Booking Irregularities

[Lana1222]

Hello fellow Hosts!

I have a great concern and am both sharing and seeking feedback please, thank you.

Things have been relatively smooth since I started in September,  so I am still relatively new to the platform (but I am not ignorant of the process).

However, over less than 2 weeks; despite my listing being designated for SINGLE FEMALE GUESTS ONLY, the past four (4) inquiries have all been MALE.

Is this accidental?

Just a computer glitch?

This is the first time I have had so many repeated requests for the guest type that is NOT on my list.

This poses a great security concern for me .

Am I to filter out the guests myself despite my CLEAR description?

Or could it be that the algorithm is rigged to send males so that I don't actually get my required guest, thus effectively blocking me from potential earnings?

It just seems bizarre, so I am seeking the wider audience for feedback. (My first report which was sent 2 days ago seems to have been erased ; however, I acknowledge that this could just have been accidental).

Thank you!

Best

Lana🌻

[Joelle43]

Hello @Lana1222 

These requests from men are coming through as enquiries I hope and not actual trip requests?  If it's an enquiry, you just need to explain that this is a female only listing and leave it at that - no pre-approval, accept or refusal required.  

If you are getting a lot I would personally add this restriction to your title - then it's impossible to miss!!  No excuse!

I imagine that even if your listing is for females only, the reservation system will still allow men to send you an enquiry or a request to book which is unfortunate as this leaves you to deal with these requests.  

All the best

Joëlle

[Lana1222]

Thank you @Joelle43 

I have done ALL the above since I began my AIrbnb journey 5 months ago. I do not have Instant Booking, thus, I have the autonomy to pre-approve, but yes , this is most disconcerting.

It is what it is.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply!

Appreciated

Lana🌻

[Marisa182]

@Lana1222 @Joelle43 

Lana, you have my sympathy! My place is titled Basement Apartment for One Guest. In the seven years that I've been on Airbnb, I can't tell you how many requests I have had for couples. Some say 

"But you have a double bed" and the best one was " I thought by one guest, I could bring one guest."

I think the problem is that no one takes the time to read the listing, or even to check out all the photos. Good advise from @Joelle43 . Best of luck!

[Lana1222]

Thank you @Marisa182 !!

You are absolutely correct!

No one takes the time to read  the description; (in my mind too, why would a young , single male want to even book with a young single female?- Overthinking? It just seems bizarre).

Thank you very much for your insights! (and the things people say ? it made me smile- I needed that !)

Best

Lana🌻

[Marie8425]

@Lana1222 

Airbnb has an option for a female host to select only female guests.  Did you turn that on because it doesn't appear to be?

[Lana1222]

Hello @Marie!

That did not appear , no. When I enquired with Airbnb , their advice was to place it in my description.

All is well,  and I appreciate the feedack.

Thank you

Lana

[Marie8425]

@Lana1222 

You’re right, I misunderstood when someone was explaining to me.   What it comes down to is enquiries or booking requests?  You can decline the booking against your house rules but declines do have a negative factor on your listing.  If it is booking requests, I suggest put a minimum stay of even 3 days, scammers generally try 1 night.  You can change it back after usually just a few weeks.  What works sometimes too is changing cancellation from flexible to moderate for a few weeks.

[Lana1222]

Yup , Thank you @Marie8425 

That was all done in September when I set up my page.

Everything is there.

People don't read. And Airbnb has already assured me that as long as it is in my description, I can decline as many inappropriate guests and there is no penalty.

I did not go into this with "eyes wide shut". 

I researched over 30 videos and I did the full almost 30 -module free course which Airbnb offered.

Along with advice from persons who have been Airbnb hosts in my country for decades.

Despite that, I do appreciate very much this Community Circle.

Best!

Lana🌻

[Helen3]

Do you say this in the listing title and upfront in your listing @Lana1222 

[Lana1222]

Hello @Helen3 

I absolutely did in my description.

To put in my title to me seemed to detract.

All is well

Thank you!