Has any host has ever had an enquiry that made them feel like this person was stupid?

Has any host has ever had an enquiry that made them feel like this person was stupid?

Was wondering if there were hosts out there that received an enquiry and it came out as a list of questions which I don't mind if it helped clarified their questions but the one I received was.......well made me feel like he was stupid. I want to say sorry that was a bit mean, but I can't help it. I really think it is so stupid.

 

So I answered his question all of them and answered as well stating , "if you read my description throughly it would have answered your questions ...",  his response was thanking me for answering SOME of this questions. I answered to all them.

 

Again , my head started doing a little monologue to myself, stupid!!

 

One of his questions was do I speak english? (I live in an english speaking country and all my description are in english and so are my feedbacks, I failed to see how two and two wasn't worked out)

 

Does the place have a view of this place...?? (my place is not in the vincinty of that place and there is no pictures to provide evidence that it did, I fail to see how he would assume my place would when there is no indication there is such a view)

 

Is anyone staying in the apartment? (face palm, when a guest asks a question that already is very clear)

 

Is there any supermarket nearby? (again rolling my eyes, PLEASE READ THE LISTING with all the god **bleep** information on it)

 

How far is the nearest vegetarian restaurant? ( I don't know, sometimes you got to find out things for yourself)

 

Maybe I'm too harsh, but the last time I had an instinct how stupid the guest was (trust me he was, he manage to knock on the wrong door after buzzing on the right number, and failed to check out on time even with instructions) he caused me so much problems by moving everything in the house and my instincts is telling me , this one is a trouble maker if he is already so fussy about asking stupid questions. 

 

Want a place with a view, find a place that shows that and dont' be stingy with the money you got to pay. If you want to be a cheap skate and give me hassle ,please do not apply.

 

 

 

106 Replies 106
Gillian19
Level 10
St Leonards, Australia

If nothing else you have lightened my afternoon! I think you have answered the question yourself. you don't want this person as a guest as they won't get any smarter when they arrive. This will just result in more and more frustration and not a good review as they simply will have no idea what they have paid for. 

@Gillian19

 

Yes that's true, exactly what I have done.

 

I did not rush to preapprove, and usually even if they are newbie like he was , I wouldn't mind preapproving providing the guest gave me a non worrying feeling.

 

I just had to blink a few time, re-read the messages and ask myself , seriously??!!! 

 

I think the shock of it is still taking time to digest as I have had only one stupid person to deal with and he claimed to be a doctor, but I also had to deal with two guys who did not speak a word of english and manage to do more right than the guy who was a doctor. So, it just shows, interaction is so important in Airbnb and I use to more of a screener.

 

So far ,it has been good.

 

I guees I just have to swallow my wtf face when I am faced in this situation, but sometimes I just can't because it's too painful to bear. 

Illiteracy is more prevalent in the United States and around the world than you may realize.

If I were speaking with a guest who asked such questions I wouldn't assume that they are stupid.

I would consider that they may have difficulty reading English. They may be illiterate, or have dyslexia or use English as an acquired language and not be fluent enough in the English language. Give guests the benefit of the doubt and be more patient.

@Jim-and-Marcia0

 

The guest in question did not have illiteracy. 

 

He wrote to me in english with enough fluency that enabled me to deduct his english was well enough to be able to read english, he also was able to ask a list of questions focusing on certain things and was able to respond to my messages after I wrote back replying to all he asked.

 

I would give him more doubt if he hadn't asked me if I spoke english, perhaps if I had written my listing in chinese or japanese then it would make sense but I didn't.

 

PS

On a irrelevant note, my brother has dyslexia, and that involves reading certain letters backwards. There was no indication that he had that.

 

 

 

Good to know your dialogue with the potential guest clarified for you that they understood the English language and that they had no problem with literacy. To answer your topic question.... No, I have never received an inquiry from a guest that made me feel like the person was stupid. I think every question a potential guest or current guest asks has some merit, worthy of consideration. Every question and comment a guest makes reveals more information that helps me decide what I will do.

Lilian20
Level 10
Argelès-sur-Mer, France

Send all guests to us. We accept everybody, even with plenty of questions, even with bad reviews because I've got to buy a lot presents for christmas. Thanks

😄

@Lilian20

 

AHhahaha don't regret what you wish for.

 

After a few nightmare ones , I know better now, and most times it isn't worth the money you get paid especially when they do $7000 worth of damages and you got to clean it up.

 

 

After cancelling a booking I got this on my account:

"You’re at risk
Your account could be SUSPENDED if you don’t focus on improving to meet Airbnb hosting standards"
 
We have 100% AND 5 ***** on all scores except cancelling one booking in 7 years.
Mal

@Mal2

 

I suggest you really fight this one if you have good standing.

 

I once had to call up Airbnb for a guest's cancellation that left me with a similair situation, lady on the phone had the balls to yell back but in the end she gave me back my ratings.

 

Airbnb's policy is flawed and not consistant, the best thing you can do is back your arguement and explain why you do not deserve the notice. Only you can stand up for yourself.

Linda15
Level 3
Santa Cruz, Nicaragua

Totally agree that airbnb has recently demonstrated major flaws in their systems  ! 

I noticed 3 newly listed properties with "Superhost" status and NO reviews for any of the listings.

I wrote airbnb ....the Airbnb customer specialist did not understand my concern and their lack of due diligence!

When I mentioned that I had been a super host but mistakenly accepted a reservation and within the same minute had to cancel due to a previous commitment - it happens. Within minutes I had reserved the same guest in my neighbor's lovely place also listed on airbnb with my assistance. Airbnb lost nothing on these transactions BUT according to them the system won't allow me to be a superhost until my yearly review. 

 

 

Well, was sorted but now again getting those terrible messages.

David126
Level 10
Como, CO

I have a few weird ones.

 

Last one I remember was from someone coming to the Mountains for a conference, but the place he was going to was no near me and wanted to know how far away I was, well about the same driving time as him driving direct.

 

Can they not use a map?

David

I recently got a 4 star review on location and private feedback saying the place was a bit far. I guess they didn't look in the map before they decided to come to my chalet. Completely unfair when they did not inform themselves before traveling. So yes to your question people don't look at maps any more!