Incorrect pricing in inquiry

[Dina5]

I just got an inquiry that was incorrectly priced- it didn't reflect special pricing for part of the requested visit. I declined, but how do I prevent this from happening again? 

[Clare0]

@Dina5 Was it an inquiry or booking request? It's very important to know the difference. 

For the sake of discussion, I'll assume you are referring to a booking request since you said you declined it  Can you clarify what you mean by special pricing ?  Are you referring to an extra person charge, cleaning fee? That would be helpful to see what happened. Thanks.

[Dina5]

Thanks, Clare!

It was called an inquiry- but AirBnb had done the math- so it wasn't just a guest asking a question. 

The special pricing was set for 4 nights (during Lollapalooza), part of her 7 night stay- and that increased rate wasn't included in the calculations. 

Thanks again,

Dina

[Clare0]

@Dina5 So when is Lollapalooza?  Did you send this guest a special offer?  What does your calendar say your price is during that time?

[Dina5]

@Clare1

Lolla is July 28th- Aug 1. Her request was for July 27- Aug 3. My calendar says $190 for those 4 nights. 

I didn't send her a special offer- I told her I could, and what the rate would be, but she didn't reply. About 6 hours later I declined her request. 

[Clare0]

@Dina5 I just looked at your calendar and pricing.  Your calendar says the nightly price is $155 for all dates between 7/27 to 8/3.   Looks like your calendar doesn't have the increased prices for this event.  You'll need to double check.  Are you using an app to make changes?  I use Google Chrome exclusively for making changes to my listing and for communicating with guests....Airbnb's site works best there.  

[Dina5]

OMG, Clare, thanks so much! I had incorrectly changed the date for the prior week- (yes, I use AirBnb's site) and have corrected it.

Thanks very, VERY much!

[Clare0]

@Dina5 Ha! Ha! Actually that's very easy to do.  That said, be very careful to keep your prices set correctly as I read in the new Terms of Service which we all will need to agree to that asking guests to pay more than what is advertised will be a violation of the TOS.  :((

Here is the exact wording: 

"Other Members will be able to book your Accommodation via the Site, Application and Services based upon the information provided in your Listing, your Guest requirements, and Guests' search parameters and preferences. You understand and agree that once a Guest requests a booking of your Accommodation, you may not request the Guest to pay a higher price than in the booking request."

Glad we got that problem solved!

[Dina5]

Yes, thanks again!

But I can add on a pet fee still, correct?

[Clare0]

@Dina5 Sure!  So long as you and the guest are in agreement to any ancilliary fees, that's fine.  My guess is  that Airbnb put this in their terms because so many guests have complained that what is advertised is not what the host wants to charge.  This mainly happens when hosts have their calendars open for an entire year and don't figure out their pricing for special events and holidays in the far off months. 

From the guest's point of view it's a bait and switch and rightly so. 

Anyway, you're good to go now!

[Dina5]

Awesome, thanks! I really appreciate your help, Clare!

[Robert117]

I too have had a number of incorrect price inquiries. I have tried to write AirBnB to ask them to call me to discuss, but they're hard to contact...

Here is my listing:  https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2565129.   I'm a super host. My usual price is $180 per night, but in the winter months in NYC, I have discounted it in January and February. However, I have received two inquiries within the last 24 hours that were even less than my discount.

I only use Chrome to make changes. I do NOT use price tips. I price everything myself.

An example: an inquiry for 10 days in February came in at $133 / night. The listed price on the calendar (double and triple checked by me) is $140 per night.  This does not seem to include the AirBnB fee - it's just a mistaken price. Anyone else having this problem?

[Tom112]

hi i set all my pricing for the year and its now all changed and i did nothing all pricing has lowered in price again ?????? what do i do as it keeps happening ?

its becoming a nightmare for guests booking as i have to try and send new price to book ???? im i doing something wrong when setting my prices for the year ? can anyone help 

[Ilona5]

Today I had to requests for booking for the whole month in August, and people asked for approval. When I looked it was not showing correct amount, both I had to decline. My rate would be about $2413 w/cleanning fees and her inquairy was showing total $535 a month including all fees! How come? Second person had similar situation, sending messages with one back and for Michelle, and she letting me know that is what she can see on her computer and mobile. I see my rates correctyl on my end.

[Clare0]

@Ilona5  Yep, there's something really screwy with your pricing.  I just did a price check on your listing for the entire month of August and it told me that your monthly price was $151.  Really? Maybe there's a zero missing.  Go to your pricing settings and double check what you've entered.  If all is correct, contact Airbnb so they can also look into your account (which I cannot do) to see what might be wrong. 

Until you get this sorted out I would deactivate Instant Book, if you can, or Snooze your listing so you don't get reservation requests or inquiries. Here's how: 

https://community.airbnb.com/t5/Hosts/Snooze-Your-Listing-A-Community-Help-Guide/m-p/9562/highlight/...

Let me know what the problem turned out to be so I'll be bit wiser!

Thanks!