declining vs letting expire

[Leah3]

Hi,

I just got a request from someone who wants to bring their cats. I don't allow pets. I responded that I couldn't meet their needs etc but do I decline or do I let it expire? Which one is better for my search results etc? Thanks so much!

Best,

Leah

[Susan151]

Was this an inquiry or a booking request? They are not the same and have different rules.

[Alexandra316]

@Leah3If it was an actual booking request, you need to accept or decline within 24 hours or the dates will be blocked. 

If it was just an inquiry, you can just send a written response that you don't accept cats and leave it at that. The fact that you've sent them a message is sufficient. 

[Leah3]

Thank you! Yes, it was an inquiry so I responded that I can't accept cats. However, I still see the ticker saying I should respond by declining or inviting to pre-approve within 24 hours to maintain my response rate. Why does airbnb make it seem like you should respond by declining but then ding you for declining? So odd...

[Alexandra316]

@Leah3Yep, if it was just an enquiry, let it go and ignore the timer. The message to the guest was good enough. 

Their priority is to get you to accept the booking, so they're trying to get you to do that any way they can. 

[Emiel1]

Hello @Leah3 ,

You can ask the guest first to cancel the request. If it's not done, you have to decline (offcourse within the time-limit).

[Leah3]

Thanks! It was an inquiry, not a request to book so I think I can just let it go?

[Susan151]

You can absolutely let an inquiry go. In fact, I highly recommend this course of action!