been an Airbnb member for about 5 years yet only has 2 reviews BEWARE ! Remember a review has to be completed by both the host and guest for it to become public. These particular guests were trouble from the start and left the place a mess. They've never left me a review and my review of them is not public. 

[Julie1525]

In doing further research, I came to the conclusion that this couple hadn't registered their ID or submitted a photo, so they didn't pass my verification standard. I contacted them and asked that they get those things done. In a few short hours, they had their ID in place along with a photo, and they were able to reserve my  place.