@Alessandro I understand your frustration especially if you happen to live in a popular spot where the 5 applicant quota fills up quickly. But the real problem is not the enthusiastic sitters who would love to sit for you in future but THS for pausing the listing at just 5 applicants at a time! The solution is to increase the quota to at least 10 or 15 to give space for enquiries OR to create a way for sitters to contact hosts directly, outside of any listed dates. I occasionally send a message with questions about the sit- telling them its not a formal application until my questions are answered. Something the questions are really needed to determine if the sit is a good match. I would prefer not to use an application spot for that purpose or for future dates enquiries but there is currently no other way.
From what I’ve read most sitters would only offer themselves for a sit they are truly interested in doing one day and where they feel they’d be well qualified for it. I don’t consider this to be time wasting. Every host wants the best possible sitter for their circumstances and maybe one of the sitters who enquires could be a perfect future match.
Consider also that hosts can- at any time- contact potential sitters to invite them to sit. We frequently get unsolicited invitations to sit, most of which we cannot, or don’t want, to do. I like to be polite and will respond to every enquiry which takes time and effort- So it works both ways.
I like the suggestion that has often been made for members to be able to opt in or opt out of private messaging. Then those who like to make/receive enquiries can happily do so and the same goes for inviting/being invited for a sit.
I think each HO should be able to set the limit for how many sitters apply…I really don’t like the 5 applications thing…it just means that I have to check the site several times a day…maybe that’s what TH had in mind?
Thank you for your insightful and understanding comment, the HO can’t rely on the sitter’s tact and consideration when introducing themselves for a future sitting. Hopefully this will be discussed soon at THS production and a new way will be made available to the users.
As a HO, I live in a “desired location” and unless it’s a last minute sit on a holiday weekend, usually get more than five applicants. I would probably be annoyed with such a solicitation. However, I have sometimes purused profiles of sitters who “favorited” me, so maybe THS could do a better job of letting sitters know that HOs know who has favorited them? I also think the problem isn’t that sitters are enthusiastic and want to reach out. The problem is the 5 application rule. As a HO, I like not being overwhelmed, but wish there was another way to sort this. The number seems arbituary, and sometimes I feel it’s keeping the sitter I would really want from ever having a chance to respond.
I understand the issue of being overwhelmed but as a sitter I have absolutely no way to contact a homeowner unless they post a listing. Then if it’s a “popular place” listing, I might have an hour-or less-to respond before the 5 applicants are reached and I again have absolutely no way to reach the HO. If I’m walking a dog, in the shower, or on the other side of the planet, I’m out of luck. I wake up every morning to messages of favorited sits that have already reached the limit. HO can review sitters and invite them on a sit, albeit a shot in the dark to see if the stars align.
The times I’ve used that approach has usually been time where someone states “we travel for a month a couple times a year” or something like that. If the timeframe is far enough out, I can adjust my availability and schedule to make a sit but have absolutely no way to start a discussion unless I hit the jackpot and I’m able to get the message immediately.
I feel it’s a direct result of the 5 application change as it wouldn’t be as much of a burden without it.
Bottom line, if a HO doesn’t want people to apply for future consideration, it’s easy to take care of by stating that in your listing.
Hi Maggie, I am responding to perhaps sitting for you in the future. I am new to navigating this system but I am open for discussion about sitting for you.
Hi @Windy,
It can be a little confusing here on the forum at first. @Maggie8K is also a sitter member just like you so she wouldn’t be looking for a sitter. We leave all the requests for sitters to the main site unless they fall with in the “last Minute sits” category. However, you may also wish to add your main profile link onto your forum profile so that other members can take a look, offer advice and possibly reach out.
Yes, I have done this also. I am considerate to cancel the application as soon as they reply, so it doesn’t disrupt their current interview process. It’s the only choice the platform gives you. Many have been grateful I did that and kept my details.
Great idea. Maybe a separate inbox for enquires unrelated to a current post? Let the HO decide if they choose to turn this feature on or off. And let HO decide how many applications they would like to receive.
I would also love a section where Sitters can post specific availability themselves. Say, I would love to go to Bali on x dates and then see if owners in that area who search for these opportunities, make an offer. I understand this is a substantial upgrade to the platform, but it would distinguish THS from other sites. All the power is given to HO when in fact Sitters who are paying members should be given equal opportunities to post, making it even more desirable to be a member.