Doesn’t get much more “RED FLAG” than this

[Colleen253]

 

In addition to the message: joined 2 years ago, no reviews, no verification, local, wants to book for 1 night. And obviously has not read any of the listing details never mind our house rules, lol. The only odd thing out is it’s not short notice.  Now to figure out my response. I will be honest with him so I’ll make it count! 

I must say though, I have to thank a potential guest like this for coming in with red flags waving wildly from both fists. Saves me time and probably trauma. 

[Colleen253]

@Sarah977  I’m going to come up with some reply that will definitely “send him on his way”.

Should be satisfying 😆

[Colleen253]

@Linda-And-Richard0  Yes I noticed that 🙂 I actually host many locals for one night stays, but my listing is uniquely suited for them and they are not problematic. But this guest is rather blatantly telling me his booking would be an exception. I thank him for that 🤣

[Alexandra316]

@Colleen253 He just wants somewhere he can quietly murder someone in peace... what's so hard to understand about that?? Come on... just take the booking!

Please do share the response you send him!

[Colleen253]

Who knows, hey? The possibilities didn't bear thinking about. They were all too much for me 😱@Alexandra316 

I decided to be brief and forgo any snark.

"Thanks for your interest in the house, but an inquiry such as this sets alarm bells ringing for a host. Good luck as you continue your search".

[Sarah977]

@Colleen253  You've already sent the reply, but this one occurred to me:  "Seems rather rude not to even invite the host to the party you're planning on throwing at my house."

Just kidding, sorta.

[Colleen253]

@Sarah977  😂

[Neil408]

Well said! 

[Kelly149]

@Colleen253 some people are quite concerned about contact with other people currently re: covid, however, there would have been much better ways to convey that concern... and if someone doesn't have the good sense to express their needs in a non-creepy way then, like you, I'm happy for them to enjoy their stay elsewhere!

[Colleen253]

@Kelly149  Yep, that creepy opener just immediately put me off.

[Mark116]

@Kelly149  Maybe.  Then why not say, 'due to covid social distancing guidelines we want to ensure that no one will still be on site when we arrive'...  But to reiterate that you need ABSOLUTE PRIVACY when you're renting a large rural house that already appears quite private suggests either you are super paranoid or you're going to be doing something that you don't want anyone to know about while its going on, either way, not good guest material. 

[Kelly149]

@Mark116 totally agree... guests are often pretty bad about putting themselves in the host's shoes and acting/speaking accordingly. IF the concern was germs, contact, then there were much better ways to say that.

[Ann72]

@Colleen253  I'm thinking Affairbnb - doesn't want anyone to recognize him and his not-wife. 

Then again, murder, as @Alexandra316 pointed out, is a strong possibility.

Your reply was professional and appropriate, though far less fun for us than snark.  Do consider our needs next time.  🙂

[Colleen253]

@Ann72 Sorry, I know it was a let down, lol. 

[Alexandra316]

@Ann72 Isn't snark the best? I used to be a restaurant reviewer, and I still read other people's reviews a lot. I LOVE the bad ones: they are a guilty pleasure. I feel kind of dirty admitting that.

"If you don't have anything nice to say, come sit next to me."

[Ann72]

@Alexandra316  Don't feel bad!  The Germans even have a word for it - schadenfreude!  Bad reviews are the best!  And the bigger the hype for the restaurant (or book), the better the bad review is.

I would have loved to meet Alice Roosevelt.  She sounds like our kind of girl.