Unhappy guest

Bernadette408
Level 2
Melbourne, Australia

Unhappy guest

Hello,

 

 

I would love some support on this matter, please.

A guest checked into our home on June 26th and on July 4th complained about the construction next door. As the property is solely used for Air B'n'B guests, I was unaware of this. The guest expressed her disappointment and asked for a resolution. What would you suggest I do moving forward to turn this unhappy guest into a happy client? 

I have mentioned the construction next door to all future bookings, as it may affect their stay.

I appreciate your help in this matter.

Bernadette

8 Replies 8

@Bernadette408  If the construction will be an ongoing problem for the remainder of the guest's stay, there is nothing you can do to convert her into a happy client. It's not a problem you can send someone over to fix, so the best offer you can make is the opportunity to cut the booking short, relocate, and take a refund for the unused nights of the stay. 

 

Granted, it's been a full week since the guest complained, so it may be too late for any kind of resolution to be effective. It's possible that the guest is simply fishing for a free stay, which is insanely common these days.

 

If the construction genuinely causes a very significant and persistent noise problem that wasn't disclosed, it might be worth a token discount to all the affected guests - your listing opens with the word "quiet," which is a feature that might have been oversold in this case. But sometimes guests' problem with construction is more of an aesthetic distaste, which doesn't merit any resolution. It's important for either you or a local co-host to be present at the property and aware of any conditions that might affect a stay, so you know what action is appropriate to take. Otherwise, it's very easy for a serial complainer to rob you blind.

Thank you, Andrew, some good insight here.

The tenant has now left, so I guess compensation is what she is looking for.

I appreciate your help in this matter.

Gwen386
Level 10
Lusby, MD

@Bernadette408  Well today is the 12th. How long is her reservation for? Is she still in the property? What type of resolution was she seeking? Did you two come to a decision?

Bernadette408
Level 2
Melbourne, Australia

Hi Gwen, good questions. I think it's best I compensate her for her disappointment.

Thank you for asking some good questions.

Bernadette

@Bernadette408   You have nothing to gain from throwing money at this person. This practice of whining about minor holiday disappointments to get discounts and free stuff has got to be resisted. 

Michael5047
Level 6
West Palm Beach, FL

@Bernadette408 

If they give you a negative review you can definitely ask Airbnb to put it down based on the fact that what they state is ''out of your control''

 

hope that helps!

Mike from West Palm

@Michael5047  For the record, not mentioning "circumstances beyond another's control" is on the list of recommendations, not requirements. Hosts are in control of how well they stay informed of conditions around the home that may impact guests' stay, how much they disclose in the listing, and how they communicate in response to guests' complaints. So while a review that whines about construction may not be fair and balanced, it is relevant and doesn't merit censorship.

 

On the other hand, if you have the guest in writing threatening a bad review if they don't get a refund, that's pretty clear-cut extortion and definitely grounds to get it taken down. 

Michael5047
Level 6
West Palm Beach, FL

@Anonymous 

 

I disagree

Mike from West Palm