A guest request about visiting beforehand...

[Leigh625]

We just received a request from a potential guest asking to see our place before even booking it.

Doesn't this go against Airbnb policy regarding safety?

How should I proceed with this? (see below)

"Hi Leigh, Is there any chance I could come by sometime soon to see your property? I'm looking for somewhere to rent in December for family members coming to visit and your place would be perfect. Kind regards, Mary"

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Leigh625 

Good Question! Not only is that irregular, this appears to be a third party booking attempt. 

[Shirley26]

I would say thank you Mary, but no thank you.    Mary can direct her family member(s) to look at your Airbnb website and if you have good reviews and plenty of pictures of your Airbnb, then Mary's family member can decide and reserve.   And, if Mary's family member(s) have questions, they can correspond with you directly, the host.  Best, 

[Renee569]

Last year I got so many of these messages and it typically (in my case) was spam.  Airbnb will intercept when you even try to give your address out before they book so I’m surprised they are asking that…   I even had to put in my description that all bookings are to go through this platform only.  It’s the first thing people read and they still were asking to see my space before booking.  I was at the point where I was just forced to report immediately.   Best of luck 🙂

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Leigh625 I don't see this working out well. The guest is almost certainly trying to avoid the Airbnb service fee by booking direct. This will leave you with no support from Airbnb if something goes wrong. It is, sadly, arguable if this support is worthwhile but at least it is something!

[Helen3]

Explain to them that it's against Airbnb's terms for you to provide your address before there is a booking and that all the information their family members need to book is on your listing. The family member needs to book with you directly or it will be a third party booking. If the family are local they will know the location so will know if it's in an area they will be happy for their family member to stay in @Leigh625 

[Helen744]

@Leigh625 do not allow this Leigh , just remark that this is why the pics are on line and for them to check there as guests are actually staying in the house at the moment.Also remark that any questions about the accommodation can be answered by you .Obviously this person either lives nearby or is a scammer . Talk to them as ,if they are older they may not be aware how Airbnbs work .Would they ask a hotel to go through their rooms ?Sounds like a third party booking too,so ask about that , ask if they will be staying with the guests and who will be paying for the booking..you are not running an 'open garden scheme '  H

[Leigh625 · Accepted solution]

Thank you all so much for your response! This is most helpful as I am still new as an Airbnb host and still learning the ropes. @Helen744 @Helen3 @Mike-And-Jane0 @Renee569 @Shirley26 @Kitty-and-Creek0

Regards,

Leigh