Shady reservation request.

[Shilda0]

I just received a reservation request by someone who does not have reviews, profile or last name.

He claims to be traveling for work with 5 other  "profesionals" who also plan on staying in the same 2 bed/2bath flat.

I have worked with several companies and have never had an employer expect 6 people to share a small flat.  Further the booking is for one day only and happens to fall on a Saturday night.  This makes me question if its really work related as most corporate bookings are during weekdays.

Am I wrong to think their reason for stay is more likely a party or something more sinister?

I would research the guest on social media, etc., however he has only provided his first name.  His profile also lacks a full name.

So I was going to send him this response;

"Hi Arlan,

Your work is having you travel on a Saturday, stay only one night and expects you to share a flat with 5 other co-workers? What kind of work do you do?

Please supply your Facebook profile link and/or linkedin link with a copy of your drivers license and the names of the other guests planing on staying with you."

I would like to decline the reservation request but am worried that by doing so it would negatively impact my stats.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Nichola15]

I have received request like this and most of the time it’s their first time using Airbnb and usually update their profiles later you can definitely ask more questions about their company in a way that doesn’t feel like they are being interrogated like “Thank you for inquiring about my place, before I accept bookings I like to get to know my guest a little beforehand.  What industry do you work in and are you celebrating any special occasions during your stay?” 

[Linda108]

Definitely lose the first sentence, @Shilda0 .  Not necessary.   Besides, it could be that the company is a small one and all the travelers are partners, not employees.  Just state that given the lack of history with this platform for this guest, you require that government ID and profile picture is loaded.  Additionally, you could address what you think might be inadequate space for so many travelers.  See what kind of response you get.  More than likely this is a fishing expedition and your gut feeling is right.  Or, you are wrong and the guest is super responsive and is new to Air BNB.  

[Linda108]

@Shilda0   Is your posting about another listing than the one on your profile?  That listing is 3 bed and is for 7 people.  I am confused about your post now.

[Shilda0]

No its the same listing 2 bed 2 bath, queen bed in each room with extra queen airbed and pull out sofa bed.

[Susan151]

@Shilda0 You will never get a last name or profile picture for a request, so neither of those is a red flag.

[Dimitar27]

If I must send six of my people somewhere, believe me, no one except me will communicate with the host/hotel.

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Shilda0I don't have such dilemmas, with an instant booking I immediately see the profile picture and the last name if the guest has it. I meet my guests and take all their personal information at the check-in. 

[Emiel1]

@Shilda0 

Asking to  share Facebook or Linkedin links is useless, as those links will be blocked by Airbnb.

You are right, the requests is suspicious and i would decline (reason "feeling uncomfortable")

[Kath9]

@Shilda0, go with your gut. The occasional decline won't affect your status. At the very least, require them to upload government ID if you are still thinking of accepting. 

[Inna22]

@Shilda0 you message seems to be really passive aggressive. I would not book with you after a message like this even if I had good answers to your questions. Go with @Nichola15 suggestion. I did have a (somewhat) similar request a few months ago. Group of 15 claiming to travel for work and wanting to stay in my 3 bedroom negotiating down a $199 per night rate. I messaged them with something along the lines of I hope you company has a budget of at least $15 per person for downtown Chicago stay. They told me they did but liked to negotiate prices with various houses and supposedly would use me all the time going forward. I told them (politely I thought) to use one of those house they have already negotiate with. They were not happy with my answer. Which was my goal.

[Shilda0]

The goal was to not book with me.

[Petra327]

Good for you @Inna22 .  In addition I think 15 people in a 3 bedroom home is what gives Airbnb a bad name and makes neighbors complain.  I find when I turn people down  it seems to always end up for the best for me.

[Anonymous]

@Shilda0  If  you don't wish to host these guests, it's much better to go ahead and decline rather than ask invasive questions.