Is declining necessary after someone sends an inquiry?

[Michele2292]

I'm new to AirBnb.  I have an inquiry from someone with questions about the property. If in our conversation they decide not to move forward with a booking, is it still necessary to click on the "decline" button, or can I just let that conversation go unresolved?

Thanks!

[Guy991]

Hello @Michele2292 ,

In inquiries, the most important thing is to respond with a text message as soon as possible. It doesn’t even matter what you say—once you reply, the response timer stops. Sometimes, the inquiries are so strange that I just respond with, “Let me get back to you a little later.”

Regardless of what you write, do not click "Decline" or "Pre-approve." Both buttons are worthless. Just let the conversation either die on its own or turn into a reservation.

For potential guests that seem worthwhile, I follow up the next day to ask if they need any more information. Sometimes, they reply and even go on to make a reservation.

Follow up on inquiries if you think the questions are relevant—sometimes, they’re just super weird.

[Michele2292]

Thanks @Guy991 ! That's really helpful. I know the timer says respond within "24" hours, but what's the ideal response time so not to get dinged?

[Guy991]

Hello @Michele2292 ,

The best response time is within an hour. Again, it doesn’t have to be a detailed or perfect answer—any response will do. Then, you can take your time to reply more thoroughly if needed. I find it better to answer as soon as I can and get it over with.

Sometimes, I receive inquiries asking for a discount, and I need time to check availability and read what other hosts have written about the guest to decide if the inquiry is worth my time.

You can check your response rate in your host profile. In mine, it says: "Responds within an hour."