First Time host - suspicious inquiry

[Amanda2293]

I recently listed my rental and received my first inquiry/wanting to book. There just seemed to be some red flags and I'm unsure how to proceed. He contacted me at 2 in the morning but did apologize for the late inquiry, not a total red flag, but he wanted to book that day for 5 days but only wants to pay $300, which is $165 less than what the full stay would be. I already have it discounted at the 20% since I'm a first time host, but he said that's all he has to spend. He gave me a pretty detailed description of what he does. Travels a lot, teaches english and business communications remotely, but he's in-town because his son is sick. He has two reviews that say he was a good host but they're all from out of the country/middle east and from a few years ago.

Mostly the bartering and late/quick stay have me little concerned, and again this would be my first guest. I'm not sure how to even go about accepting the different price. Not sure if it's common for guests to ask that, I feel it might be but again I already have the apartment discounted. Also feel that it could be some sort of scam maybe as again I just listed as a first time host. My gut is telling me this doesn't feel right.

[Marie8425]

If I already have a discount I don't offer more.  I don't want reservations when they have said I have money problems that isn't information you share with everyone unless your comfortable with money issues.  What happens if money issues get worse?  Will you have a free guest until you can remove?  He is probably hoping since you are new he can scam you

[Marie8425]

When I receive a request sick clild money issues I just politely say Airbnb is probably not the right avenue every state has resources that can aid the truly needed individuals sorry I just am not providing housing for people in bad situations that need assistance  I provide a short term temporary rental for vacationers

[Paula]

Hello @Amanda2293 and welcome to our Community Center! ‌🎉‌ We are thrilled to have you here.

I found an article that may be useful for new hosts facing similar situations, which you can find here. I also gave a look at other conversations between hosts in the community related to this topic. I'm leaving one here.

I hope this is helpful, and please let us know how everything goes with your new guest.

Regards,

Paula

[Amanda2293]

Thank you for the resources!

[Paula]

Of course @Amanda2293 I am always happy to help.

Paula.

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Amanda2293 

My advice to myself is always to follow my gut feelings, and to avoid the stress that happens when I avoid doing so. 

Best of luck to you, no matter what you decide. Do please let us know what happens. 

[Amanda2293]

Thanks for the advice, I ended up declining the offer. Just didn't feel right and feel like it would of been a bigger headache.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Amanda2293 Go with your gut - This screams issues to me.

[Jennifer1897 · Accepted solution]

As far as guest asking for price changes or discounts it varies across the board. Some are scammers, some are generally just cheap or trying to get more bang for their buck, and for some it may be cultural or a common practice where they are from.  You always have the right to respectfully decline the request for a discount, especially since you are already offering one. 

In my experience guest who are granted discounts usually tend to be more problematic or expect more. In a sense it sets a precedent for them to push the boundaries or rules. Again, this is simply my experience. 

Like other host have advised, trust your gut in the end. If your red flag sensors are going off its better to avoid the reservation. 

[Amanda2293]

I ended up declining the offer, I didn't want to have a bad taste in my mouth for our first booking. Didn't feel right and I feel better about it.

[Helen3]

No way would I accept this booking. Tell the guest to search on Airbnb for listing that work in terms of his budget @Amanda2293 

It's not your issue that we can't afford your listing . He shouldn't try and booking something he can't afford and it's really cheeky for him to ask for a large discount on top of a huge 30% discount .

guests like this often target new hosts