Not paying for extras

[Louisa136]

I have just hosted 3 American guests arriving in the UK for business.  They told me they were arriving early morning so I offered to stock the fridge with some essentials.  I was told one was a vegetarian and another gluten intolerant so I bought accordingly.  A good selection of fruit, snacks, milks etc.  They loved them and were grateful until it came to paying.  I had told them they could choose what they wanted, give me back the rest and just pay for what they used.  They kept on reassuring me that they would paypal across - and they stalled and stalled and eventually left early (saying they would pay) without paying.  The unit was a mess - all lights left on and dirty crockery left in the sink.  What are my options.  I can give them a bad review but they will probably find some spurious reason to give me 4* or less - I am a 5* superhost but I really just want to get some payment for a service I had offered and they accepted.  Being a host is based on trust - I am a bit thrown by this.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Louisa136 leaving an honest review for these guests will not affect the review they leave you. All reviews are blind and published upon the sooner of both parties leaving reviews or 14 days.

[Elena87 · Accepted solution]

@Louisa136 

You can once more request payment via the airbnb resolution centre, and even escalate this if need be.

There isn't a guarantee though but it's worth pursuing.

I've concluded over time, the cliché about easier getting blood out of a stone isn't much wrong when it comes to some people and paying out money. Although I believe most people are fair and honest, the odds are eventually your goodwill won't be repaid and thus it's worth reducing your exposure to upfront payment of extras - so things like payment settled first before groceries are delivered. 

I've had occasion to help visitors with prepaid ancillary items such as theatre tickets, taxi fares and visa documents, and personally it's thoroughly uncomfortable without prompt repayment, I've revised how I approach these requests now.

As far as the review goes, as ever, be candid and professional regarding the final condition of the apartment following the trip but I would wait to the end of the window before writing, pending any developments.

[Helen3]

I would never provide additional services to guests without getting payment in advance .

why did you allow them to continue to stay without payment?

all you can do now is raise a claim through the Resolution Centre .