We previously applied for a sit but were not selected. The host has recently contacted us to ask if we’d consider agreeing forthcoming dates, and we’re tempted but not desperate to do the sit. We’ve noticed they left a great review for their previous sitter (their first with THS as hosts) but they’ve docked a star on self-sufficiency, without explanation.
I realise this may have been done in error but, on reading between the lines, possibly not.
This small fact is giving us pause.
If ever we have reason to dock stars, we state why in the review so things aren’t ambiguous for either the host or other potential sitters. I do wish that everyone would do this.
We’re not invested enough in this to enquire why the hosts docked a star, it’s just serving as a small red flag regarding their expectations.
I’m interested to know, would this be an issue for any of you other sitters?
On the odd occasion I have docked stars I explain why in the politest way possible. What may be an issue for me may be fine with other sitters so I give them the information to make up their own mind.
I think as you become more experienced you get a ‘ spidey sense’ regarding listings and expectations.
My rule is if I don’t feel 100% positive about a listing I don’t go for it. I may be missing some great opportunities but it has served me well so far.
Agree with @Twitcher that the spider sense serves us well. It seems petty to dock stars and not explain why. I guess the caveat is if the host (or sitter) is new and either doesn’t know that 5 stars is the default on THS or they’re someone who never gives perfect scores (but then that’s also off-putting #spideytime
If I really wanted the sit I would ask the HO why they docked the star (also hinting that it should have been specified in the review). Then I am better informed about whether a deduction was warranted.
Otherwise, I would probably scroll on by.
Docking a star for self sufficiency and not explaining it just becomes a guessing game for potential sitters. My mind goes to that they bothered them while on vacation with unnecessary requests or questions. I remember a post here where a guy said he was very angry because the amenities listed a microwave and it turned out it is not working. He said he cooks all his meals in the microwave. ( probably just heats up frozen meals.) I remember commenting that he could heat things up in the working stove as well. He said he is angry because he notified the hosts it wasn’t working and could they call a repairman or have a new one delivered. He said they were on their honeymoon in another country but this was mentioned in the amenities that this is a feature. He was angry because they would not have one delivered or fixed. I would have used the stove and left a note it was not working. Some people never use their microwave and are not aware it is no longer working. As a host I would have marked him down in that category as there is no category for annoying.
I’ve seen posts in the past here on the forum where sitters said they were docked star(s) for self-sufficiency mainly because they “asked too many questions”. I think that’s awful; I want my sitters to feel comfortable asking as many questions as they feel they need to ask, even if it’s just where do you keep your measuring cups. I’ve even written it in my Welcome Guide to not be afraid to ask questions, and that I would never dock any sitter for self-sufficiency just for asking questions. I’d rather they ask me than use or do something incorrectly in the house. But, I do agree with others, that questions that cross the annoying line are something I might consider docking in self-sufficiency but I’m long past the honeymoon era of my life and I really don’t mind being asked questions during my vacation.
If the overall sit is 5 stars and the review is positive, I’d take it to mean that there was something between sitter and HO that wasn’t quite right but it wasn’t worth calling out specifically.
ETA: I just saw they are 1st-time hosts. Ignore this (leaving in case anyone responds): If the HO has had other sitters you can see if they regularly dock stars in this way (no mention of any issue), or if this is a one-off.
Docked a star for Self Sufficient, hmm
I was docked in that category a while back and I asked why .
Reason: Found it difficult to lift 5kg bag of pellets to feed the biomass boiler.
Well ,aye I did as I stand 5ft tall and had to lift this bag to just above chest height to fill the boiler compartment
But hey self sufficient means different things to different people.
So what does the term mean to you.?
I got docked a star for “organized” & “self-sufficient” once…no explanation & I still don’t know why. The review was extremely complementary, pets were some of my favs with loads of outings to walk them in the local gardens, dealt with power outages without complaint or assistance, house was left cleaner than when I arrived, host said they’d have me back, and overall rating was a 5. Host also personally said they were happy with the sit in a later unrelated exchange, so .
Of course my feelings were hurt & I was bummed at my “perfect” record being besmirched, although it was somewhat mitigated when my family laughed out loud that anyone would ever mark me down in those 2 categories . Eventually I was able to let it go, but the saddest part for me is that it means I won’t sit for them again — & I really did like the host, & love the pets.
. Every time I went against it, this sit turned out to be more subpar than others.
Hosts, please update your Welcome Guides as answers to sitters’ questions come up.
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. Eventually I was able to let it go, but the saddest part for me is that it means I won’t sit for them again — & I really did like the host, & love the pets. 