Declining requests

[Tom2952]

We are nervous to rent to people who have had an airbnb account for several years and who do not have any reviews.  What is the best way to decline these requests?

[Gillian166]

20% of my guests fit this description. So long as they send me a message and I get the feeling they are ok, I take the booking. 

[Patti-And-Marty0]

You can always ask the guest to explain, nicely “ gee I noticed you’ve been on Airbnb for awhile but it looks like you’ve never used it? Then they either say “ no I haven’t “ or “yes I have”. If they have used Airbnb and have no reviews it could mean that their hosts did not review them rather than leave a bad review.  A reason to be more cautious. If they really are a new user that’s never been a problem for me.   They might need a little more guidance on expectations, like  please read and agree to the house rules, etc.

[Lorna170]

@Patti-And-Marty0   I would not automatically decline these guests.  Read the guest/inquirer emails carefully.  If the guest writes "See you Thursday", start a conversation like, "What are you interested in doing while at (house/town) so that I can give you some places to see or restaurant tips?"   If between seasons you can ask "Do you want extra blankets and how many".  You could ask if all of the adults have reviewed the bedrooms available (if more than 1 or 2 couples are coming) and point out that your living room does not have a sleeper sofa or extra linens provided.  Anything to get a conversation going that will let you know more about the guest.  Always ask if they have read the house rules, and ALWAYS reiterate the dates of their intended booking and how many guests.  If they don't respond, then decline.

I LOVE the guests that tell me that they are coming for X and looking forward to seeing Y and they have a question or two and their dog is going to love the woods.  It does not matter that they have no reviews as long as they COMMUNICATE.