Acceptance rate affected by guest error

[Molly221]

1. I often get requests from guests that are far outside the booking period.  Generally, these are for weddings.  The prospective guest often chooses a random set of dates to start the conversation.  The dates they really want don't match the dates entered in Airbnb's reservation system   I respond and tell them I can't accommodate or cannot plan that far into the future.  As a result,  I must decline the reservation.  This is erroneously affecting my Acceptance Rate.  What can I do a about this? I ask the guests to decline or cancel, but they either can't or don't have a clue.

[Susan151]

@Molly221 Are you sure that these are requests and not inquiries? If these are requests, I would simply accept, include a message that the alternate dates are not available, and that AirBNB will give them a complete refund [up to three times a year] if they cancel within 48 hours.

[Molly221]

They are inquiries.  I have the ability to pre-approve or decline.  I ask the guest to decline, but they either can't or don't know how.  I contacted Airbnb and they were not much help.  

[Susan151]

@Molly221 No reason to accept or decline inquiries. It looks like you have to, but really, you don't. The metrics o'AirBNB make using that decline button a no-win situation. Just send a message that the dates are not available, and leave it at that.

[Emilia42]

@Molly221 

If these are in fact requests to book, then I would tell that guest that you will accept their reservation for the selected dates. Their card will be charged but they can cancel within 48 hour if they do not wish to keep the reservation or they can withdraw their request.

If it is an inquiry. I would respond letting the guest know that you are not taking bookings that far into the future and then I would archive the message (you do not need to pre approve or decline an inquiry .. just respond.) 

[Molly221]

I thought I had to pre-approve or decline.  So, by doing neither I am not effecting my listing?

[Emilia42]

@Molly221 

With an inquiry your written text counts as a response. This will stop the ticking clock and you do not need to pre-approve or decline. (A request to book is different and requires a accept or decline)

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Airbnb-Updates/Understanding-Response-Rate-and-Acceptance-Rate/t... 

[Lisa723]

@Molly221 just accept. With a note that you are doing so because Airbnb punishes hosts who decline, and the guest should either not book (inquiry) or cancel (booking request) if they don't actually want the dates they selected.

[Molly221]

Thanks for the advice.  I could do that.  I guess if they want their money they will cancel the reservation on their own.