Who is my tenant?

[Shkelqim0]

Hello there people, 

I'm new to hosting with Airbnb and I recently received my first booking. The person who has booked (for 14 nights) has only their first name displayed and no picture!

#1 The person has no reviews, should I trust these bookings?
#2 How do I require the government ID of the person (it says provided to Airbnb on the web) from Airbnb? 

I greatly appreciate your help and comments. 

[Alexandra316]

@Shkelqim0 you can ask the guest to add a picture to their profile. Airbnb technically requires it, but they don't enforce it.

You never see a person's last name before they book. You will receive their last name if you accept the booking. Airbnb will not send you the guest ID though. They verify it and keep it on file, but you don't get a copy.

If you're not comfortable with the inquiry, you can ask more questions or decline their request. What you're describing is very common. Lots of people are new. 

[Shkelqim0]

Thank you for the comment and help. 

[Marzena4]

Hello @Shkelqim0. Just like you are a new host, someone may be a new guest. You never know...

What are your settings for Instant Book? You may require there your guests to be verified etc. If you need personal details for any reason, the best is to ask for it upon check-in. And do ask that guest to upload a proper profile photo. Recently I had the same problem with my upcoming guests and all of them did so very quickly. Are you sure you're offering the whole place to 4 guests at around $26 per night?

[Shkelqim0]

Hello @Marzena, thank you for the tip, I will ask the person to upload a proper profile photo. 

As per the price, the smart pricing insists that I should lower the price, should I do that? Do you people usually switch on the "smart pricing" option? 

[Marzena4]

Oops, the screenshot would not attach above:

[Shkelqim0]

Hello @Marzena, thank you for the tip, I will ask the person to upload a proper profile photo. 

As per the price, the smart pricing insists that I should lower the price, should I do that? Do you switch on the "smart pricing" option? 

[Aimee31]

When you are a new host, smart pricing is ridiculously low for the market. You should leave it low for 3 or 4 guests, then raise it to what you're comfortable with. I personally keep ours at more than it would be to rent the same space as an tenant, and more than others in my area keep theirs at. Let THEM deal with cheap people! 
If you're keeping it low to get a few bookings (and a few good reviews), I'd advise not taking people you aren't sure of.