I’ve noticed a big increase lately in requests without any dates selected. Is anyone else experiencing this?
I specifically configured my settings so that people can only send requests for dates that are actually available in my calendar. I also clearly mention in my home description that I keep my calendar fully up to date.
However, it seems that some members are now sending “empty” requests (without dates) to get around that system.
To be honest, it’s quite frustrating. I used to receive a very high volume of requests, which is exactly why I blocked my calendar except for the dates when our home is genuinely available. I rely on the system settings to manage this efficiently, and these empty requests kind of defeat the purpose.
Is there any way to prevent this? Or has anyone found a good workaround?
This must be very annoying for you, as you clearly have a listing that probably would have a broader interest (and therefore traffic). I guess you have also checked the “only verified members”-box also? That could limit somewhat, perhaps.
So they want exchanges when you have no availability, or are they flexible according to your needs?
I found your listing, and you have information on this right at front, which would otherwise be my suggestion. So one can be more blunt - like “NO CONTACT OUTSIDE OF DATES PUBLISHED IN CALENDAR, PLEASE!” . Could work to some extent. But if people are “on a fishing trip”, reaching out to everyone in the area without actually reading listings, it might not help for all.
Are you actively searching yourself? Then one could for instance send out requests one day, and take the listing down offline when the exchanges are made, I guess.
EDIT: I tried to go through the steps of contacting you. I didn’t find any availability on your calendar, and nothing stopped me or alerted me through the steps that I couldn’t contact you, regardless. I would assume you having checked that contact box, it shouldn’t be possible to contact you. Maybe some sort of glitch?
Maybe some of the moderators know? Have you asked member service?
Thanks for your response. It actually prompted me to double-check my settings, and it looks like my contact preferences had switched back to “members can contact me anytime”. Possibly a glitch with the recent app update?
I’ve now changed it back to “only send requests when my home is marked available”, so hopefully that resolves the issue. Thanks for flagging it!
