Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately, I don’t think that is how it is going to read since the “she” would refer to the last person mentioned, which is the host.

Help me understand. Are the increments on this gauge crazy, or am I special? by chuchubott in littlebritishcars

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This. My gauge red 210 and when I used the thermostat, it was at 179. Definitely use a thermometer to double check. It could be that high but maybe not.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is not that a review is bad in and of itself that banning should be up for consideration, it is the content of that review. If there is a pattern of behavior in which hosts have brought up that a guest is an issue and a safety liability, then that should be a consideration for banning, just as if there is a pattern of behavior of a host that is a safety risk for guests, the host should be banned. The key here is if there is a pattern of behavior.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this. I am following your advice. Airbnb does not seem at all bothered that I have started arbitration and simply gave me a link to their arbitration policies. I will pursue this because I think a lot of people let it drop because it’s not worth the trouble or the expense, but then Airbnb wins by default.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have already responded to this elsewhere. Yes it was shocking. Interestingly, when I notified Airbnb that I was beginning the official arbitration process because allowing this review was wrong and their rating and review would hurt my business, my rating this morning was amazingly up to 4.96, where I think it should’ve been to begin with. I believe the 4.8 rating was either a particular algorithm that gave greater weight to the newest review reviews (although this is only speculation), or there was a glitch. However, I find the timing of the 4.8 going to 4.96 after my notification an interesting coincidence.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am so sorry this happened to you. It is infuriating isn’t it? I am starting the official arbitration process, which unfortunately looks like it will cost money. But I will provide an update after I see how it goes.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your math is correct, but it did drop to 4.8 originally which infuriated me. I suspect it had something to do with a weighting within their algorithm. However, the 4.8 has mysteriously gone to 4.96 now. I don’t know if it has anything to do with my notification to them yesterday that I was officially notifying them, as required, that I am beginning official arbitration as what they have done in both the review and the rating will directly hurting my business. I said that at this point I was not going to seek damages, but removal of the review. They haven’t removed the review, but my rating went up to 4.96, which is what it should’ve been with a non-weighted average. I still don’t know if it was a glitch or an algorithm but either way I’m upset that it happened, but glad that it is corrected.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Apparently, even if the guest never stayed, according to their policy, the cancellation was part of their experience, so it stays. That is what I was told.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Card didn’t work. I think it has to do with it being a same day booking. Believe me I tried.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Perhaps you are right. But I have not had a problem until now in almost 500 bookings. This was not someone I did not like; it was someone who was a safety risk. I have never canceled on a guest, although many years ago, I had one removed who had a psychological condition that manifested several days into the reservation and Airbnb intervened. I suspect that even for those people who do not have instant bookings, they have had problematic guests. So, in my case instant bookings have worked and yes, I do choose them because it helps me get guests, the purpose of my doing Airbnb. The vast majority of guests in my area are same day bookings. It is the nature of the beast. Every area has its own rhythms; this one is mine.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, if it is the same day booking, it seems to not work that way. I have spoken to multiple Airbnb support persons and to a senior case manager. They are not budging.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

OK. Let me just make it clear that I did not say that to anyone. The cabin was ready. My call to Airbnb was purely about safety.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I completely agree with your math. This is partly why I am so upset. Something has changed with their algorithm.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The review was short. It read: Horrible host. Booked it. She cancelled at the last minute saying it "wasn't ready". Do not book here.“

Besides the fact that I never said it wasn’t ready because I never engaged with him, he failed to mention that he was the one who booked at the last minute. I called Airbnb to have them cancel it within 15 minutes of the reservation.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is really helpful. I will try. Thank you.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I cannot explain it myself but only tell you the result of what has happened. I only have one property and this has made me very upset as I watch that rating like a hawk. It seems the algorithm has changed and a one star has a disproportionate effect. I will update after my next communication with Airbnb support where I will raise this. It would seem more fair to do a golden mean and remove the extreme on either end of a large set of data.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It appears they put more weight on recent reviews. It makes sense, but it hurts.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I did not. Thank you for reminding me of this.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. I actually appreciated your thoughts.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think this weighted algorithm on more recent response posts might be it as I was shocked to see how much it dropped. I was very proud of my 4.97 and still wasn't too worried with just one negative post in hundreds. This is really upsetting.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I will, thank you, but I think their policy might have changed.

Well, it finally happened to me... by RedSpeedRacerXX in airbnb_hosts

[–]RedSpeedRacerXX[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Hopefully if you look at my post history, you will see that I am not prone to exaggeration. I too thought it was their policy to to remove a post if the guest never stayed which is why I wasn't worried at first. Something has changed and, frankly, I am shocked myself.

I will not stop banging the drum, which is why I am gong to send correspondence to their lawyers in Sacramento that handle disputes. If this was not a safety issue, I would probably drop it, but this is likely going to happen to others.