What do guests prefer - instant book or no ID verification?

[Sabena0]

We offer instant book but ask guests to provide Airbnb with government ID.  We've had a couple of people struggle with doing the ID, and they haven't booked with us.  So - do we stick with what we have, or remove the need for government ID and remove instant book as well, so that we can check people out a bit from their profile before accepting their booking?  Thanks very much for your suggestions.  (By the way - my partner and I host Seascape Beach House, Boat Harbour Beach Tasmania - it's in my partner's name).

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Sabena0

you said that one of your options would be instant book + verified ID

why don't you set instant book and than ask your guests to show you their photo ID on arrival? Then you write down all their personal info: name, passport number, citizenship, gender, country and date of birth .That's how we do it.

That way you will know to whom you gave your keys. It is better than if they verfy ID by Airbnb because if anything happen (they trash your house or rob you) Airbnb will not give you those informations.

[Sabena0]

Hi Branka and Silvia, thanks so much for taking the time to reply.  That sounds like a good idea - the only problem is that we don't always see our guests so would not always have the opportunity to get their ID.  However if we decided not to do ID verification through Airbnb we'll definately follow your suggestion when we can, I hadn't thought of that.  Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts, most appreciated and helpful 🙂

[Andrea9]

@Sabena0

... if you can't do ID registration upon check in - you might consider having somebody local doing it for you? Doing this also weeds out 3rd party bookings which would not be covered by Airbnb.

[Sabena0]

Hi Andrea, good idea, thanks very much for taking the time to share your suggestion 🙂

[Andrea9]

You do have to announce the fact that you do ID check on arrival in your House Rules.

[Sabena0]

Thanks 🙂

[Penelope4]

Hi Sebina, how has this worked out for you?

I have a cottage in France that is pretty busy. Very busy now durring the summer. I've recently had some scammers try and book, wanting to pay by cheque (they would stay then cheque would bounce as it takes 2 weeks to clear in France). I've reported as spam. Now I've recieved a 6 day instant booking, all paid for, from a Saudi travelling with family. However he has no profile photo, story or history. It just doesn't pass the sniff test. I have requested a full photo ID of himself and his wife (as any hotel would do). I will not send access info until I recieve this. The problem is once someone has paid (stolen credit card?) they can see the house address. I feel secure enough as it is in the centre of an annimated village and well locked up with shutters, but still...  Thanks. Penelope 🙂

[Sabena0]

Hi Penelope, that does sound quite strange, and I'm not sure how someone could book without a profile photo etc.  Our booking setting states that the Airbnb minimum requirements are: "Profile photo, confirmed email and phone number, and payment information".  

Our booking requirements are that for someone to book without requesting approval, they also need to have government-issued ID.  This has been working for us so far.

If I was you, I would contact Airbnb about how someone could book and pay without having a profile photo.

[Andrea9]

@Penelope4

I agree with @Sabena0 - contact Airbnb because 'you are uncomfortable with this guest's lacking profile'.

Going into the future you might want to consider beefing up your house rules.

Even if you don't, I'd advise including that Instant bookers must have a completed Profile with recognizable photo, etc.

With that condition you have more clout with Airbnb.

A little bit of a different situation because she offers a room in her home, but @Momi (can't tag her here...) has water-tight House rules, and has several times had Airbnb intervene for guests not following up with for example just that. Have a look:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6033926

Hope this helps.

[Andrea9]

Also be aware of the fact that if somebody books through the app (as a large part of guests will be doing), they will NOT even see personal house rules! which is quite shocking.

[Penelope4]

Excellent advice! Thanks so much for your help 😄 

[Regina38]

Hi

I had 3 listings and now added another. When I was trying to list it would not let me choose Verified ID as a requirement because Airbnb is trying to force instant book on hosts. My older lsitings have that as a requirement through Airbnb and they can not finalize without it. I have walked guests through that process and they were thankful. I also tell them for fill out their profile-Would you rent from a host without a profile? of course not! why should I rent to you without one then. Oh then they get it. Also if profile picture is of something else or doesnt show their face I make them fix that. If  they complain I explain that it is for the safety of all my guests and . my family that stay?live on the property. I have it listed in the house rules(which no one reads so I bring it up when vetting inquieries) It is another stupid change that Airbnb made to push their agenda of the host doesnt count.

   I will not host someone who will not verify their ID, has an empty profile, will not answer last name and town where they live, or has a profile picture that does not show their face. I also require them to check in with me and spend some time with them showing things in the apartment. I have not gotten a bad feeling yet from a guest but if I did I would ask them to leave and call Airbnb. I think when you show you care and will be around it weeds out most problems like 3rd party resv and people looking for a party place. I have had quite a few people just stop communicating when I say I live adjacent to the property. I figure I probably doged a bullet on those!

Insist on verified ID and still check it and take the info down in person. Hotels do that. You can not check in without showing ID. Good luck and happy hosting!

[Sabena0]

Thanks so much Regina, your thoughts are really helpful 🙂