inquiries that are not serious

[Tim68]

My account was suspended for a short period today because i rejected the last 10 inquiries.  I am  by no means an Air B&B expert but i'm trying to understand why people can inquire and just be on a fishing exhibition and after i decline them for their lack of follow up and interest, i am the one getting suspended?????????????

[James1]

The airbnb software bots give you points for pre-approvals. So I pre-approve almost every inquiry. It's only good for 24 hours and it is overridden by any firm booking. 

[Ange2]

@James1  Interesting!  I didn't know that. Any other "how to summon Airbnb good-bots" to one's listing ?

[Kathryn48]

I had to accept all terms of a client because they booked for two weeks solid , and a week before, told me their "demands" mother I law for a week, sublet room to music student, two nights. If I cancel, ther is a fee. If I cancel, I loose two entire weeks. Of course, I caved.

[Andrea9]

@Kathryn48

Hosts don't have to simply let guests walk all over them like that.

Taking up a clause in the house rules to the tune of No unbooked guests or visitors other than included in the reservation are allowed on property otherwise that is a violation which will lead to immediate cancellation. And if you ever do have that situation don't just cancel, contact Airbnb first to let them know guests violated your house rules by bringing extra guest and ask to have them re-located.

If your exchange with guest is on the Airbnb message thread, then Airbnb can access it as proof.

So make sure you have Airbnb on speed dial or Twitter.

The reason that most long-term hosts have such tight house rules is that they've had one or other 'that kind of guest'!

[Ange2]

@Tim68

I noticed in the past when I did decline a request I was penalized and my listing disappeared for a while, even though the requests were from guests with babies and pets, which I don't accept.   So now,  I never decline people who are just making a "request"  (as opposed to a "reservation"). I leave it open, archive or dismiss it, eventually it disappears.

As far as I know you are not dinged for not hitting decline for a "request", but you do need to answer their request however much of a fishing expedition it is,  if you do not you are penalized for either late response or no response.

Hope that helps.