miscommunication with guest

[Durga0]

A prospective guest got my location link through my child's school, and we had the following interaction. She thought I was offering her the cottage for "free", when I was telling her it was available. I can clearly see how she misunderstood my communication. She's upset now. Understandably so. 

I'm just starting out and already have my cottage listed far below it's value as I get some reviews going. I'm hesitant to give her a huge discount, I already feel like it's discounted. 

Any feedback on a skillful way to handle this?

Hi Jennie, Yes, the cottage is free then! I'll pre-approve your trip, all you have to do is follow through on booking it. I look forward to hosting you and your friend. I have a 6th grader at Cedarwood, it will be a pleasure to have a fellow Waldorf lover here! We can firm up details closer to the time, for now be assured your lodging is taken care of. 🙂

01/02/2016

Good morning, I found a link to your place through cedar wood Waldorf school. My friend and I are from Bend and are coming up to the school for a teachers conference. We are two ladies that run a home based Waldorf ece program. I am wondering if your place is convenient to the school? Our conference is feb 12-14. The 12th just has an evening portion. The website shows you place is still available? - which amazes me. Thanks so much Blessings in abundance Jennie

[Monica4]

Obviously the word "free" was taken the wrong way....but how could anyone expect to rent your place for free? I somehow doubt that your guest took this as meaning that your place would be rented to her free of charge, loosely based on the fact that your kids attend the same school? No......tell her "she" misinterpeted your communication and that she needs to be a paying guest, as was intended.

[Durga0]

I did tell her that when she contacted me with her confusion that Airbnb had charged her credit card. I'm just feeling the pulse of you with more experience to see if you think I should give her a discount because of my unclear communication.

[Kelly3]

No discount. Once you give in, they will expect more and more. You said it is 'free then', which clearly means it is open for those period. I don't see any English speaker would take this into meaning 'free of charge' especially that Airbnb is a booking site.

[David-and-Fiona0]

" She's upset now. Understandably so. "....I dont think she deserves to be upset. No one in their right mind would think they waould get accommodation for free.....No discount!

[Durga0]

Thanks, everyone. I was very apologetic and explained what I meant. I guess the ball's in her court. It's funny, I was wondering why her subsequent messages were sooooo happy! Now I know why. Heh.

[Nathalie-Et-Gilles0]

be careful @Durga0

if the lady does not understand the word 'free' (or does not want to understand) , i doubt she will understand the house rules.

[Isabelle3]

I agree with everone else - you are not at fault at all - no discount - some flowers - a note - some chocolate - walk tall - be firm so she wont do anything wrong