One of the most common questions we receive at The Host Co is how our hosts prevent guests from stealing items they offer in their home. Here's why and how your Host Co store can be immune to losses from theft:
1. It's rare.
The first thing to note when looking at theft in your listings is that very few hosts have to deal with instances of theft in their listings. That's because there are already a number of systems put in place to prevent this type of behavior. For one, Airbnb and other OTAs already implement guest review systems that allow hosts to rate guests to prevent any untrustworthy guests from booking. In addition to this, our technology, if used correctly, won't give guests access to products until after they've purchased them with the "Instructions for Guests After Purchase" feature.
2. We encourage our hosts to take preventative measures when offering items in their listings.
Like with renting out your properties, there will be some element of risk when providing guests with a product or service. If you take the correct preventative measures, however, you can ensure it won't impact your bottom line. We recommend that hosts take the following steps to ensure they are protected from theft.
- Lock away any inventory that presents a high risk of theft.
- This includes expensive items and large inventories.
- Provide access to the lock only after purchase using the "Instructions for Guests After Purchase" feature.
- Ensure all inventory and items for sale are marked with clear signage.
- Provide your guests with clear messaging to let them know which items are for sale and that they are liable to be charged for any missing items.
3. The Host Co is fully prepared to handle any disputes between you and your guests regarding theft.
In the unlikely event that you do experience an instance of theft, our theft prevention team is fully prepared to address the situation. Guests sign terms and conditions holding them liable for any stolen items. Reach out to us at support@thehost.co to address any instances of theft.