When hosts book with fellow hosts

[Cristina-And-Daniel0]

I don't mean to be negative but hosts booking with fellow hosts has been rubbing me the wrong way lately. 

We're recieved 2 inquiries by fellow hosts requesting to stay at our flat. We are open to offers from every guest! But both times we were asked to rent to them for 60% less per night off of our posted rate. We're happy to offer a discount, but it makes me feel a little insulted - i guess when it's your own home it feels personal because it's very special to you (the offer was 17 euro/night for our entire renovated flat). I offered to meet them at a rate in the middle but, in both cases, they were not interested in negotiating 😞  Side note: in both cases the hosts had their own homes listed on Airbnb at 180 euro/nightly rate - well above my own very affordable one!

I realize maybe these are just 2 bad apples from a very large tree of good ones 🙂 but guess I'm hoping we could support each other as fellow hosts in the hosting community.  

[Roz4]

Wow that's crazy! I'm new to hosting somit hasn't happened to

me ... yet? I would never even consider asking for a discount as a "fellow host". 

[Jean40]

That seems rather odd actually, your listed price is your price... it seems rather presumptus of them.

[Bob43]

I really wouldn't let it me bother in any way. Any guest can ask for a discount, and any host can decline :). Don't take it personally.

[David-and-Fiona0]

Rule 1. Guests (even hosts) who ask for a discount are guests you will regret. (Based on overwhelming feedback on this forum)

Rule 2. See rule 1

[Cristina-And-Daniel0]

Intriguing insight David and Fiona. Do you decline discount offers then? 

Thank you!

[Jenn6]

Yes! I once saw some very good advice on how to politely decline a request for a discount. The advice is to to tell the guest: "Our pricing is very competitive for the area, but if you're looking for something a bit more budget-friendly I would recommend looking at XXX location/hotel, etc."

This has worked well for me. You are protecting yourself, but at the same time trying to be helpful. In the cases I've had to use this, the guests ended up booking with me at full price anyway. 

[Babs0]

Absolutely agree with @Jenn6 on this! It gives you the opportunity to highlight to features of your listing! E.g. if they want to oay less, they can look at a listing that doesn't have the private ensuite.

I always feel that people who always ask for discounts are usually high maintenance guests. The odd exception here and there!

[David-and-Fiona0]

@Cristina-And-Daniel0 Yes we do. Unfortunately its mostly domestic (locals) who ask for discounts and often ask if they can have 10 people in the room…Sigh Its a Pinoy thing. I am comfortable that our pricing attracts the 'right' guests. 

[Robin4]

@Cristina-And-Daniel0 What a great post you guys. I am disappointed that a fellow host would do that! We all know how hard it is to keep the ship on a level keel without people who should no better trying to undermine you! I suppose the next thing is they will want to transact the discounted business outside the Airbnb platform, wink wink, nudge, nudge....say no more!!

I can understand you would feel insulted, so would I. Should a fellow host stay with us I would shower them with hospitality, and love doing it but....to get the 'ball rolling' by expecting me to do what I do at bargain basement rates....Uuggghhh!!

Hopefully you are right Chris and Dan and these were just a couple of bad apples! Should you ever come my way you won't get a discount rate, but you will get value for money and I promise...you will get a time you will never forget...cheers....Rob

[Cam-And-Shannon0]

I am a host and I would never ask for a discount like that. That is just plane ride. They are being cheap and giving other hosts a bad name. Your rate is more gen fair. I would just say no sorry and not give it another thought. They are just taking advantage. 

[Helen3]

Wow - the cheek of them. In your situation I would have countered and said you would be happy to do this, if they offered you a similar rate to stay at their place/s.

Personally I don't offer discounts. I price for great value (a quarter of what hotels charge) and at the lower end of what hosts in my city charge.

I know for a fact the only properties with lower rates are much further out of the city/the accommodation isn't as good.

I also know that they are likely to be fussy guests who will be a PITA.

Stand firm 🙂

[Cristina-And-Daniel0]

Thank you @Helen3 for your support

[Cristina-And-Daniel0]

Thank you everyone for your support! 

[Ruth169]

I have just had a request for booking from a local host. They told me they have 'visitors'. I did not check their own listing until I got a second request for more dates. I then looked at their listings and realised they are renting out their whole place for hotel rates and staying with me on the cheap. I sent them an email to ask what is going on as I do not like being used this way.