How much to charge for cigarette burn in patio sofa cushion?

[Deirdre2]

After guests departed today, I found a cigarette burn on one the patio sofa cushions.    I contacted the guest about it and although she doesn't know which guest might have done it, seems willing to take responsibility.

However, I have no idea what a fair settlement would be.

The sofa is part of complete outdoor furniture set that retails for about $2500.  However, I bought it slightly used but in excellent condition, at an estate auction last summer for $450.  Recovering all of the cushions in the set would cost more than I paid for the set.  But, I don't know any way to repair the burn.

I can also just flip the cusion over and not look at the burn (until something eventually happens to that side of the cushion).

I routinely absorb small damage (stained towels, broken wine glasses), but the cigarette burn bothers me.

Any suggestions or advice?

[Robin4]

@Deirdre2   Hi Deirdre. the frustration of hosting. One of the problems with hosting is there will be 'wear and tear' on things you supply, and the problem you are experiencing is hard because you can't put a 'quantative' value on the damage done to your suite in this instance. It's not like a TV that has a set replacement cost. The experience of many hosts who post similar problems on the CC is that, a guest may intitially be open to some form of compensation out of guilt, but what they would be prepared to offer and what you need to claim to be made 'whole' again can often be polls apart. But as the amount of time increases since their visit their attitude tends to become less conciliatory and compensation becomes harder to obtain.

I have not looked at your listings but do you set a damage waiver which would cover minor damage to your property? If not then you may find it hard to get meaningful compensation through Airbnb.

Hosting is hard Deirdre, and you do have to 'bulletproof' yourself from these sort of issues. Accidents do happen but there are way you can minimise the risk!

If it was me, rather than waive a big stick I would say....ok, its done! I would learn from this experience, commission a nice set of removable cushion covers, tell the guests that this is the most economical way to affect a repair, it's a real pity that it happened and ask her to meet you half way with the cost. Any reasonable guest would consider that a generous offer! She may be prepared to accept that, and if that transpires you will have a nice new set of cushion covers of your choice for a good price, and then set a strict no smoking policy whilst on the property on your listing description to prevent the same thing from happening again. And if something does get spilt on them in future they will be removeable for cleaning.......It could be a win, win situation and still leave you in reasonable standing with the guest.

Just remember Deirdre enforcing an accidental issue tends to lead to bad blood! you are a good host, you have many complimentary reviews, accept that this will every now and then be the price you will pay to be in this business, and try and get out of this situation as equitably as possible and yet still be seen by everyone as that lovely person you no doubt are......cheers......Rob