Bookings Requesting Pre-tours?

[S--Rene0]

Am I the only one that is getting booking inquiries to "pre-tour" the house/space??  I am allowing bookings for 1-3 months for travel occupations, but I am finding this very odd.  My response to these inquiries are that the space available is just as pictured.  

Anyone else going through this?  

[Amy1974]

@s—Rene0 I had one last week. They requested to meet me and tour the property. I said the same thing that the property was exactly as the pictures and I didn’t feel comfortable meet with guests. 

[Christine615]

I don't allow it. If the photos are not enough, then so be it, find another place. There is so much potential for crime on the platform and not much protection from the still not ready for prime time customer service situation.

Not worth it. If they want a "pre-tour" they're going to be difficult entitled guests afterwards.

[Alexandra316 · Accepted solution]

@S--Rene0 "Pre-booking visit" is also often code for "going to try and shank you for a discount and/or off-platform booking." I don't entertain them. Hundreds of people have successfully booked my place, including for longer stays, based on my listing. A meet and greet shouldn't be needed. I did them a few times when I was new, and they were all a giant waste of time. 

My usual wording is: 

"Airbnb prevents us from sharing address information before your booking is made, so a visit isn't possible. If you have any questions that I can answer for you about the listing, please let me know and I'll be happy to assist."

I usually never hear back from them, which I'm absolutely fine with. 

[Jeanette37]

Hello S--Rene0.  No! I've never had such a request.  Just pure coincidence I suppose.  I feel my listing is accurately described but I have had a negative comment from one guest I had about it being the opposite. As it was part of their review I was taken aback by it as I would have liked to have known more information about the detail.  But as "Alexandra316" says Airbnb won't allow the sharing of address information, etc so it would be up to the host/hostess if they're agreeable to send the guest a private message if they can get their number and let them know this is ok.  Some motels invite people to inspect their rooms should this be desirable so I suppose there would be people who expect that a host/hostess to offer the same. 

[Bob297]

I even offer the guest a pre-tour. If they want to stay 3 months, we must be a good fit.
I never had any problems with that. It always was the start of good mutual understanding and a pleasant relationship.