Any experience with Airbnb?
Dec 3, 2015, 1:39 am
#436
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: QLA
Programs: SBUX Gold
Posts: 14,507
I didn't read the entire thread save the OP's question. I've been both a host and a guest. and have had nothing but great experiences... I would not hesitate to use Airbnb (I know, it sounds like a review, which it is). It's all about doing your due diligence in reading the reviews, finding trustworthy hosts, or at least hosts you feel comfortable with. If there are too many red flags (vague descriptions, no/unclear profile picture, etc.) then trust your gut.
Dec 4, 2015, 1:23 pm
#438
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta SkyMiles, AmEx, NorthWest WorldPerks, Jelly of the Month. S&H Green Stamps, Subway sub club
Posts: 1,754
Dec 6, 2015, 4:19 pm
#439
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Bogota
Programs: Lifemiles Gold, COPA 1K, Hhonors Diamond, Carlson Gold
Posts: 98
Airbnb - a scam?
I have a number of properties and use various media to market them. Obviously I looked at Airbnb as another alternative. However, I have dicovered something very sinister. I did not list the properties at the same time but one by one.
For each property I listed each time within 24 hours I had 2 potential clients who were very enthustic to rent the property. I engaged with them but there was no further contact. This did not happen just one time but more than five times. Even when I changed the listing and reposted it was the same; 2 new enquirers that did not complete. This reminds me of that dating site, that employed people to falsely engage with the posters.
Has anyone else experienced this phenomena? I am inclined to report the matter to the FTC!
For each property I listed each time within 24 hours I had 2 potential clients who were very enthustic to rent the property. I engaged with them but there was no further contact. This did not happen just one time but more than five times. Even when I changed the listing and reposted it was the same; 2 new enquirers that did not complete. This reminds me of that dating site, that employed people to falsely engage with the posters.
Has anyone else experienced this phenomena? I am inclined to report the matter to the FTC!
Dec 6, 2015, 5:57 pm
#440
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Ewing, NJ
Programs: OnePass, Delta
Posts: 244
I do not think it sinister at all... I personally have used ABnB on several occasions and subsequently have not used several of the places I enquired into for various reasons.
When dealing with the public for such commodities as air, auto, hotels and other public accommodations, many make inquiries and go no further or book and no show for whatever reason(s) known or unknown.
To make a complaint to the FTC due to customer fickleness or even if it is a test by ABnB (which I would think they would disclose in due course) would be for naught, as you can withdraw your listings from the site if dissatisfied.
What are the TOS's concerning customers and etc.???
Have you not had similar experiences with your current sources of marketing?
Good Luck...
FWIW...
When dealing with the public for such commodities as air, auto, hotels and other public accommodations, many make inquiries and go no further or book and no show for whatever reason(s) known or unknown.
To make a complaint to the FTC due to customer fickleness or even if it is a test by ABnB (which I would think they would disclose in due course) would be for naught, as you can withdraw your listings from the site if dissatisfied.
What are the TOS's concerning customers and etc.???
Have you not had similar experiences with your current sources of marketing?
Good Luck...
FWIW...
Dec 6, 2015, 6:56 pm
#443
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: Delta Gold, Alaska Gold 75K, LATAM Black
Posts: 3,393
Airbnb - a scam?
I'm an Airbnb host for the last four years, many times a guest will just copy and paste a general inquiry to a bunch of properties and if you don't respond quickly enough that's the end of that!
Don't be so quick to jump to wild conclusions
Don't be so quick to jump to wild conclusions
Dec 7, 2015, 1:11 am
#444
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Malaga, Spain
Posts: 1,078
As a potential guest their website encourages you to make multiple applications for your chosen destination. Many hosts do not update their calendars for availability or are tardy about replying so this works out all round.
I agree with other posters - chill
Dec 7, 2015, 5:12 am
#445
Moderator: Manufactured Spending
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,580
This is normal in any business. Many people go to the car dealership and don't buy a car, or go to a store and don't buy anything, or go to an airline's website and start a booking but don't finish it.
Since your listing is new, people will be more cautious. Once you have some reviews, it will improve. AirBnB doesn't make money from contacts, only completed bookings, so they have no reason to do this. Unlike with a dating site, it would annoy customers rather than encourage them.
Since your listing is new, people will be more cautious. Once you have some reviews, it will improve. AirBnB doesn't make money from contacts, only completed bookings, so they have no reason to do this. Unlike with a dating site, it would annoy customers rather than encourage them.
Dec 7, 2015, 6:03 am
#446
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: Star Alliance G*, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium,
Posts: 3,585
Why complain to the FTC? What about AirBnB customer service? They have all the meta data, and can identify trends.
Dec 7, 2015, 8:33 am
#447
Moderator: Travel Buzz
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sunny San Diego
Posts: 3,099
Moderator action: There is a longstanding discussion of AirBnB in the Budget Travel forum.
It is found here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budge...ce-airbnb.html
I will request that the Budget Travel Moderators place the thread where they think it best fits.
It is found here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/budge...ce-airbnb.html
I will request that the Budget Travel Moderators place the thread where they think it best fits.