special request

[Perry-Run-Acres0]

Hi, thanks for all the wonderful ideas. We are new to this and are wondering if we are able to offer requested amenities for an extra cost.  Such as balloons and birthday cake or flowers and wine for special occasions.

[Paula]

Hi @Perry-Run-Acres0,

That’s an interesting initiative—thank you for sharing it with the community!

I’m reaching out to a few fellow hosts to gather their thoughts on this: @Kate2192, @Kenchy0, @Maria22471 @Peter439 @Sheri1 @Collin18 @Katarzyna87 

Best regards,

[Collin18]

@Perry-Run-Acres0 , I've seen hosts do this before. To do it properly, you need to make sure you check with your local zoning laws b/c you may be considered a retail shop at that point and have to pay taxes commensurate to that. But I doubt people will kick up too much fuss if you offer some ala carte items for purchase. I'd say go for it. As far as wine goes, well, I'd stay away from that. You can definitely get into some legal issues selling wine or any type of alcohol without a permit. Everything else there's a mild risk but probably fine. 

[Tara0]

Don't offer balloons. They end up polluting waterways, the sea, being ingested by animals who then die, - the very opposite of a celebratory thing. 

[Kenchy0]

We sometimes offer special discounts to people who book over a certain number of nights. Discount or free local tours. We don’t offer ala carte services aside from extra cleaning if they stay over a certain number of days.  We’ve had people request some things for longer term stays but usually we say we can’t because they then want to pay outside Airbnb and we will not do that because we would have no recourse if the guest caused damage.   Usually someone asking for special services is just looking for a way to negotiate prices outside of Airbnb like not paying tax or cleaning fees and that’s a big red flag so we don’t approve those guests.  

[Kate2192]

Hello, this is not a service I am interested for the type of Airbnb that I offer. If I was, I would think very carefully my level of commitment to offering this service and reliability of sourcing products. Being newbies to Airbnb, maybe it’s a good idea to get 12 months experience of being a uber great host under your belt with great reviews before considering additional services?

[Greg2406]

@Perry-Run-Acres0 

Yes, we always have specialty items for our guests,..snacks, chocolates and ice cream at no charge.   

We also believe we are the only property in the southern US that offers an extensive specialty menus items and a very large selection of wines.  Everything from grass fed steaks, to gulf shrimp, to cajun gumbo.  Everything from Mexican to Mediterranean, Indian, and Italian.  For those guests with an anniversary or birthday, we normally provide them with a bottle of wine or champagne and flowers at no charge.