declining reservation

[Susan4210]

Guest wants to barter instead of paying - do I get penalized if I decline the reservation?

[Joan2709]

@Susan4210 

You will not get penalized for declining a few requests to book.  If it is just an inquiry, you don't need to decline. Just respond to guest within 24hrs. 

Respond to an Inquiry

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2410

If it is a Request to Book, Airbnb says you have to decline "alot" of requests for it to affect you. Not sure what they consider "alot" but a few declines shouldn't hurt you in search rank:

Decline A Trip Request

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/360

[Susan4210]

Thanks for weighing in, Joan. I appreciate it.

[Elisa]

Hi @Susan4210 😊, 

thank you for asking this question here!

What did you decide to do about the upcoming reservation?
Were you able to decline it as suggested by our host Joan?

Warm regards 🌻,

[Susan4210]

Having never been in this position before, I was unaware that when declining, one is asked for a reason. I had an opportunity to state that the prospective guest was interested only in bartering photography services for several days' stay at our cottage. 

I'm expecting that in such a situation, a host would never be penalized for declining.