This is detailed but it might help someone out.
Last weekend I had a guest (a hairstylist) who stole a feather pillow - so that also includes the pillow protector and the pillow case. She also decided to dye her hair pink. The dye also damaged the shower walls and the tub (don’t know why, but the dye penetrated the surface and I can’t get it out). The dye also damaged the brand new fabric shower curtains that I had just gotten altered by a seamstress (shower is tucked under a roof so one of the shower curtain tops has a sort of upside down v shape, anyways…), and the dye also got on another pillowcase, 2 towels, the shower mat, and the king sized fitted sheet.
I decided to try a tactic that I actually don’t have in real life - I’m actually kind of abrasive She had sent silly messages, almost attention getting messages, like a child, during her stay. She got so annoying that I just ignored her, we were really busy doing family things and there were a lot of messages. I almost thought she did it to get my attention, that might sound weird but maybe I’m just paranoid. But here is what I did. When I discovered the missing pillow and damages, I took photos of what I could, gathered up screenshots of my receipts. First I sent her a message:
"Hi xxxxx,
I hope you enjoyed your stay here at the xxxxx House!
We noticed there was a missing feather pillow after you checked out, and we had some minor damages on linens from -we are guessing - pink hair dye. Only guessing from remnants in the shower
How would you like to handle this? I can do a simple “request money” through Airbnb. Most things we buy commercial so damages won’t be exorbitant.
Thanks!
Lisa"
Meanwhile, I worked on submitting my “Request Money” resolution request, in case I needed Airbnb’s help.
She send me an almost immediate reply:
“OMG, Im so sorry about the pillow! I always travel with one of my own pillows, plus a spare pillowcase to put on the in-house pillow (so I don’t risk ruining anything with mascara stains). I was half asleep when we left and just grabbed both “my” pillows.
I’ll pay the request now. If any pink got on anything, it’s a professional line known for coming out easily with bleach wash. If it doesn’t please let me know. I try to keep my hair wrapped up to avoid that.
So sorry again about the pillow. I’m laughing and embarrassed at the same time.”
Everyone, I know what she said was BS, but I got paid. She sent payment right away, I let her keep her dignity. By the way, the pink didn’t come out of the linens and I did everything from soaking them in Oxy for days and bleach.
Hope that helps.