Payments and notifications dilemmas

[Fatima18]

'Hi there - I'm a relative new host - only been hosting for a month but i have had a few problems and wondering if anyone can help. First I've recently had a problem where a guest requested a booking but i didn't get the notification from the site. And found out when she double booked so she could query her first query. Anyone else had this problem? Secondly how do you go about with guests who have debit cards or want to do eft or cash payments. I don't want to exclude the site and not give them their 3% but neither do i want to lose the business? I have queried this direct but have had no response. Any suggestions? Many thanks, F'

[Melissa78]

Hi Fatima - I can't comment on your first question since I haven't experienced it, but I would strongly recommend that you NEVER accept any kind of payment outside of Airbnb. This is a common way that scammers operate and you're putting yourself in a really terrible position if you do that. You won't be covered by the Airbnb  insurance and are basically on your own at this point. Also, if they don't show, there is any kind of problem at all, etc. you will have no recourse. Don't do it!! I know in the beginning you just want to book as many trips as possible, but you also need to make sure they are the RIGHT people - be patient and it will happen, I promise. Good luck!