Hi Monica,
I'm new to Airbnb just in the last 2 months, but have quickly learned about the types of people that ask for discounts. As some have suggested, it's a cultural thing (my very first two bookings were both Indian couples one of whom asked for a deal). I've had families request discounts (but they don't bother to read my rule that I don't allow children), and military too (only once, but it was also a family who pushed, pushed, pushed). I had a ridiculously long message from someone telling me all their past woes about bad health, and job/family problems (obviously hoping I would feel sorry for them) but also wanting me to allow their adult daughter to come "free" because she had been in a car accident and was willing to sleep on my couch (I told them NO ONE sleeps on my couch!). I began to get disenchanted with Abnb... wondering if it was going to be like this all the time?
I dropped my rates in the very beginning to those who ASKED for a deal, in order to build business -- but only because I didn't start out with low prices to begin with, as Airbnb suggests, because I really need the money. But turned out that the people who I did give a break to, were not the best guests, as they seemed to try to game me for every extra little thing. So, by the 4th time I was asked for a discount, I started responding with what my hotel competition was charging, and how I had such better value. Suddenly those people just went ahead and booked. Only one guy (just this past week) hesitated and said he'd think about it, but then the next day he came back and booked full price. (Clearly he had done his research and confirmed what I told him.) He arrives tomorrow.. so we'll see what kind of guest he is.
Some people I just go ahead and pre-approve for full price. I have never declined anyone, they just seem to weed themselves out. The military family who pushed so hard to allow me to let them bring their kids AND drop my price just backed off. The "pity us" family didn't book either (because I wouldn't allow 3 people in the room, or the daughter on the couch). I had a guy who I went round and round with, trying to work with his schedule and requested budget, finally coming to an agreement. The next day he said he was just going to bunk with his family instead -- what a waste of my time trying to work with him. Live and learn.
Now, the moment people even hint that my price is high, or higher than Airbnb first listed it as (due to weekend rates kicking in) -- I immediately go into my speil about how great value I offer, that the competition is higher or sold out, and suddenly these people are all lining up to book me. Maybe it's my confidence? I admit I charge a high price (probably one of if not THE highest Airbnbs in my town), but I am in a resort/vacation area, so no one is booking for any other reason than to go on holiday. Plus, I seem to get just last minute bookings, so I believe that justifies a higher price, too. I offer quality, and say so. "Lesser prices get you a lesser experience, is that what you want?" I ask them. "It's YOUR vacation, you decide -- you need to determine if you want a great vacation, or a not-so-great vacation." And the bookings roll in... 😉
