So is this a tricky thing potentials guests are doing or what?

1

So last night was the third time now this has happened and I suspect a trend. I have my listing as child UN-friendly clicked and also somewhat seriously discourage kids in the listing description thing and the house rules, etc.

This time I figured something out. I have had now, THREE inquiries (I am on IB) from different people asking about the mattresses and such as “their wife has a bad back”. I noticed this time that like the other two, the guests included children. So the system would not let them IB and my thinking is that they thought that I would answer this question and Pre-approve them not noticing the kids.

The thing is the sameness of the requests. I am thinking there is some website or source advising people how to get around house rules and such. Has anyone heard anything like this?

2

I’m pretty sure that there might be something out there on a blog but it’s probably someone’s personal blog rather than an organised website. Or it could be something that someone has posted on a forum or a Reddit sub.

I’d be interested to know what the time gap between these enquiries was? If they were all within a few hours then it’s weird. But not necessarily if they were a few days apart.

3

I often get guests enquiring who seem to fly in the face of the type of guest I want to host, too, and have often wondered the same as you. With big data mining available, who knows what’s going on anymore.

4

How does IB allow you to block children – I thought IB allows practically anyone to book?

5

I have no idea. I noticed I could request to book somewhere with 1 adult and 5 infants.

6

No. Families with children can not book via Instant Booking if the listing is not designated as family friendly.

7

Thank you for backing me on that as I have had people inquire after being bloked as ABB makes them ask.

The thing though is the repeated usage of the Mattress Question, as I have termed it. Always from people trying to book with kids. Why the same question three times?

To me that is the mystery.

8

::firmly tongue in cheek::

Have you been a mother? Really hard on the back! They are just plumb worn out.

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9

That is truly fantastic that IB allows listings to block children – makes IB much more appealing.

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10

Yes, this is why I have my place listed as “not suitable for infants 0-2”. I have no problem with children in most cases, but it’s a hassle for parents with young children who have to drag carseats, pack n plays, etc, plus the stairs are steep. I allow people with babies, I just want to make sure they know what they’re getting before they can book.

11

My guess would be the same family are all searching - or one person in the family is using multiple airbnb accounts to ask multiple listings the same exact questions, and got your listing each time.

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