I’m relatively new to HE so there might be a simple answer to this question but it seems so many HE’ers won’t engage in GP exchanges. That seems odd to me considering not everyone can do reciprocal exchanges at all times. I would love to hear from folks, especially those that refuse to take GP’s, as to the rationale so I can better understand. Thanks!
Welcome on Homeexchange rwinchesterIII
Many members do GP exchanges.
As far as i am concerned i prefer reciprocical exchanges.
They can be simultaneous or non simultaneous.
I think the relationship is different.
However to maximise my chances, i often propose all the possibilities (simultaneous, non simulraneous or GP exchanges).
I keep the GPs for special research.
It can be precise dates, last minute trip or locality with a few listings so hard to conclude a reciprocal exchange.
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We have been doing exchanges for many years, long before GPs were introduced. I have an aversion to GPs. It seems to change the whole nature of exchanging. Despite the fact that we clearly say we aren’t interested in GPs, we still get many requests for that sort of exchange. Some write that they only be with us for an evening meal! We are not a hotel. We live in an open plan loft in Central London. We don’t want to host strangers in our flat.
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Exactly, I do only guests points exchanges as this is the best option for all 
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I have completed dozens of home exchanges, both reciprocal and using GPs as a host and guest. I am open to both types and not prejudiced for or against either format. I completely respect and accept the rights of those members who prefer one or the other exchange format.
What I do not understand is the attitude of the Home Exchange support teams which, by the evidence, are prejudiced against those members who use GPs, and appear to prioritize mostly those problem fixes or enhancements that affect reciprocal exchanges.
80% of exchanges are GP exchanges, yet the HE development team appears to spend most of their time working on cosmetic improvements like changing color schemes, reorganizing screen layouts, renaming fields, etc. In my opinion, by far the most urgent problems with the platform involve bugs or inefficiencies with GP calculation, usage, and messaging. We are often told by the HE team that these problems are being “looked at” with no actual resolution.
For example, there are dozens of forum threads discussing the very real problems with the GP calculation algorithm. Very few of these serious issues have translated into resolutions.
Another example is the messaging system, which discriminates against hosts who may wish to contact members who have indicated in their profile an interest in a host’s city or region.
Respectfully, I encourage the HE teams to change their current focus on priorities, and look towards the problems that most impact the 80% of exchanges being done via the GP format. From a business perspective, the introduction of the GP format some years ago is what has fueled the explosive growth in the platform. It is simply good business practice to nurture and improve this component of the business.
Please keep in mind if you have no exchanges many people will not entertain a GP exchange although they may down the road. It is just an expectation that they would want to see you have done simultaneous first. There is a wariness that people are just looking to use the welcome points to get a free stay. And busy locations are also less likely to accept GP in season.
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Welcome to the Forum and to HomeExchange 
The majority of exchanges are carried out using Guest Points, around 80%. However you will find there are some members who for various reasons do not wish to accept points. Some have too many accumulated already, some do not like the concept and will only do reciprocal exchanges, some may be wary of accepting GP requests from new members who are yet to host themselves…there are many reasons. However please be assured that there are also many members who only use GP’s to exchange.
I’m sorry that you feel this way, however I assure you that as more than 80% of exchanges are carried out using Guest Points, the product team are certainly working very hard on all aspects of exchanges. We are continuously feeding back the needs of members to the correct teams and we welcome feedback about how to improve things. They are currently working on a change to the GP valuation system - you will just need to be a bit more patient and it won’t be too much longer. It is of course better to take a bit of time to get this right, rather than rush out changes that are not suitable.