It is important to know the difference between a “reservation inquiry” and a “reservation request” and how not responding correctly to one can affect your response rating.
First of all, Airbnb suggests that guests send out several reservation inquiries when looking for a place to stay using Airbnb. When a guest sends an inquiry, they usually send them out to several listings in the same area. It is kind of like window shopping for an Airbnb listing. The guest can screen hosts by sending a question (inquiry) but they need to complete the dates which they are inquiring about staying and the number of guests. A guest may receive pre-approvals from several hosts enabling them to choose which listing fits their needs best. The important thing to note on "inquiries" is that all you have to do is "respond" to the inquiry within the 24 hours to maintain your response rating. It is of course best to screen the guest who is inquiring and either "pre-approving" them or "declining" them but the most important thing is to at least respond to them within the 24 hour time frame.
When a guest sends an inquiry, the host will then the options to either “Pre-Approve”, “Decline”, “Respond”, or “Dismiss”. All you really need to do is “Respond” to the inquiry within 24 hours of receiving it and your response rating will not be affected. If you “Pre-Approve”, you are essentially allowing the guest to Instant Book the reservation. If they choose to go with your listing after you pre-approved them, they will complete the checkout process and your listing will be booked for the dates you pre-approved for. You also have the option of sending a "Special Offer".
It is essential that you understand "reservation requests". A reservation request means that a guest has paid and is ready to book your place and they just need your approval. Once you approve their request, your place will become a confirmed booking. It is also important to know that you have 24 hours to take action on the request by either "accepting" or "declining" the reservation request. If you do not either accept or decline within the 24 hours, your response rating will be affected. So, if you have a guest who is taking their time getting back to any of your questions and the 24 hour clock is running down and you are not quite comfortable yet with the guest, it is best to decline the request. You can explain to the guest that you are declining their request because you would like more information and that they can make another request or you can send a special offer. Also, if you do not decline or accept the guest in 24 hours, your calendar is usually blocked.
If the host chooses to "Accept", the reservation is booked and confirmed. If you wish to decline the reservation, you will be taken to a screen where you choose the reason for declining. You also have the option to explain why you are declining the request. If you wish to provide a message to the guest, you can do this as well.
I know this is long but it gives you an overview of the difference between in “inquiry” and a “request”.
Now, please disregard the stats if you are viewing them using the app as their is a problem and Airbnb is working on fixing this. Please rely on the website for now.
David
Superhost Ambassador ~ Host Club Community Leader ~ Experienced Co-Host
