Reviews

[Sue56]

Hi Everyone, 

I love being a host, but the one thing that really upsets me is when someone doesn't leave a review.    I have a shared space so I'm interacting with guests often so it really saddens me when guests that I feel had a great time, don't write a review.   The same went when I stayed with someone and he didn't review me, too. 

I think AirBnb should institute a policy where anyone who writes a review and finds that the guest or host don't reciprocate, then the writer should have the choice to take his/her review back.   The writer can't revise it, but he/she can remove it.  It's really unfair when people rack up glowing reviews and aren't courteous enough to do the same.  It feels very disingenuous to me.   How do I propose this eo AirBnB?

[Sandra126]

You can put a suggestion on Host Voice. There has been some discussion this last week from hosts who want to put penalties on guests who do not review but I think a carrot is better than a stick, and maybe something like ''Reviews are important to us, write one and go into a draw to win travelcredit'' for an annual/monthly/whatever prize. It will encourage more guests to take the time.

[David126]

@Sandra126

Has anything on Host Voice ever been respnded to?

Seems a black hole.

[Sandra126]

@David126, I know. But I think they look at it, as I am sure they cast a beady eye on the forum as it is a free consultancy session. Whether they act on things or not ever, who can say? It is all we have.

[David126]

@Sandra126

I had my doubts when it was announced. Seemed a sop. Did go there and tick initially, but no longer.

[Sue56]

@Sandra126 Thanks so much!

[Jess21]

If you don't already, emphasize that reviews are important to you and tell them you plan on reviewing them. Also send them a message a few days after your stay saying they were great guests, you've reviewed them, and you'd love it if they would review you. That's really all you can do. And if they tell you during their stays that they're having a great time, as that they say that in their reviews. That might spur something.

[Sue56]

@Jess21 Hiya!  I've done that.  That's why it's so frustrating.   Also a host I wrote a glowing review for didn't review me which was disappointing.   I just think it's fair to not provide a review if something doesn't do the same. 

[Paul4]

I get very little business from Airbnb and although I have given great reviews to all my guests, most of my guests have not left a review. I feel the same way as you. This is what I have come up with. I send this to guests, through the system, after about 5 to 7 days without a review, though i may start sending it sooner. (I got this from someone else on another forum)

"Hi (name of) guest,

I hope you had a great time at my place. This is a VERY competitive business. The number of reviews play an integral part in airbnb's ranking algorithms for both the hosts and the guests.  Airbnb sends you a click-to-review email. I would appreciate your (5 star) review and will of course reciprocate! You and your friends (family) are always welcome back. ( I send my  review immediately after I send this, so far it has worked)

Take care,

Paul"

[Sue56]

@Paul4 Thank you!