First booking from a 10 year old account, but no reviews and picture of a beach

[Raun30]

Hey everybody, we're new to hosting, and are excited to start hosting people in our newly restored barn. Our first guest on the schedule just booked for next week, but they have a 10 year old account with no reviews and no face picture are bringing 7 people. They described their booking as a "family trip" and it's a 2 day booking. Should I be worried at all, or are these type of profiles fairly common?

Thanks in advance!

-Raun

[Jennifer1897 · Accepted solution]

As the saying goes, everyone starts somewhere. I've had a lot of first time Airbnb users turn out to be excellent guests. 

The best thing you can do is communicate. Send them a message and ask for a little more information. Something along the lines of "Hi XXX, thank you so much for choosing our accommodation for your first Airbnb experience. As a host I like to learn a little more about my guests before their stay, can you please tell me a bit about you, what brings you to the area and who will be joining you on your trip." Most legitimate guest will be happy to provide those details. Through that process you can gain a better feel for them and decide whether you are comfortable. 

For me personally, I also require gusts who book any of my properties to have a legitimate photo on file, and have their identity verified. If they are missing one or both of these things, I send them a prompt in my "thank you for booking" message and ask them to kindly provide those items. 

At the end of the day if you are not feeling comfortable with a booking contact airbnb and have them assist you in cancelling it penalty free. 

[Paula]

Hi @Raun30, welcome to the Community Center and I wish you all the best on your hosting journey.

Our host @Jennifer1897 has shared a great suggestion. Were you able to read her comment?

Please keep us posted and let us know what you decide in the end.