The New Black. Adjusting to the Down Season.

[Paul154]

What a whirlwind this summer has been.. 3 months of non-stop popularity,

I could do no wrong. People just booked without asking questions. People checked in, only to turn around and go out to see the sites. Besides a bed, fresh linens and a shower, guests had no other needs.

Hubris - I must be a great host.

Wrong!

Already the crazies are coming out. The endless questions, the small complaints, the requests for discounts…  

The market is like a big on/off switch.

How do I adjust? My neuroses are coming out. Guilt at not providing the perfect stay. The worry of choosing the correct price point  (people who don’t book my place don’t tell me their reasons, so how do I know?), the fear of getting manipulated.  .

Summer - it was great while it lasted.

[S-Renee0]

In agreement 👍👍

[Vimla0]

Very true about those that ask too many questions and the ones that ask for discounts. My last one I returned $30 and did not deduct any money for cancellations. I tried to help her with everything but still could not satisfy her!!

[Ha3]

I'm new to Airbnb hosting but still get some fun of a busy Seattle summer, I can see the down season reflects on my booking calendar now. Winter is coming 🙂

[Willow3]

After a crazy busy summer, I'm seeing a slowdown in bookings also. But I think that once the school year gets established, I expect more bookings to flow in. I was surprised at the number of guests I had in the winter months. I only started hosting in late January, so I don't have any historical data to compare with. 

[Kirk-And-Cyndi0]

We have also found that the more questions someone asks at the beginning they will be a problem if they come . We do have instant book, but do get inquiries once in a while before they book. Those that have all kinds of questions are going to be trouble . Use your instinct and dont accept them!!! 

I am quite sure it is not anything you are doing . We have also noticed there are certain phases. Summer for us has also been busy, people in and people out!!!

Be encouraged!!!

[Beverly28]

I'll say!  This was my first summer season and I could do no wrong. WTF, why hadnt i done this before?  Now Im wondering whats next, and will folks start getting a little crazy like last winter.  we'll see

[Rosemarie9]

Just what I was thinking!

The beginning of September brings out all the difficult grumpy non travelling travellers Ugh! 

Like it is my fault that they flew in overnight and decided to drive hours to my place. God help me if they get lost and do not follow instructions!

I swear, I worked with pre schoolers and they are capable of following instructions more than the down time tourists.

If I survive the next month I will be lucky.

[Carina40]

Yup! I learned that one the hard way. I had a couple ask for a discount for their month stay. I had already reduced the rate. But, it was November and there were no inquires. I reduced the rate to a level I had never offered before ( even to single med students....my fave). On top of that I picked up the guest's 90 year old mother ( who lived in my neighbourhood) to preapprove what they were renting. 

THESE FOLK GAVE ME A TWO STAR RATING!!!

"No one told us to bring slippers. We found the hardwood floor cold"

When they ask for a discount I now ask them why.

[Clara116]

@Carina40@Paul154   - Carina that's a drag - 2**......in my house manual I tell folks that I hope for them to have a 5***** stay AND that a 4**** is FAILURE for a host....

I just retired after 15yrs as massage therapist and had a thriving business in my cottage - I NEVER did the discount thing. But, I did volunteer and help when necessary. I found that people who ask for a discount will NOT BE The guest you want to have or host. Every time the folks that got the donated gift certificate from an organization would be the ones that wanted MORE - those looking for cheap - sorry, I love a good deal BUT some folks just push it way too far.  Airbnb rates are already low - so I'm with stand your price ground - Paul I'm trying to see all the sides as a new host (since June 2017) - we are a tourist town so summer is the prime time and the slow down is surely gonna happen - and I see it beginning some now - Plus we are looking at Hurricanes and weather!!!

Everytime I think Maybe lower price just alittle - My husband says, that Motel 6, crack house not far from here charges $90 a night. That brings me back to conscienceness and I am just fine, with slower bookings. 

Wish I lived near Seattle Paul, I could image  some really cool ideas added to your already nice cottage - I'm about rustic, DYI like I did in my cottage, little kitchenette..etc....- I am really visual and have a very active brain. Please don't take this the wrong way - I mean it only with a kind spirit, I promise.

all the best to you folks!!! Happy Hosting

[Carina40]

Clara... Same same. I had a lovely young gal inquire, I approved and then she didn't book. I write her to tell her all she had to do was book as she had been pre approved. She was so sweet ( had great reviews) and apologized as she had misread the price. It was out of her budget. I asked what her budget was. $20 less a night. Sold. She said she was just out of massage school. Told me she was gentle soul. How could I say no! She was a doll. I swear she vacuumed before she left! But you are right, Clare, the offer of a price adjustment needs to come from the host. Not demanded by the guest.

Cheers!

[Steph12]

Carina, I think that's brilliant!  Why should you have to give them a discount?  You set your rates and that's what it is.  I live 3 miles from the airport in Seattle, and often pick up or drop off my guests.  I don't charge because I don't have a license to drive a taxi.  But I had a customer complain last week because she had to wait for me.   She had other options:  Light Rail, Uber, Lyft, a taxi.  And then her companion, who was stuck in Customs, wasn't with her when I picked her up, so we had to make a second trip.

I have another issue:  especially with Asians.  They sleep on top of the blanket and under the bedspread, not between the sheets.  I've even included in my listing the fact that they should sleep between the sheets.  I don't think they can read English.

I've also had 2 guests recently who are smokers.  I VERY CLEARLY say NO SMOKERS in my listing.  They smoke outside, but still bring their stink into the house.  Any comments on that?

Steph

[Welcome0]

@Steph0 That explains it! When I was removing bedding from my  Asian guests beds, I was surprised that the sheets looked like they had never been used. Very strange! Do they use their own sheets?

Another group of guests was not easy. They had problems and several changes of plans. Most of all, I detest the closet smokers! My House Rules covers this thoroughly. No smoking in the apartment or near the house. However, I cannot be around the house all day to babysit. My husband saw one of them puffing away near my door.  

Unfortunately, the body stench penatrates into the hallway and upholstery. As I was sweeping by my front steps, I found some cig butts in my flower pots. I don't wish to complain after a guest has left, but sometimes you find out much later.  

Upon completing my cleaning and doing my inventory, I noticed a few items were missing. No big deal! Sorry, but they will not be welcomed here again. 

[Tony134]

LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!

Sorry, that is me laughing with you.  As soon as I read 'picked up guest's 90 year old grandmother' I knew you were in trouble on the review.  Crazy right?

This is how you know that was a danger sign:  A respectable human wouldn't ask you to pick up their 90 year old grandmother.  They would have someone they know or someone professional do it, only one of the two.  You cannot trust someone that would have  random stranger pick up their grandmother unpaid to leave you a good review.

Any time aguest is asking me to do something for zero compensation, I think RED FLAG.

[Lilian20]

Funny, just as I read your post - i'm getting the first complaints for weeks !

thanks for this post @Paul154

[Lyndsey2]

This time of the year really does seem to bring out the worst in people! I've called it "tourism fatigue" in the past. They are tired of travelling, of warm weather, of each other, but insist on trying to squeeze the last bit out of summer even if it makes them miserable! It will pass... but I will say that I have learned to turn down guests who ask for discounts and sometimes start discouraging a reservation when a potential guest seems to already have an unreasonable number of concerns, questions, and uneasiness about my listing.