Hello fellow hosts,
I’m just here to rant a little.
So, a guest checking in on June 11th is adamant on getting 100% refund despite our Strict Cancellation Policy. She wants to cancel but wants me the host to cancel instead. I explained that if I cancelled as a host I am charged a penalty fee if beyond April 14th (or has this changed?). If I’m not the one that even needs or wants to cancel, why should I incur the fees?
1) I explained that she would still receive 50% if she cancels now, since Airbnb is only applying the COVID19 EC from March 14th - April 14th.
2) I also explained that the current COVID19 EC basically translates to a month of loss income not just for me as a host but others who also depend on me such as my cleaners, maintenance, family, etc.
3) I gave her the option to reschedule free of charge, within 12 months from the original check-in date. Alternatively, if she cancels instead she is still entitled to 50% refund.
After all this, she messages me to say:
“The other hosts have said they will waive fees on their end. You can’t do that? I know in these times it’s very hard but everyone is losing out.”
... right, so me giving you a 100% refund overriding my own strict cancellation policy that you in fact agreed to, is you losing out too?
Also, yes, I just straight told you no I cannot afford to waive fees. I don’t have to jump off a bridge just because all the other hosts are doing it.