My trip is about 6 weeks and I have had only one sitter apply but it didn’t work out. I live in a condominium in Asheville, NC and have one cat, Piper. Perhaps the condo is unusual for your site? How can I attract sitters?
Add your listing to the thread so we can see it and we can help you figure that out. 6 weeks away still gives you time, but it’s always good to think of a plan B in case things don’t work out.
Please add your profile so we can see if there are suggestions to improve your listing. A cat sit is one of the more attractive sits for people wanting a little more freedom than a dog sit. You still have plenty of time but i know its stressfull for sure. You can ask a moderator to help add your profile if youre not sure how.
I have stayed in two condos on here so I don’t think others as well have problems with that aspect of the sit. Are you in a very competitive area. Listing your profile on here, the sitters may be able to point something out that may be helpful. Good luck!
I’ve sat in a number of condos, so doubt that’s a problem, especially not with a cat. With a dog, some sitters might prefer a house, with easy access to the outdoors.
Hi, I think I’ve found your profile. I’m sure once you link your profile, you will get lots of useful suggestions.
I don’t think being in a condo is a problem. But I do think tidying up your place and retake your pictures will really help. Your dining table has stuff all over it. It doesn’t look very inviting - especially if a couple is interested in your sit. I’d also remake your bed and pull some stuff off the counter in the bathroom.
It might help to complete the amenities section. You show a parking space in your pictures, but don’t mention that you have off street parking in your amenities. People will want to know about your wifi.
There are lots of sits in Asheville. By the end of the month I will have done 4 sits in Asheville in the last year. A cat sit in Asheville should be very popular as it allows people more time to go out and do things. I would take a peek at other sits in Asheville and the area to see what you are competing with at the time.
Good luck!
I found your listing. First of all, if I was available, I’d probably apply for one of the sits.
Anyway, I think there are a few things that need to be addressed. For one, under responsibilities, you mention the cat clinic if she isn’t peeing after 24 hours. I’ve never seen this as a concern before. Is this an issue with Piper? Secondly, one of the photos mentions 1/2 can of wet food twice a day, but under responsibilites it says 3x a day. Twice a day allows more flexibility to go out and explore, so which is it? Lastly, you don’t list many home amenities - you have wifi, coffee maker (critical), cable tv, washer and dryer…?
That’s it. I’m confident you’ll find someone.
How do I add listing, profile or thread as some have suggested? Also I have retaken photos but site is not allowing me to delete and add more photos. It wants me to save deletes but not sure how to do this. Thanks! Kimberly and Piper
Here you go #quickfix
you have to scroll to the bottom for the save button sometimes. another common issue is that when you go in to make changes on old pics, you 1st have to choose the room that goes with that photo from the drop down menu before you can even delete the old pics. So choose room on old pics, save. Then go back in and delete the old pics, mght have to save after that step, then edit again to add new pics and be sure to choose the room it represents or you cant find a button to save. Hopefully this makes sense.
I have worked on my listing, added better photos, even included couples when I really want a solo person, yet no applications yet. Thanks for all the suggestions…is there anything else I can do? I am going away on a retreat where I won’t have access to my phone for a few days. How can I let applicants know? Kimberly and Piper
If you add your listing to your forum profile - you will be able to get suggestions on any improvements .
If you are having difficulties doing this yourself ( the instructions are in the link that @Cuttlefish gave you ) you can ask @Jenny to link it for you .
@kimberly2 If you are not going to be able to respond to potential applicants whilst you’re on retreat, I would take down your listing then re-post it when you will be available to respond promptly.
As @temba suggested, delete your current sit dates while you cant access your THS profile. Delaying responses is not a good way to get a good sitter. Also, I see you haven’t attached your profile even though you would like to. Ask for a moderator/admin to assist you. Here are a few of them @Jenny @Mark_B @Maeve. Once forum members can easily view your profile you will receive feedback on improving it. Enjoy your retreat!!
I found your listing too. It looks wonderful! If I was closer, I would definitely apply. The vibe of your listing is so warm and colourful, and how special to have a pool and hummingbirds. Piper looks delightful.
I’d be very surprised if someone didn’t apply soon.
Thanks so much for all your responses and assistance! I will play the age card here…and say that learning how to navigate this site has been a steep learning curve for me! Deleting my site right before I leave seems another stressful wrangle with the laptop. I will be back Sunday. Thanks again, Kimberly
Thanks so much for your support Andrea! Every little bit helps. Kimberly
Kimberly - you’ve come so far and made the profile and listed the sit. Here is step by step to delete the sit date until your return:
- Click on your name in upper right of profile where your picture is and drop down menu appears
- Click Dashboard
- Under “Your Dates” click “Manage” for the dates at hand
- Click “Delete Dates” (there may be another prompt after this to save the change… I dont want to delete my own scheduled sit to find out
)
When you get back, I’d suggest improving some of the pics (delete, save, then add new) and deleting others and there are so many unnecessary ones.
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clear off the desk area and kitchen counters and living room coffee table to make the place look more inviting. Open the living room curtains for the pic, looks dark. .
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the bed is a double bed, this will be tough for couples, I know I could never fit comfortably with my hubby. Is this the only bed available to use? Cant tell if this is a 1 bedroom or 2. I get not wanting strangers sleeping in your bed if this double is the guest bed. Some people are OK with it and will offer the choice of their bed as well. Some couples sleep separately for comfort/snoring, etc. If the double bed is the only option, not much to do about it.
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remove many pics from your listing pics that are not adding anything and simply creating more clicking to review your sit. Examples: the cat litter area, the cat food closet, the bird feeder pic, visitor parking pic, orange flowers pic, keep the best 3 pics of Piper
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in your Intro, you mention you’re a Non-Smoker, if this is a non negotiable for your sitter I suggest clearly stating something like “To ensure my home remains a fresh and healthy environment, I am looking for a sitter who maintains a smoke-free lifestyle”
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If public transportation is nearby state that in the Home & Location section - “bustop 1 block away”. I know you can let the potential sitter look it up but you are trying to make this easy for people to want to apply. If sitter doesnt drive to you, consider adding easy available options. If you would consider letting sitter use your car, you can state that also. Check with your insurance, tell sitter you will require to see their valid drivers license.
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The green bedroom is particularly busy looking with all the stuff on the desk and underneath. If this is the sitters room or a room they will make use of, clear it off open blinds/curtains retake pic. There is no space for someone to make use of this area as it is.
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Dining table - This isnt in any of the other pics and hard to tell the space around it. Retake this pic stepping back further and show the room.
I know its A LOT to take it. It tooks me months to get my Listing just right after changes here and there and reading here at the forum. It will be worth the effort, I promise! Also if you dont have the bandwith to work on this for THIS upcoming sit, that’s ok too. Get a private service or friend to help you out. Dont stress and pick the wrong sitter under duress if time runs out. Start looking into options other than THS just in case this doesnt come together for you.