Good morning host community! Let me cut to the chase and ask this question to hosts:
(Note: for more context, my listing is my home where I live in 100% of the time)
Should you mention in your listing that you will decline requests from guests with no trips/reviews/profile info?
I'm asking because a guest - whose request I declined for those reasons - replied to me indicating that I should add this info in my listing so that new AIRBNB guests 'don't waste their time' when checking listings; guest also mentioned that 'because they were banking on my listing' they now have no other place for their dates in my area - which is not true. Her response clearly indicated to me that I was right to decline - as her empty AIRBNB profile + no prior trips or reviews - was already sending me red flags.
I'm curious to hear other hosts answer to the above question - but while debating it myself - I now say no. Here's why.
1. If I add this in my listing, it would be in my 'managing expectations' section which is at the bottom of my description and guests often don't go through all the info in a listing - don't think that's how you should start your listing....
2. I really don't regret declining this request as guest reply to me - confirmed they were a red flag. I'm already hearing other hosts saying I could have communicated with the requesting guest first and asking to provide more info - but I fear with this request they would have complained.
3. 100% of guest requests and reservations so far came from guests with full name, full disclosure of purpose of visit, with details about guests, good review and with information about themselves in their profile. And I am sure they will keep on coming.
4. Finally, new AIRBNB guests should have enough smarts, decency and transparency to provide enough information about themselves to allow hosts to accept with confidence (I have gone as far as sharing my linkedin profile when I was a new guest with no reviews).
So curious to hear what other host think about adding or not a statement in their listing that requests from guests with no trips/review/info in their profile will be declined.
thanks everyone!