Pre-approval issue

[Bryan11]

I choose the pre-approve option instead of instant approval option in the guest inquiry process. Until last month, the airbnb system allow host to pre-approve the guest request and the guest's credit card will not be charged unless the guest press the "booking confirmation" button.

Just now, I have a booking inquiry but I cannot find the pre-approve button. There is only "accept", "decline" and "discuss" button. So, when I choose accept, my guest told me that her credit card has been charged instantly and I also notice that the contact number has been displayed and I also received a notice from airbnb that the guest has paid.

1) Where can I find the pre-approve button? 

2) Due to certain reason, I don't want to accept immediately but the system keep prompting that I have to response either "accept" or "decline" within 24 hours or else I will be penalized. If I choose "discuss" button, will I be penalized?

Appreciate if anyone can advise.

Cheers,

Bryan

[Clare0]

@Bryan11 Go back and re-check the message.  The system will not allow you to Pre-Approve a booking request, only Accept or Decline.  I'll bet that the guest sent a Booking Request, not an Inquiry.  Sometimes guests don't realize they are sending a Booking Request when they should have pressed the Contact Host button to make an inquiry. 

If someone sends you a Booking Request, you can still send a message to discuss the reservation without Accepting.  Based on the discussion, you can either Accept or Decline.  I had a guest, a fellow host no less, who wanted to book my place and after some messaging back and forth I discovered that his plans were to explore an area hundreds of miles away.  Needless to say, he promptly cancelled his request at my urging.