Guest took advantage

[Ivana5]

Hi,
my name is Ivana, I am from Croatia. My problem is following. I am a host for apartments which are not mine. Formerly I had an option of instant booking, and the default price was 77 euros. Guest made a reservation in November 2015 for the august 2016. At the time I still didn't adjust the rates for the next season (our season lasts from may until October) I explained him that I will lose 300 euros in this way, and asked him to pay at least 200 euros more, when he arrives to the apartment, but he didn't want. Other guests pay in this time od season 110 euros. In this way I will lose 300 euros... I found the option of cancellation from the host side. i found out that I will also have some penalties. But in this way I will lose only 50 Euros. what do you suggest me?
Did somebody already have same problem? How did you resolve it?
Thank you in advance

[Clare0]

@Ivana5 This type of mistake is unfortunately all to common and really infuriates guests.  Your only option is to keep the reservation at the price you had on your calendar or cancel it with all the attendant penalties including an automated review which says you cancelled a reservation.  That review will be there for all prospective guests to see which may cause you lost income.  Also, keep in mind that the dates for the cancelled reservation will remain blocked by Airbnb so you won't be able to rebook them. 

If you are going to allow people to book far off in the future, you must be on top of your pricing for those dates! Asking guests to pay additional money at the time of arrival is against Airbnb's terms of service.  If the guest tells Airbnb about this, they could remove your listing. 

Bottom line: Take this as a very expensive lesson learned and keep your pricing up to date!!

[Ivana5]

Hi Clare,

thank you very much for your advice. Yes, you are right.... Very expensive lesson.
I am sorry to reply late, but I was very busy. We had some home renovations...

Best regards,

Ivana