New to hosting - check in instructions

[Kristi1762]

Hello all

i am new to hosting and my first guests arrive at 3pm on Tuesday. (50 hours time) 

I have populated all the checkin instructions and photos and WiFi details and everything else Air BNB has asked me for.

However the guest has just messaged and is asking me if I am going to be sending him the check in details.? 

My assumption is that Air BNB will make these available etc. 

can someone advise what the process is or if I have to do something. 

thank you. 

[Chui-Ling0]

Normally Airbnb will send them the check-in instructions you put in one day before they check in. They can also find this info in their booking details. You can also set up an auto message so you don't have to manually send guests instructions for every booking.

[Kristi1762]

Wonderful thank you. 

[Kia272]

@Kristi1762  I have a saved message that I use to send check-in details. My booking message (automated) tells guests that I'll send their check-in details four days prior to arrival. I feel that when people are going to travel, a message only one day prior (from AirBnB) is going to have them feeling anxious about their travel, so I do four days. 

I then modify my saved message to the particular guest. I give them their key-code for entry (timed and dated so they can't get in prior to their reservation), and also ask about their planned arrival time. 

My saved message includes things that I don't feel fit into the general property details, like bringing groceries if they plan to cook in (no grocery stores near my place), as well as where to park, etc. 

It's a fresh reminder about some details they may have looked at months ago, friendly contact from the host, and gives me an idea of their communication habits, as it requires a response. 

This has worked well for me so far, and I think guests appreciate the personal contact.

Good luck with your hosting, Kia

[Kia272]

@Kristi1762  you should most definitely add more photos to your listing! What you have there looks absolutely gorgeous, but you haven't shown the whole property. The other bedrooms, bathrooms, and living area need to be shown. Based on what you have so far, it will only increase your bookings! 

Your price seems very low as well, but I don't know your market. 

Happy hosting, Kia

[Kristi1762]

Thank you. 

I have had a nightmare with the new beds being delivered. They are arriving tomorrow and guests arriving the day after. Eeek

once everything is dressed and ready I will add more photos. 

thanks. 

[Sarah977]

@Kristi1762  It's not just missing bedroom photos- there is no photo of the living room, the other bathrooms, the staircases you mention, etc. Looks like a lovely place, though.  

[Sarah977]

@Kristi1762@Kia272  Personally, I wouldn't book with a host who insisted on only sending check-in instructions the day before arrival. I like  all my ducks in a row when I travel- the less last minute stuff to attend to the better. And all sorts of things could go sideways at the last minute- I might not have access to Wifi, my phone might run out of juice, etc.

[Kristi1762]

Yup I agree. I just wasn’t sure what the guest receives as and when automatically from Air BNB. Now I know I will send emails in advance. thanks. 

[Sarah977]

@Kristi1762  Also ask the guest to confirm to you that they received it. I do this with guests because while I am a  hone-share host who checks guests in personally, so there is really no check-in info they require, I do need to send them a map to my place, as it is pretty much impossible to find without it. 

A trick to getting guests to confirm things is to make it all about your concern for their welfare. "Hi XX, please confirm by a brief message that you received these check-in instructions. There are sometimes tech glitches on the platform and I'd hate for you to be standing outside unable to get in, at a time I might not be available to answer a call."