I declined a guest for asking for a discount...now she's back

[Tiwana1]

Greetings!

We've been up and running just about a full month. So far, so good...I think, though I'd like to have more weekday bookings. I have no way to tell where I "should" be, but I appreciate the bookings that I do have--seems steady.

My question for the community this morning involves a request for a discount.

NBA All-Star weekend is a hot ticket in the Queen City and I'm priced accordingly IMO.

So last night (2am) I get an inquiry...something like "dang those prices went up quickly. Is there any way to lower them?" 

From reading in this wonderful forum I decided to immediately decline (vice pre-approve) the request. The concensus seemed to be that asking for a discount or bargaining without first booking was an indication of a problematic guest.

And then this morning (11:30 am) I get this, "Ok i never said i wouldn't pay the full price i just asked because it doesn't hurt to ask lol so you denied me that means i cant stay there now?"

I had declined an earlier request for the same time period, for the same reason. The difference is that the previous inquiry took the hint. 

What say you?

[Kenneth-And-Lilia0]

I say go with your gut.  Asking for a discount ALWAYS gets a decline from me.  Even if she "never said she wouldn't pay full price", you dont know if they get "even" in a different way.  Like, well she wouldnt give us a discount so its fine to trash her good towels or make a complete mess...Sorry, but I'm skeptical about every guest.  ABB is pretty cheap for people compared to hotels for what you get.  Asking for more of a discount is just rude.  If you want cheaper, call Motel 6

[Tiwana1]

Hi Kenneth and Lilia!

Thanks for the reply. I don't know for sure, but I belive my gut is right. It seems that she's been an AirBnB member since 2014, but no reviews....I guess she could just not have taken any trips since then, but it seems odd. 

Now that I've declined, I just want to make sure that I don't have to respond/reply to the last email. 

Totally agree about the rudeness! Just Urrrgggghhhh!

[Amy-and-Brian0]

You don't have to respond to them ever. A pre-approval decline means nothing in terms of your standing with Air or getting a bad review.

If they turn around and book full price, that's a different story. 

Stick to your pricing, especially if it's a busy/important time for your community. Someone legit will come and pay full price as it's still likely cheaper than a hotel. And there might not be any rooms left.

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Tiwana1

INQUIRY and REQUEST are not the same thing!

if it is INQUIRY you can just respond and don't have to preaprove/decline

if it is REQUEST then you have to accept or decline within 24 hours or those days will be blocked on your calendar.

Note - if you have instant booking and decline booking INQUIRY - this guest is still able to instant book.

[Linda-And-Richard0]

Hi @Tiwana1,  If this was only an inquiry and not a request to book, just reply that no discounts are offered.  No need to pre-approve or decline.  You have answered their question without any booking committment on your part.  Just be sure to reply within 24 hours of the inquiry.   And yes, very often someone asking for a discount is a person to avoid.

[Paul154]

"I prefer my guests find value in my offering.  There are many good choices for lodging in Charlotteville.

Thanks for your interest, but you'd be happier there."

I am competetively priced, so I really don't like guests who don't want to live at my place at my price.

And if it's a high demand period, it just shows they're stupid. 

[Robin4]

@Paul154 Well put Paul....as you always do!

Yeah @Tiwana1 as a rule people who want a discount are going to turn out be disappointing guests to host. I personally will not approve someone who wants to talk rather than book. But you always have that ace up your sleve in that you do not have to pre-approve or decline an inquiry ...it is simply someone asking a question but as Paul says, if they are chasing a price I suggest they look somewhere else......"I host to a standard, not a price and with magins being as tight as they are, I don't offer discounts. A discount means neither of us are going to be happy...because I will have to trim something somewhere, you may not be happy with what you get, and I may not be happy with what I receive"!

The balls in their court then Tiwana, they either accept you as is.....or they look somewhere else!

I hope this helps.

Cheers......Rob

[Tiwana1]

Thanks y'all!!