uncomfortable with guests behaviour

[Mary64]

Hi I have instant book on and a guest booked a very popular date when I told him that the price would be higher. He was very angry and is now offering me cash. I feel uncomfortable with his tone and this situation. what should I do?? please help.

Mary

[Donna15]

@Mary64, do not accept cash, as neither you nor the guest would be protected under AirBnB's terms of service. 

Unfortunately the situation arose because the pricing was not up to date on the calendar. A host cannot change the price once a guest has booked, unless the guest agrees. In which case you would need to change the price on the reservation. A message would be sent to the guest, and he would either accept or decline. 

I understand the guest being angry. If you don't feel comfortable with him, however, you could either cancel the booking yourself (and face penalties, including the date being blocked so no one else can book), or you could ask the guest to cancel, and you would offer to reimburse the service fee that he paid to AirBnB.

A third option might be to apologise to the guest for the inconvenience, indicate that the booking can go ahead as is, and view the whole episode as a learning experience. 🙂

At the top of the General Hosting section is a stickied thread with a comprehensive set of links covering all kinds of AirBnB-related information with which hosts are urged to become familiar. 

[Marcus0]

Hi @Mary64 i assme you mean he is offering you the cash difference you requested.

With instant book you really need to have your calendar and pricing in order.  Personally i do not use it as i feel there is less control.

If you have made the mistake then i believe it would be better for you to accept the lower price he booked on.  If you persist if taking more it may reflect in his review after the stay.  Up to you.

[Clare0]

@Mary64 Airbnb is cracking down on hosts who don't keep their pricing updated.  Guests complain bitterly when hosts increase their price after a reservation request has been made either through a request or through Instant Book.  They feel that it's a bait and switch, which is true. 

Under the new Terms of Service, it will be a violation to ask for a higher price than the one set in your calendar. So be sure you have set the correct prices especially if your calendar is open to reservations far out in the future.   🙂