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Just When I Was Ready to Give AirBnB a Try

callmeed.posterous.com

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Re: Just When I Was Ready to Give AirBnB a Try

#3

Post by rdouble »

Sadly, AirBnB has failed for me more than 90% of the time. In NYC there were overtly shady people, such as a dude who had at least 3 accounts, 2 of which he would pose as women. However, the biggest problems are flakes and people who list their apartment as being available when it really isn't. To AirBnB's credit, housing in NYC is shady to begin with, and the one time it worked, it was great.

Re: Just When I Was Ready to Give AirBnB a Try

#4

Post by limedaring »

Why is this Airbnb's fault? I just finished traveling Europe while using Airbnb and never had a problem. Why? I message at least 5-10 people, and I talked all first through the message function, making sure they're not insane (the fact they're charging you extra was a good warning sign there). If the person acted shady/mean/impatient/etc, I simply removed that place from my choices.

The one time I had an issue (one cancelled on me less than a week before arriving), Airbnb gave me a $50 certificate as apology and helped me rebook a new place pronto.

Yeah, there are weird people on there, but it's easy to weed them out.

I would definitely report the person to Airbnb, since they're charging extra (which is against the rules).

Re: Just When I Was Ready to Give AirBnB a Try

#5

Post by Lucadg »

Something similar happened to chouchsurfing. At the beginning it was a small community with a high level of trust and people knew what it was about, and behaved accordingly. Then it grew too much and you find all kind of users, many who just think that's a way to sleep for free and who avoid interaction with their hosts. I guess airbnb will have to adapt (I'm pretty sure they are aware of the problem) and find ways to filter out the bad guys. There's gonna be many more of them as soon as they find out the opportunity.

Re: Just When I Was Ready to Give AirBnB a Try

#6

Post by yankeeracer73 »

I've used AirBnB a couple times in DC and it worked out really well. Go with the people who have been heavily reviewed/starred the first time you use the service and you shouldn't go wrong. Also maybe try going with places where you're getting the entire apartment and not just a room or couch. A bit more expensive, but again for your first time it may give you a little more peace of mind.

Re: Just When I Was Ready to Give AirBnB a Try

#7

Post by callmeed »

limedaring wrote: post #4

Why is this Airbnb's fault? I just finished traveling Europe while using Airbnb and never had a problem. Why? I message at least 5-10 people, and I talked all first through the message function, making sure they're not insane (the fact they're charging you extra was a good warning sign there). If the person acted shady/mean/impatient/etc, I simply removed that place from my choices. The one time I had an issue (one c…

I'm not saying it's AirBnB's fault, but it's definitely an issue they'll need to constantly address as they grow.

I did report them but the you bring up a good point about charging extra deposit fees. As a new user, I have no idea that such practices are against the rules ... so it didn't really raise a flag for me.

Re: Just When I Was Ready to Give AirBnB a Try

#8

Post by robobenjie »

That was a very unfortunate experience, but in some ways I'd count it as a win for Airbnb. You were going to stay at this person's house, but because of their messaging interface you were able to screen them and realize that they were, in fact, a crazy person.

I think it is very important to look at the reviews of people you stay with. If someone has more that 7-8 reviews, and everyone has positive things to say then the risk is very low.

I have used Airbnb to stay in some incredibly romantic places (Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower, Boat in the SF Bay) and by picking people that have 20 or more reviews I have found a very high level of service and... competence.

I feel like I have a lot less control as a host, because almost no-one has reviews (it seems like there must be a lot more guests than hosts), but I think there is a lot less variability with a guest because I am controlling the situation. At worst I have a crazy and irritating person in my house for a few days, where as when I'm staying with someone I am depending on them for shelter.

That said I have hosted 34 people and had no crazys yet (knock on wood). In general people are fun to host.

Re: Just When I Was Ready to Give AirBnB a Try

#9

Post by Ainab »

limedaring wrote: post #4

Why is this Airbnb's fault? I just finished traveling Europe while using Airbnb and never had a problem. Why? I message at least 5-10 people, and I talked all first through the message function, making sure they're not insane (the fact they're charging you extra was a good warning sign there). If the person acted shady/mean/impatient/etc, I simply removed that place from my choices. The one time I had an issue (one c…

It is not Airbnb's fault, but he is just pointing out that the growth of the service will bring more shady people and currently there is no easy way to weed out those shady people.
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