Update re Airbnb photographer.
I requested the photography service, just to see if they can improve on what I’ve done, expecting a long wait, and was surprised to hear back within an hour. The photographer wanted to come on Thursday but I’m full til Monday so they’ll come then. I’ll show you how it looks after the new pics are ready.
Thanks again for all your advice
Sue
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So that would mean I would make all the room pictures with a vacuum cleaner in it, so the guests think my rooms are clean.
Yes, much better.
And you do not really need a pro to make your pictures, just get someone that can style the place a little bit, and get a good compact with a little bit wider angle.
I am a “pro”, and most of my time I spend on preparation: removing clutter and moving stuff around.
Making the picture itself is only a matter of seconds.
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Not quite the same thing. The pool sweep runs continually. I think it looks fine in the shot. Makes the pool look real.
Hi Australia - from a fellow aussie… Re your question - I often wonder that myself!! My listing clearly states I do not serve a breakfast, but do state that guests have a selection of light breakfast items to help themselves to. I also clearly mention I have a small extremely well behaved dog. Yet I get both negative feedback - and negative personal messages - complaining about both. I have had people complain they can’t understand my automated light/fan/air conditioner switch - despite my clearly giving them a demo. I have had someone complain that I needed PAVERS to the front door, not just a path! One guest complained they didn’t like my pillows - yet I offer a selection of 6 different high quality pillows, many never used.
Many guests are just being ridiculously picky and wanting a 5 star fully catered resort, not a cheaper alternative. It seems that no matter what I offer - they still want more. The most stupid feedback I have had - I offer a bag of good quality complimentary toiletries - yet someone complained about the toothpaste! What do they expect - me to list the BRAND of toothpaste before they make a booking? If I had to mention every thing I DO offer, and what I DON’T - I wouldn’t have any guests as they would get readers’ block. So it will make no difference what info you do offer, or don’t.
One reason I do make clear mention about certain facts is to protect myself. I clearly state my house is not suitable for children. Earlier in my hosting, I had a young couple turn up on my door step - saying 'my sister and her 3 kids decided to come along too"!! I was furious and didn’t know what to do. But after being advised by Airbnb, I had every right to turn them away as my listing made this point very clear.
You just have to work out the important facts -and make them clear, and stick to them.
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Yup, the more you do, the more you will have to do. It’s certainly galling to do extras and then get smacked because they were not a better quality extra. Think of all the things you have stated that you offer here. I have stayed at several five star resorts in my day, including the Ritz, the Mauna Lani and the 4 Seasons. I’ve never even seen half of the things you say you offer. So my advice: eliminate them and they will have less to complain about.
As for the nitpicky comments, these are probably prompted by Air with their obnoxious “what can be improved” suggestions. I’ve ranted ad nauseum about this and I just don’t know what you can do about it. Part of the cons of doing Air I am afraid.
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Hi fellow Aussie-wow, that’s some serious nitpicking going on there!
I find the best way to get the message across about what I do and don’t offer is in the all important meet and greet. That’s when I walk around saying "the kitchens got all this stuff here (show impressive pantry of condiments/staples/draws of cooking items), but I don’t replenish it and please be sure to leave it as you see it (show them where the cleaning products etc are)
Develop friendly rapport with them at this point and by the time I walk out the door there is a level of understanding between us.
Well, that’s the plan anyway!, still being new I’ve been lucky with all fab guests leaving the house as good as they found it.
Regarding kids, I say on my listing that it’s best suited to about 6yrs + but this can be discussed. (I’ve had a couple of toddlers with no dramas), but I clearly tell them there are no safety latches, no cot/high chair, a swimming pool and extra supervision is required at all times. They can choose to take on the risk then.
Thanks for the suggestions.