Need some advice

[Holly650]

Hello, we received an unusual request and I’m not sure if I should call this person or just decline the request. Has anyone else ever received this type of a message from a guest? Screenshots of our conversation following…

 

 

 

[Guy991]

Hello @Holly650 

Did you have a guest named Delman?

[Holly650]

Hi! Thanks for responding. No, I did not have a guest named Delman. I figured that was a red flag. It could be that they got us mixed up with someone else. I should just go ahead and ask him. I was considering calling but not sure I should because then they would have my number. 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Holly650 

Whoo - complicated!  I would not call him. Not only would he have your number, there would not be a record of the call's contents. Please keep all communication on the platform in writing, for your own protection. I'd ask for more information what the flexible booking options means, but as it stands, I'd decline because it makes me uncomfortable already. I am firm with my rules, and do not consent to discounts, for example. Good luck with this and please let us know how this turns out.

[Frances3408 · Accepted solution]

@Holly650 . Block them. "after the communication is over, i will come back to book here" and the attempt to provide a phone number which Airbnb bans its practice says it all really. They probably think that they will influence you to their advantage in a phone call. You said exactly the right thing.

I have never had a guest enquiry that I wasnt prepared to spend a little time with messages to get to the end of their request(s), even if that meant no booking.

Also, in future if you want just hosts to see this to provide feedback, suggest you use Host Circle.

[Holly650]

Thank you all for your help. I did not know there was a “Host Circle”. I appreciate that info! 

I will communicate one more message and then block them.  

[Frances3408]

You are very welcome @Holly650 . In Community Center there are currently seven categories that can help, including Host Guides and Host Circle is one just for hosts that doesnt get its correspondence posted for everyone else to see.

[Holly650]

Got it! Thank you so much @Frances3408