Vetting clients

[Angela4744]

Are there a set of questions anyone uses to determine if a guest is the right fit? I’ve been getting some inquiries but so nervous I’m going to get a squatter or someone unpleasant or dangerous.

help! 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Angela4744 

This is a good question. This set of questions will be different for every host and every situation. For starts, may I suggest that you not use instant book, at least while you get your bearings and get comfortable with having guests. 

Also, be very specific in your listing about house rules, your amenities, your maximum stay, and tailor your pitch towards your ideal guest. 

Best of luck and happy hosting!

[Paula]

Thank you so much for these wonderful suggestions, @Kitty-and-Creek0. Hopefully @Angela4744 can read them soon and implement them.

I thought I’d tag a few more hosts here to see if we can gather a few more perspectives that might help Angela feel a bit less nervous: @Laurelle3 @Patricia2526 @Karen4131 @Christine615 

Thanks everyone!

[Laurelle3]

@Angela4744  For me I have instant book turned off as @Kitty-and-Creek0 has said too.

This is for a safety reason. I ask the guests booking why they are requesting to stay in our cottage.

After they have a confirmed booking I request the names of thir guests or family and the ages of the children. Asking for childrens age as I put out games and suitable books for their age. Or ask if they require the porta cot or a high chair. Thanks for mentioning me @Paula 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Laurelle3 @Angela4744 

Exactly. Much of what we do is for safety reasons. 

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Angela4744 

One practice I’ve found especially useful is treating communication as part of the vetting process. The way a guest communicates before booking often reflects how they’ll communicate during their stay. Guests who are polite, transparent, and responsive tend to make the hosting experience much smoother.

Watch out for red flags!

Wanting to pay or communicate outside Airbnb.

Avoiding simple questions.

Asking to exceed your occupancy limit.

Mentioning parties or events when they’re not allowed.

Requesting exceptions to multiple house rules before arrival.

Having multiple negative reviews with similar complaints.

Best of luck

[Phil5677]

@Angela4744 In general I have only had bad luck with newer AirBnBers so when I get a booking request from one of them I send them the following message:

Hi [Guest],

Thanks for your interest in my place! Costa Rica is a beautiful country - you’re going to love discovering it! I notice that you’re relatively new to AirBnB, which is totally fine - everyone starts at the same place. To help me approve your request I would like to know a little more about your trip (how many people are coming with you, approximate age range of your group) and to make sure you’ve had an opportunity to review our house rules (especially the ones about ‘no parties’ and ‘no smoking inside’). We take a lot of pride in offering an exceptional property to our guests - and to be completely transparent we’ve had a few (not many…but a few) negative experiences with first-time users….so now we just take this precautionary step to make sure our property is a great fit for your vacation.

I would ask that you review the rules and drop an acknowledgment here. And if you have any questions on them (or anything else) please don’t hesitate to ask.

Thanks-in-advance,

Phil

Since I started doing this I have had no guest issues.   Yes, a few perspective guests drop off.....but that's for the best as it's clear (to me at least) they would have been a problem and expensive clean up.

[Christine615]

Hi @Angela4744 . We changed to a 2-night minimum and raised our prices a little bit. We had the most problems with people coming only for one night - it cut down on the frequent cleaning. We also ask guests who book to introduce themselves and tell us a bit about why they are coming. Those who do have actually read the description and rules.

If you are nervous, start a polite conversation. "Hi, glad you are coming. What brings you to the area?"

I set my listing so that ONLY people with prior good reviews and host recommendations can instant book. Everyone else has to ask. If you ever get someone who is evasive, or books for one person but indicates more are coming, tell Airbnb you are uncomfortable.

Mostly - it takes a while to get a feel for things in your area. Don't be afraid to be sociable. That will help weed out problems too. I've had a few guests over the years I would not have back. But 99% of my guests who communicate up front have been fine.

I also recommend a security camera over the front door. I state that in my listing. That cut down on a lot of bogus inquiries as well.