What's your preferred form of communication with guests?

[Elisa]

Hello everyone 😊,

I hope your week is going smoothly.

I would like to discuss the way you choose to communicate with your guests.

Using the Airbnb platform to exchange messages offers advantages in terms of security and record-keeping.

On the other hand, texting allows for responsiveness and a sense of connection that can strengthen the relationship with your guests. Phone calls, meanwhile, enable direct and personal interaction, though some guests might prefer to avoid verbal conversations, especially in an international context.

What’s your preferred method of communicating with your guests: through Airbnb, by text, by phone, or perhaps by email?

Wishing you a great day,
Elisa 🌻

[Elisa]

Hi @Ulrike277 😊, 

Thank you for your comment here!

Do your guests also appreciate email or do they sometimes ask you to communicate in other ways?

Warm regards 🌻,‌

[Ulrike277]

they prefer the Airbnb platform, once booked we communicate via Whatsupp

[Tracey667]

Definitely prefer using the airbnb messaging platform.  But occasionally if guests don't respond then I use their mobile number, as shown in the booking details screen, and drop them a quick whatsapp.

[Elisa]

Hi @Tracey667 😊,

Thank you for sharing your preference!

I'm really curious, why do you prefer the Airbnb platform?

Warm regards 🌻,

[Tracey667]

Mainly so that there is a clear history of communication that airbnb has access to should there be any issues or problems.

[William2438]

After the guest books, the reservation I usually send them a video walk-through of the house so that they can get an idea for how amazing my home is. Unfortunately, Airbnb does not allow a video walk-through to be presented on the site which honestly is a terrible thing because my house is better by far than many of the other homes in the area and it’s difficult to show that using pictures. However, after they book, I send them a video walk-through of the house, which increases their interest in the choice that they made to rent our home because it is so beautiful. I think that has a lot to do with the very low cancellation rate that I have. Airbnb should definitely allow a two minute video walk-through of the house to be put on the site.  After I send them the video, I also send them another video that explains how to use our pool, meaning how to take the automatic vacuum out, turn the pool lights on and to request specific heat settings on the pool heater by contacting me. At this point, I allow them to continue text messaging me or if they prefer to use the app then I do whatever it is they are most comfortable with.

[Elisa]

Hi @William2438 😊, 

Your approach is amazing!

How did you come up with these video ideas?

I’d love to see the video, would you mind sharing it here? I’m sure it will inspire other hosts as well. 😍

Warm regards 🌻,

[William2438]

Here is the link 

https://youtu.be/vL7EgmGMr0k?si=6RdI2nJ8Xk24yFJ6

[Torkjell0]

Messages via airbnb only.

[Elisa]

Hi @Torkjell0 😊, 

Thank you for sharing your comment here!

Why do you prefer only the Airbnb platform?

Warm regards 🌻,

[Torkjell0]

It is a matter of security. Airbnb can monitor the messages.  If something happens, there is a record of what has been said. Knowing that,  I also think twice  before writing something to my guests. I need to be professional and avoid mistakes. 

[Veronica1510]

I personally prefer a text message (#1) or through the platform (#2).  We are in a very rural area with very limited cell service, so we rely on Wi-Fi mostly.  Some guests can't even access their app depending on their cell provider (only ATT is available out here) Texting usually is the best form of communication.  I can almost always receive a text even if I am driving between properties.

[Elisa]

Hi @Veronica1510 😊, 

Thank you for your comment!

Which messaging app do you use, WhatsApp or iMessage?

Warm regards 🌻,

[Zakia22]

Messages through Airbnb platform.

[Elisa]

Hi @Zakia22 😊, 

Thank you for sharing your preference!

Why do you prefer the Airbnb platform?

Warm regards 🌻,