Changing an exchange type once conversation has started

We are in the process of arranging an exchange using guest points but because the host approached us first, initiating the message thread, the system has decided they are coming to our place rather than the other way around. It’s not clear how to easily change it. I only have the option to ā€˜turn it into a reciprocal exchange’, not to flip it around completely. Hope this makes sense and someone has a bright idea how to fix!

The easiest thing to do is to cancel this exchange and restart the process with you sending the request.

Hmmm, I don’t even have that option (yet). I’ll see if the other party is able to cancel their ā€˜request’ and if not I’ll guess I’ll have to pre-approve then immediately cancel. Thanks!

If you haven’t even pre-approved you dont nred to do anything, just refuse and start again.

This thread is one more example of why I dislike receiving messages from members who want to host for GPs. The system is not geared to that, and IMHO, it should not be :slight_smile:

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As experienced exchangers, we recently were approached for points exchange even though our profile clearly stated ā€œNO GUEST POINTS.ā€ We continued the conversation and decided to proceed. I changed it to a RECIPROCAL exchange. What i didn’t see is that the other person still left the guest points on the table for her property… Fast Forward. She became difficult to communicate with and change the elements of the exchange to another start date expecting us to be out of town and not able to meet them (even though that was set as an expectation). Then it was to be her parents only. It became suspicious and she was not answering basic questions. We had to CANCEL but somehow she has grabbed 1500+ guestpoints from us. I think this is highly SUSPICIOUS and verging on subversive. Another reason why I don’t like guestpoints. Please be super cautious!!!

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If you think there was a problem you could contact member service.

In my opinion, since HE has created an entire system for utilizing Guest Points, promotes it vigorously to the membership, and represents over 75% of all exchanges; then the HE team should make the communication process as simple and convenient as possible for hosts seeking guests. Currently, hosts seeking guests for their home are treated as ā€œsecond-classā€ citizens… yes, the concept of hosting guests in exchange for GPs is legally permitted, but the communication system of the platform discriminates against hosts by not providing a clear and accurate method for them to contact possible guests. If the HE philosophy provides and even promotes the concept of hosting in exchange for GPs, then effective communication tools should be available.

It would be a simple programming task for HE to provide a member-selectable ā€œbuttonā€ that prevents hosts from sending GP requests to those members who do not like to receive unsolicited requests from hosts.