Can a potential guest pay a deposit on your room?

[Michaela8]

I have had a lady stay with me for one night....she would like to stay again (27-29Dec) but she is currently on hols now and wanted to put a deposit on these dates until she gets back from hols in a couple of weeks...I didn't think Airbnb would take a deposit?  Am I being a horrible host if I don't just block the dates for her and wait 2 weeks?  I'm nervous she'll not book and maybe I will loose other potential guests?

Would love to hear from others...Many thanks 🙂

Michaela

[Andrea9]

@Michaela8

No, that's not possible. Airbnb works like booking an airline ticket online where the full amount is paid upfront.

Only long term bookings of several months work with part payments, but have other different rules too.

[Michaela8]

I thought so, thanks for your help!!

[Andrea9]

@Michaela8

In my first message I reacted mainly to your question in the title and only after posting saw what you actually asked.

It's not horrible if you don't block the days for her, unless you know her really well. But as you say, it's a risk.

I've done this blocking thing around 2x in the first 2 yrs of hosting. Each time only a few days and after a nice conversation with the potential guest and REALLY wanting the room. But wouldn't you know it - didn't pan out in either case.

You could of course have them book part of the planned stay which they have to pay. That to make sure they are committed, while blocking off the other days for them. And once they have the money or are back from hols (holidays?) they book the rest.

[Marit-Anne0]

@Michaela8

You could make them book the first night and block the second until they are ready.  That is as far as I would stretch it.