Hello, We just recently joined Airbnb with our rental. My question, I had a guest text me a few minutes ago. Do we text back directly or go to Airbnb site?

[Jeff-And-Cindy3]

Hello, We just recently joined Airbnb with our rental. My question, I had a guest text me a few minutes ago. Do we text back directly or go to Airbnb site?

[Emiel1]

@Jeff-And-Cindy3 

A potential guest can only sent you a message (Inquiry) via the Airbnb message system, using the option "contact host"  on the listing. You have to communicate in the same way (via Airbnb message system). Only when a guest has a confirmed reservation, they can see your phonenumber.

[Sarah977]

@Jeff-And-Cindy3  This must be a confirmed guest, or a guest in residence, as phone numbers aren't available to hosts or guests when submitting an inquiry or request?

It's best to keep communication to Airbnb messaging, so there is documentation of an exchange if there ends up being contention between hosts  and guests over something.

That said, for simple, trivial things like a guest texting or phoning to say they are stuck in traffic and will be an hour later for check- in, a text or phone call is no big deal. as I puck most of my guests up at the local bus station, I ask my guests to phone or text me when they clear customs and immigration at the airport, which is an hour away, so I have a heads -up as to more or less when they will  arrive here. And then they phone or text again when they arrive at the bus station, which is a 5 minute drive from my house.

[Mark116]

@Jeff-And-Cindy3  it kind of depends on what the content of the text is.  if it's something super basic, it's fine.  if it involves any complaints or other issues then you will want to also reply on the airbnb platform so it will be easier for Airbnb reps to follow the conversation.  In general, you should strive to keep your communication on the platform for this reason.  We used to do more texting with guests from North America because they generally responded quicker and sometimes we still do text guests, but mostly we do everything on the platform to protect ourselves.

[Jeff-And-Cindy3]

Ok. Thank you all. I am having an issue trying to respond to the guest question.  I have logged into my airbnb but cannot figure out to reply.  I know that sounds stupid but ..please advise. 

[Sarah977]

@Jeff-And-Cindy3  Go to your Airbnb Inbox.

As an aside, you need to go back and edit your desciption, which has almost no information. Fill out all the fields provided. And post a real profile photo. It llooks strange for a host to present themself as an anonymous grey sillouette.

And while I understand you are a collector of antiques and heirlooms, an "entire home" listing should be as clutter-free as possible. Guests will not take care of your stuff as you might expect them to. There should not be anything in an Airbnb that you would be very distressed to have broken or go missing.  Tons of framed family photos, every surface covered in stuff, is not what guests expect nor particularly appreciate.

And why is there a photo of a cat if this is a self-contained cottage? 

[Mark116]

@Jeff-And-Cindy3  I agree with @Sarah977 , you should go through and take out anything that is very expensive or has sentimental value, because it very possibly can get damaged.  And she's also right about the cat, why is there a cat in the photos?  Does the cat live at the cottage?  Will you be leaving the cat alone to fend for itself with the guests?  And whatever is the reason, you should mention it in the listing details and the 'other things to note section' so people with cat allergies will not book.

[Jeff-And-Cindy3]

Thank you all for your input.  Greatly appreciated.