'PRE-APPROVAL' ?

[Cynthia858]

Why do some visitors get automatic approval, and some do not?  I received an inbox message from this guy Thomas who has no reviews, no contact info and his message was this:

Thomas7:10 PM

Hello can you call me please (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) Thank you

What is this?  

[Sarah977]

@Cynthia858  This sounds like someone with a brand new account who has no idea how Airbnb works.

Just tell him all interaction between host and guests takes place on the platform, that hosts don't ever communicate by phone with guests until after a booking has been paid for and confirmed, and that hosts and guests don't have access to each other's phone numbers until then. And that you require far more info than appears in his profile in order to accept a booking.

Anyone can send you an inquiry. It's just a way for guests to ask questions even if they aren't ready to commit to a booking. Inquiries don't require that you click on pre-approve or decline. All you have to do is reply to the message within 24 hours. Never waste declines on Inquiries.

I assume you use Instant Book, and if a guest doesn't meet your IB requirements, they have to send a Booking Request instead.

I see you aren't a brand new host, as you have 35 reviews. I'm surprised you've never received an Inquiry before. ( All inquiries are not as clueless as the one you just got)

[Colleen253]

@Cynthia858 This is an Inquiry, which is simply a question, and requires only a response from you. You can tell this person that Airbnb prevents you from communicating off platform, and if they have questions, to just ask. 

[Helen427]

Hello @Cynthia858 and welcome to ABB CC from across the oceans in Auckland, New Zealand.

A number of us have had similar experiences from new accounts, often with a WhatsApp number, best not to communicate directly to their telephone number with these account holders and report them to ABB so they can follow up on it.

All the best