Viewings???

[Dawn47]

Hi there – I had a traveller message me, asking about staying for a 3 week period. I pre-approved him, however he didn’t follow through to book with me. The day before he had been planning to arrive, he sent me a message asking for my address and postcode so he could put it in his sat nav. I refused to give this, saying he hadn’t completed the booking, and he would receive the address when he did. He then replied saying he didn’t want to book until he had seen the property and room. I find this strange – is it just me? Or do other people allow “viewings” before the booking is completed?

[Marzena4]

First of all, @Dawn47, it might result in his insisting on renting your place outside airbnb, which is against the rules. Then, generally, it is not safe for you. But I've heard from other hosts that it happens pretty often.

[Steve143]

Hello @Dawn47,

Airbnb doesn't support guests wanting to view a listing before having a confirmed booking.

The prospective guest can see the photos, description, amenities list, house rules etc. on the Airbnb page and can ask the host questions before booking so there should be no need to preview the listing in person.

I would explain the policy to the guest and would not give the address information or allow a previewing.

The article below outlines Airbnb's view on this.

Can I view a listing before I book?

Steve.

[Dawn47]

Thanks very much - I was thinking the same, however wanted to make sure I wasn't being too paranoid! 

[Rene-and-Zac0]

@Dawn47 Getting the money situation out of the way BEFORE the guest arrives is the best course. Don’t set yourself up to negotiate room rates in your driveway when this guest starts to argue your rates. If he wants to ‘have a look’, that’s what the photos are for in the listing. 

‘No Booking? No looking!’

Good Luck!

’You know it’s hard out here for a Host’

[Matthew285]

@Dawn47, please don't allow this guest to "Preview" your listing.

It is against the rules, and a terrible idea for you.

1. "Preview" guests often just want to meet you to ask for a discount, or to propose paying outside the AirBnB system. Both bad for you.
2. "Preview" guests are often the worst kind of picky, hard to satisfy guests.
3. "Preview" guests might be criminals just wanting to case your property before robbing it.
4. It is huge waste of your time. Often hosts will wait hours for late "Preview" guests who just ask for a discount and then never book.
5. What exactly are they going to learn from looking at the listing that your many lovely pictures don't already show?

It isn't paranoia. It is your instinct telling you to avoid this guest, and it is correct.

The guest has already shown that they are inconsiderate, by contacting you at the last minute and assuming that you will give them your address.

Would this really be the kind of guest you want on your property?