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Cancellations
Hi, Firstly I am new to this site and I would like to ask some help.
I have many Bookings come through but when I email them and inform them that there is also a Security Bond also required, they cancel. It is mentioned in the Policies that a Security Bond is also required. How do I overcome this and make Guests understand and keep their Booking?
Thanks
Mike
Those are shady guests, that are not 100% of their arrival or does not respect the owners property. I have strict policies just because to avoid these kind of guests that usually don't show up or cancels "last minutte". Also I assume your bond is refundable at the check-out? What is the amount?
Hi pibomarco
Thanks for your insight. I'm glad to hear that I'm not doing anything wrong.
The Bond is refundable as soon as I have received the cleaners report... about 5 days after. As it is a whole home, I am asking for a AU$500.00 security Bond.
I don't think this is too much..... do you?
Mike
Hey
I think it is quite high, depends which guest are you targeting. Some potential guests can be afraid, that you will exploit this bond, and they won't see the money after that. (Lots of guest have issues with trust). In our country this amount is almost a monthly minimum wage. :)
I think it would be better to take a deposit payments for the made bookings (just to secure them in case of a late cancelations or no-show). And I would take the damage deposit at the time of check-in (cash, CC, etc..) refundable at the check-out. In my case I've set a damage deposit 150,00€ (in cash). We work with Booking.com 10 years and aprox 20 years in this business and I never had a major damage for that amount and I hosted lots of different guests with children, pets etc...
Just make clear in your policies and descriptions that parties are not allowed, you have quite time policy after 22.00pm for example etc.. Again also depends who are you targeting to host.. If those are group of students etc.. then the situation can be little different.
For example I once wanted to book an Apartment at the sea with my friends that required a 800$ damage deposit.. I know myself and my friends would be a good guest.. but.. you never know.. what if something was already broken, or we do accidently make a damage that is worth 50$? And I decided not to book it, not because of me, but because I would have to guarantee with my credit card for the others too.
I get at least 5 times more cancellations through Booking.com than with any other website. When I contact them and tell that that a 50% deposit is required, they cancel. Crazy. I wish it were possible to display that BEFORE people book, but Booking.com has very limited policies to display. Very unhappy at this point.
Under Fine print you can tick: "Payment before arrival via bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions."
Good Infos for my home Booking. Thanks