Hi @RosaRosmarin
That’s unfortunate but not unexpected under the current 5 applicant rules. Sits in popular locations can fill in 10 minutes. Now it’s best to apply then withdraw if needed. You no longer have time to check logistics before applying.
It has worked for me most of the time. Once I took a phone call and when I went back to my ipad to finish my half written application, the window had disappeared somehow.
I never really regret not getting a sit because I never know how it would work for me. Some of my best sits have been in places I was not particularly interested in. I just go with the flow.
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This is just not true. The only hurry is to open the application window, but after that there is plenty of time. Again: it does not matter if your application comes in seventh or eight.
@Maggie8K I think I saw that too Maggie. If so it was in Botswana. I also went back and forth about the logistics for too long :-). I have been keeping an eye open for it ever since!
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Hi @pietkuip
My application timed out last time I tried leaving the page open then I got an error. It was then ‘reviewing applicants’. Not sure if it was a once off or related to certain systems?
I don’t think that was the country, but couldn’t swear to it. I checked airfares (took maybe 30 seconds) and decided to not apply, because they were too expensive, since the sit was close timing wise.
Hi @RosaRosmarin ! I understand your situation and have pondered over applying, then with the 5 application rule missed out on my opportunity to even apply.
However, I usually think about this experience……I have an alert on a certain dream destination and immediately after receiving an email I visited the profile. Loved the photos, description, and fur babies seemed happy and easy to care for, however I needed more time to plan the dates into an already tight calendar. Within 1 hour the HO had received 5 applicants and hours later the profile was no longer looking for a sitter (mostly due to a sitter being confirmed). I was very disappointed that I didn’t even apply.
About a month later I received another email notification for my dream destination and again immediately visited the profile, which happened to be same profile as before with the same dates (sitter most likely had to unconfirmed the dates). I applied without hesitation and was the first applicant. HO quickly messaged me and we jumped on a video call. During the video call I felt like I’d be in a secluded part of my dream destination, with very poor internet, and caring for pets that all had small issues not mentioned in the profile, yet I was still very interested. HO liked me and selected me before we even ended the call. Because I no longer felt super excited I didn’t instantly confirm the dates and I told the HO that I needed a day or two before confirming.
I didn’t confirm within the time frame and HO confirmed with another sitter. I initially felt as though I should’ve just confirmed the sit and booked an Airbnb to extend my stay in a more populated area in my dream destination, but later felt that it this wasn’t the fit for me.
I recently visited the profile to check the reviews and most sitters expressed the same feelings I had during the video call about the area being so secluded. Also, from the reviews/sitters it seemed like the HO has a habit of selecting the first interested applicant. Moreover, I have a 2 week vacation planned for next year to my dream destination and my travel expenses will be about the same with no sit involved.
With all that being said, I don’t feel regret about a missed sit, whether you missed out on applying, HO declined your application, or you needed to back out of a sit. What is meant to be will be.
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I have most definitely done exactly this scenario. I waited to research flights and things and missed a seemingly perfect sit.
The thing I always remind myself is that I will get the sits I’m supposed to and the others are not meant to be. The one I was so upset about ended up being a blessing because I found another one last minute and I loved the pet AND the hosts.
You never know!