Listing Titles

[James1366]

I read policy on creating listing Titles, then I noticed fellow member's listing, NO HIDDEN FEES.  This is a violation of your policy whereas no host should disparage another.  At first I flagged her listing, but after no response, I contacted customer service an complained.  Much to my dismay, nothing happened.  After several weeks of seeing her listing always right next to mine, I contacted the host Manuela and explained that it was unfair to insinuate that other hosts are doing anything deceptive and underhanded by charging fees.   I explained that NO ONE on airbnb charges hidden fees, as customers can simply click on question mark for breakdown of costs.  She was trying to make me look bad even though I was doing nothing wrong.  I told her if she had stated NO CLEANING FEES, or NO XTRA PERSON FEE (yes, it was in caps), that might be logical--even though it might make guests wonder about her cleanliness by NOT charging the fee, but she persists stating that this is her marketing strategy.  Ironically, she rarely gets booked.  But anyway, I was suspended for going through improper channels to contact a fellow host!  After I agreed not to contact her again, my listing was reactivated.   So what is your position about this?  How do you get airbnb support team to take corrective action against a competitor breaking the rules and hurting the entire airbnb community?  I was very disappointed in their lack of concern and action to fix a readily solvable problem?  Perhaps someone could suggest  a more  positive  way to advertise her place without harming others.

[James1366]

are u able to copy and paste them so we can all see them?  Rules for Titles--i would really appreciate it, and I will highlight the applicable rule.  Thank you for your interest

[Lisa723]

@James1366 I don't understand. You should be able to copy and paste as well as I can. I don't see any section on "Rules for Titles" in Airbnb's TOS:  https://www.airbnb.com/terms

[James1366]

Listing and Profile Pages

"No fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive details"

When host writes, NO HIDDEN FEES, that is misleading and deceptive because ALL Airbnb hosts have fees which are never hidden, and clearly displayed.  These include commissions, taxes, and possibly cleaning and extra person fees.  Host is misleading guests to believe that other hosts are deceiving them when she is doing nothing different than everyone else.   It implies that I am HIDING something --which is considered a bad thing.   If she insists upon this strategy, which is not effective to begin with, she could say, NO CLEANING FEE, or NO EXTRA PERSON FEE, but to imply that her fellow community members are not to be trusted is not ethical and against the rules as stated.

[Lisa723]

@James1366 IMHO that's way beyond a stretch. If nobody has hidden fees, then it can't be false to say that one has none. I think you're going to have a hard time finding anyone who sees this as implying anything at all about you or your listing. My suggestion: leave this other host alone and focus on your own listing.

[James1366]

In US, there is base price, then a smaller question mark u click--it then shows ALL fees and taxes for nightly bottom line price.  I agree with you that it should be that way for you, too.  Maybe w. all improvements lately they will do that.  I also noticed that Your Rentals discouargaes cleaning fees as rude,  but its traditional in this market and is a sign of SUPERIOR cleanliness, generally.  And I DO pay a professional maid!

[Ben551]

@James1366 I think you need to stand back and look at this from a business perspective, focusing on your own listing, otherwise you will go mad worrying about other host marketing strategies. This won’t be the last time you see a competitive marketing strategy that gets on your nerves.

First, ask yourself whether you think this other host is your key competition. Is her listing similar to yours in terms of the space and amenities? Is her listing significantly higher than you in search results for your approaching free dates? Is her place booked more regularly? Are her reviews as good or better than yours? 

If the answer to these basic things is not “yes, yes, yes...yes!” then don’t spend your precious brain power on it. Unless she is a key competitor, fighting her marketing strategies is not a battle you need to have.

Also remember, marketing strategies are not a substitute for outstanding hospitality.

[James1366]

legitamate question, but her listing always posts right next to mine!  And youre right, I have adapted.  I create another listing for 40 dollars, add 10 fee, stgill gross more than her and get better reviews.  I just dont feel like she exemplifies a neighborly community ideal when you have to criticize others for doing nothing wrong and violate the rules.  Not a very friendly approach when she could be more effective building HER place UP instead

[Gordon0]

@James1366 - If I found a neighbour and fellow host had snitched on me for the title I'd chosen, I'd be pretty miffed.

My blurb includes: 'You've seen the rest now pick the best. No added cleaning fee'.

Is it the best? No, because a place at 5x the price I charge is probably going to be better.  

Have my Airbnb neighbours (four doors away) taken offence? No.

Don't let this eat you, James. Your hospitality and comfort should do the talking, and it will.   

[James1366]

I agree.  If she stated, NO CLEANING FEE would be ok.  No HIDDEN FEES deceptive

[Susan17]

@James1366

You're barking up the wrong tree. You need to take your grievance up with Airbnb, not hassle your fellow host and try to cause trouble for her. Airbnb choosing to continue misleading US consumers, by failing to display total pricing (including hidden fees, such as cleaning fees and extra person charges), in a clear and transparent manner, is not  your neighbour's deception. It's Airbnb's.

Thankfully, under the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, the company has already been forced by the EU Commission and European Consumer Protection Authorities to make the relevant changes to the way pricing is displayed on its website, for all users who transact through Airbnb Ireland (most of the world, apart from US, China and India). For whatever reason though, rather than roll the improvements out sitewide, they appear to have decided to keep right on misleading US consumers with their shady business practices. 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/07/16/eu-orders-airbnb-put-end-hidden-fees/

[James1366]

Im caught in middle.  Maybe compromise is the suggested additional 15 percent service charge which includes commissions, fees, taxes?  Big banks and airlines started additional fees, and they all suggest that they are needed and NOT hidden when you click on the link--but I see your point

[James1366]

I did, by the way, follow procedures for reporting other host--Flagged, then emailed customer service who claimed the couldnt even find the offender.  Customer service slow , confused about policies, and passed the buck to higher level groups that did nothing but ask how satisfied I was.  After several weeks of losing bookings and being slandered by her, only then did I reach out as fellow Mobilian and airbnb host--but she wouldnt change as I would have certainly done for her.  The neighborly thing!

[Sarah977]

Quite honestly, @James1366 I would say that you're the one who isn't being neighborly. You flagged another host's account because you're upset about the wording in her listing and think this is giving her an unfair advantage over you? I'd call this adolescent tattletaling.