What do you think about developing a Guest Rating System?

Question

In setting up my Welcome Guide and suggesting that star rating chart that's around the internet, I thought why not create one to use for rating guests? My logic is that it sets the expectation for the guest's behavior. Thoughts?

Michael Baum · Answer

I would avoid the cheeky commentary. Not everyone will think it's funny.

I personally think this will alienate guests over time.

It's like you are poking guests in the eye if they aren't perfect.

Nathan W. · Answer

Every property and market is different but to me that's a bad idea. Most people go on vacation to enjoy themselves. Having a sticker or sign that states that you will give them at bad rating if they don't act the way you want them to creates a hostile relationship between you and your guest.
I'd be worried that they would in turn start looking for reasons not to give you a 5 star review.

Rosa Regier · Answer

Thank you both

Rosa Regier · Answer

Hi Michael! Yes, I'm referring to rating a guest on AirBnB and VRBO.

My Welcome Book asks my guests for a 5-star review and includes the rating guide that has swirled around the internet (stating STRs are different from Hotels yada yada yada).

It then occurred to me that if I'm giving them metrics on rating my STR, why not include one that shows how I/we (STR owners) rate guests? I realize this could be a little risky. We are so review dependent, why not pass that along to the guests. Something like (warning, it's cheeky and Austin, TX centric):

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A guest so smooth, they must have grooved in from a blues bar on Sixth Street.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A fine guest with a touch of Austin quirkiness.

⭐⭐⭐ - Decent guest, but we had a few "weird and wild" moments.

⭐⭐ - A guest who made me wonder if they brought their own "weirdness meter."

⭐ - Hosting this guest was like trying to find a quiet corner on Sixth Street during SXSW.

There are actually a couple more sentences after each 1 liner for each star, but I removed that for brevity here.

Michael Baum · Answer

Well, AirBNB and VRBO allow you to rate guests.

Do you mean that you would show it on your own booking site or in the Welcome Book to other guests?

What do you think about developing a Guest Rating System?

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