Why is the AirBNB booking process so lengthy?

[Lee4778]

Why does ABNB website require all the multiple log-ins and verification codes and it won't complete my request to book until I explain why I'd want to rent a cabin along a creek in the woods??????  I find the location I want, confirm it is available on my dates, then I have to screw around for 10 minutes trying to request a booking.  WHY make that so complex and require so many steps?  I've found what I want and I want to book it.  So I log in, and it deletes the property that I've selected and shows me places all over the world.  HELLO, I did a search for North Carolina, so why now show me properties in the north of Spain.  Why is it "required" that I tell the host "why I'm traveling"?  It's a cabin in the woods, yes, I going there for the same reasons everyone else would travel there.  I'm not going there to see if there's an opera or art museum close by, or a huge amusement park.  Why? Why do you think?  This site needs to consider the ease of booking on the other competitive sites, because this one is way too frustrating and laborious.

[Joelle43]

Hello @Lee4778 

The reason that you are not able to instant book a certain property is because the host has ticked the box that requires guests to have at least one positive review before booking their place.  It may be a place in a woods as you say but the owner wants to be sure that it will be looked after and that their house rules will be read and accepted by any future guests.  

Could you see yourself accepting a stranger into your home with nothing but a name to go by?  A little communication between hosts and guests go a long way and an owner of any property just wants to be sure that their place is a good fit, hence the question "why I'm travelling".

I'm just trying to give you a different perspective so please don't take it badly and sure you'll find other platforms who ask less questions but personally that's what I appreciate particularly about Airbnb, as both a host and a guest, is that there is that possibility to exchange with the owner.  Each to their own as they say....

Joëlle

[Helen744]

@Lee4778 Its amazing Lee what owners want to know ,but really its a way to commence a communication with you. It is not a hotel ,it belongs to someone, that person is not Airbnb ,so yes it is a two part process. the second part is when you are actually no longer communicating with airbnb but with the host. the hosts questions are also for you to ask questions. It is so that the host knows when to make beds , turn on lights ,get out the wine and cheese and come back and clean up . they do not need to know too much but as much as your aunty joan would ask ,both to make sure you are safe ,able to communicate ,if necessary and that they are too. a little patience will make every ones trips so much better...but unlike aunty joans ,someone else slept there before you and probably will after you. They really need to change all the linen and put out fresh towels and buy some coffee and be able to tell the co host to warm the place up because you will be travelling with your grandma or children.you will never know they have been there so take a chill pill and relax... H

[Patricia2526]

Hello @Lee4778  

Just want to share my host perspective. One common reason is that hosts like to have a better understanding of who their guests are and this can also help hosts tailor their communication and hospitality to meet your needs. Hosts may want to ensure that their listing is a good fit for your travel plans.

Patricia  

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Lee4778 Two factor authorisation, if that is what you are referring to, is important to many people as it reduces the chance of their account being hacked/identity stolen.

Everything else you mentions down to the host's settings. We don't require all that you describe but we are renting a fairly standard apartment in the building attached to our house so we don't have huge risks with people coming. It is amazing though how many people do not read the property descriptions - Many turn up to places unsuited for non 4 wheel drive cars, others complain that properties are too secluded or have animals/bugs around them. A small amount of communication goes a long way in these situations to ensure a guest and listing are compatible.

[Jenny]

Hi @Lee4778 

Thanks for your feedback - I hope that the insight from our Hosts has helped you understand why there's a process involved when you're booking someone's place.

Thanks to @Mike-And-Jane0, @Patricia2526, @Helen744 and @Joelle43 for taking the time to give your candid insight into the Host perspective!  

Jenny 

[Pat271]

@Lee4778  

I agree with you that the “why you’re traveling” question is obtrusive. The question is Airbnb’s wording, by the way, not the host’s wording.

I actually mentioned on this forum in another post that I’d prefer a different question - something like “Tell me a little about yourself and the people you are traveling with”. That is enough information to determine whether it’s the right fit, whether I’m providing the amenities the guest will need, whether I need to clarify any child safety issues, external noise concerns, etc. It also verifies establishing communications with the guest in case important issues arise during their stay. Also, it gives the guest a little bit of leeway in what they want to tell me.

