Hello everybody, and a huge thank you to all of you sitters. I have only been a host until now, but I’d like to share my way of trying and handling applications.
Yet first…let me say loud and clear that each and every one who has taken care of my monsters (and raided the fridge in the process) has been wonderful to get to know, a super social person, a fantastic conversationalist, an incredibly devoted petpetter, and all around just a great person. Some have even shown that they can cook!
I can’t speak for the ones that I had to say no to, but knowing that all those people who apply are likely great makes saying “no” really hard.
So here’s how fast it goes - and it irritates the h*ell out of me, just so you know.
Whenever I post a sit - even if it’s happening in a few days - I get the first application after say five minutes, and then between two and five more in the following three hours. Which is when I press the pause button - this is how much I hate having to say “no”. Only if neither of the applicants checks out will I reactivate the listing.
I then screen the handful of applications I got, sort out really weird ones (very rare), check copy+paste+amended ones with a downmark, check those who mention the names of my pets with an upmark, read the profiles, and generally try to get to know them.
The next step depends on what is needed - if there’s not much time, I look for people who are likely to be quite flexible, so it’s almost a sure bet this will work out. If there is more time, I prefer to get people here who come from really far away, as to give them the chance to hop the pond (I live in Vienna, Austria).
And here’s where things get tricky and where I could use some insight: I also try to prefer those who are less likely to be chosen for a sit, but my understanding of this likeliness might be totally off - single men, women with kids, seniors^W experienced people. What’s your experience, who’s more likely to be chosen or rejected? What’s your (as a host) selection process?
And yes, yes, I also had the 20yr old coeds here - they were great too!
So, for me as a host THS is a blessing and a curse - I always find someone who will take good care of everything while I’m away, and quickly. But I also have to say “no” to so many people, which can really make me sad. If I like someone who applied but I didn’t choose, I might ask them whether I can keep them on retainer for, say, christmas or some other special occasion.
I’m really proud to say I’ve never made the wrong choice in a sitter - maybe I’m lucky, but I prefer to think that all the sitters out there are really great.
Elmar.