The response I got on this forum, though, was mainly in support of the “Why you’re traveling” question. Apparently, there are types of properties and locales in which the purpose of the visit is an important aspect to establish appropriateness of the booking. For me, it’s not important, because, like the property you’re attempting to book, guests visit our resort location for mostly the same reason.

As far as all the other requirements - that is up to the UI team to improve over time. You are correct that the smoothness of the user experience should be very important, but it’s a fine line between ease of use and insuring suitability. Neither Airbnb nor hosts want to book guests that end up being unhappy.

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Lee4778 

I as a home share host of a unique "cabin in the wilderness."  I do not take instant book and I do ask questions of my guests. Why? Because wonderful people tend to fall in love with the photos and the idea, without fully reading and understanding important things about my listing, its features, amenities, and location. My house rules are for reasons that the casual reader may not fully understand. My firm goal for every guest, & every stay is that every guest has the best possible experience  and that all the surprises will be good ones. 

Best wishes to you, and may all your stays be excellent!

[Lorna170 · Accepted solution]

@Lee4778   It sounds like you are typical of many of my guests, wanting a cabin in the woods.

However, I need to know that you understand that it is a cabin in the woods and there will be animals and insects.  I have been screwed over by guests who call CS for a refund because there was a squirrel on the deck and I did not magically appear to shoo it away.

I also need to know that you have read the instructions -- you can't use GPS to get to us as the mountains obstruct it.  So, do you have the map I sent?  Do you have the door code written out somewhere because your phone will not work until you are inside and attached to the WiFi?  

There is also the issue of the local college....I don't rent to those students (and sometimes their parents) because I don't allow parties or gatherings.  So, are you coming from 8 hours away or are you 3 miles away?  

Are you bringing 1 pet or a menagerie?  Anyone else coming with you?  We only have 2 beds and the couch is not for sleeping (neither is the floor).

AirBnBs are hosted by real people who want you to have a good experience and likewise want to have you respect and care for their property.  If you don't want to interface with your host, rent a hotel.  

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Lee4778 @Lorna170 

Amen to the directions and the door codes mention, @Lorna170. The mountainous terrain blocks internet on the roads to our place. The on board navigator does its best to get people lost, sending drivers down roads that do not exist, don't go anywhere, are dead ends, or are long ago closed off due to landslides in deep canyons without any way to call out for assistance.  The GPS in my car misquotes addresses. Mine starts with a 33 and when heading to my driveway my car says I'm heading to addresses starting with a 41. If guests use my set of directions they'll easily arrive at my doorstep, on well maintained road. If not, they'll likely arrive late and frustrated. 

Regarding door codes - we don't use them, however we are on a private road with 2 locked gates. The gate codes are in our directions, and they are very necessary. 

We are serious about our guest numbers, like @Lorna170 and responsibilities to our local community's peace, quiet and safety. No parties or gatherings, no campfires, or open flames. No pets to be in danger with wildlife interactions or to gather ticks in the woods or the grasses. 

Our house rules have important information on fire safety, wildlife,  and personal safety off pavement in wilderness. Our cabin in the woods is much more than a gorgeous piece of amazing architecture, , a romantic and peaceful place to unplug for a getaway, sit on a rock and soak in the view. After 31 years on this mountaintop, we've learned a lot of the ins and outs of this constantly interactive lifestyle. There is so much more to this than it appears on the surface. While guests are enjoying their respite, we are monitoring the infrastructure - water, power, road conditions, weather, fires, earthquakes. We are their Mission Control, behind the scenes, the business end of "Disneyland". We know what calls, hoots, screeches or goes bump in the night.  We know the birds and squirrels running around on the roof, the footprints on the porch.

We can recommend places to eat,  places guests want to go, and an excellent alternative for a place to stay in town,  if our home is not a good match for whatever reason. Our hospitality and local knowledge has value in a vast region that guests may not be familiar with. When I travel, I prefer to stay with home share hosts, for that personal touch, knowledge and hospitality. 

Our permit wisely requires us to be on the property at all times when guests are here. We pay attention to every little thing so that our amazing guests can just relax and enjoy their time here. 

Welcome Aboard, and may all our guests' surprises be delightful ones!

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Lorna170 @Lee4778 

Forgot to mention that we are also making sure that the internet and wifi are working; which in the woods and mountains can be challenging.