Can we agree that the key word is “trust” in TrustedHousesitters, AND that both parties are still taking somewhat of a risk in that they don’t typically know one another or have had previous arrangements together…? This means that when this scenario you’ve outlined happens, the reviews are important to share that additional information was provided that made it a less-than-ideal sit for you.
I will say as a HO, I’ve had small details come to light after the sit was finished that I wish I would have known but wouldn’t necessarily have been a deal breaker and it really is impossible to have an absolute perfect arrangement every time. I.e. in one sit, my home and pets were well taken care of, but I have been finding and cleaning out random pieces of their hair from the bathroom to the living room because apparently, they shed more than my pets! lol. I am NOT going to ask my future sitters- “do you shed a lot? If so, can you please make sure to pick up your hair and not let it fall on the ground to get caught in the rugs and between the couch cushions, etc.” LOL
Sometimes arrangements are less than ideal, but if it’s temporary, it shouldn’t be a huge problem. It seems everyone wants this to be 100% perfect every time… ;-/
(Edited to remove link as per our Forum Guidelines)
Doesn’t the WG have the home address? It feel HO have the right to not have to give this out to sitters who may likely cancel. THS would have to institute an additional step after the sitter then confirmed to release details like the address or security codes, etc.
Perhaps sitters can learn from these experiences to include these detailed questions in their interviews before sites are confirmed to begin with. I’ve recently had an applicant who was asking for many additional accommodations, (Guests, car usage, meals, etc) which let me think about asking the sitters what they would plan or expect while sitting, for example.
I would advise the HO that you are not comfortable with the sit as the specifics were not detailed during the initial contact where you agreed to the sit. Having now received the guide you must, regrettably, withdraw your application. Too many “red flags” for a happy and stressless sit for you.
Perhaps all the responsibilities of the WG should be released after confirmation. Though, WG with address does get released after confirmation at some point. And what would a sitter do with that info, if they are going to cancel?
I agree with you. It’s a temporary arrangement, and we can all manage the set-up because we know it will be over soon. That said, sometimes expectations can differ. In my case, the cat vomited a few times a day. I got on with it. We both left 5-star reviews, accepted each other’s imperfections, and moved on. It still would have been nice to know about it beforehand. I think it comes down to expectations, and while communication is key, it’s how both parties handle or ’review’ these temporary arrangements and/or unexpected changes.I truly admire the spirit of THS, and I believe most homeowners and sitters are genuine and accepting of others.
And then there’s that one…
Spot on! I’m hoping the process of doing more sits is honing my skill set but also making me a little more accepting. I try and think if I were a Home Owner wouldn’t I play down my pet’s imperfections or be a bit defensive.
I am about my own children lol
I happen to agree with you. I just completed a sit in Portland OR and when I got to the sit not only was the welcome guide full of hand written notes that included information that would have made me remove my application but the house was a gross misrepresentation of the actual home and cleanliness.
I was stuck there for 6 weeks.
I grinned and bared it but I did leave a very honest review.
I have learned that in general the rules for sitters is far less protective then those of the owners.
Another vote for WG being accessible from the HO listing. A minor tweak to not include address and contact info, but all the responsibilities. If sitters could look through that before applying, it would save the time-wasting of all the communication to select and confirm the sitter and then have them cancel because of something in the WG that is later posted. Then the sitter’s travel plans have to be cancelled and the HO has to start all over finding another one. Make it accessible off the top. Like, if this isn’t going to work out, let’s not even start.
I also agree that it’s not likely to happen because TH probably wants to sign up many new members with a minimum of “work” on their part.
On a related note, it would be really, really nice, if the WG, whenever it gets shared, had a one-page-with-sections format, instead of having to click back & forth through screen after screen with 1 or 2 paragraphs on each. That is so cumbersome and the biggest PITA to turn into a word document to print out. Also easy for sitters to miss a section.
Airlines have a 24 hour period when you can change your mind with no penalities. Sits should do. Agree that guides should be shared after confirmation and there should be a period of time for both parties to take a breath and make sure there is no buyer’s remorse on either side.
Excellent idea Fatamargana. I always feel that the Welcome Guide should be sent lout automatically when sit confirmed. MOst owners do send fairly quickly but have had the odd occasion when on;ly sent a couple of days prior to sit starting. It makes you extremely anxious if not knowing where you are going and exact address etc. Some sits are a few miles from location stated.
If it was sent out automatically it would save any stress and should give you the opportunity to change your mind after reading it within 24- 48 hours.
Wow, i’m a Home Owner and always send it out before I even have a video call with prospective sitters. Just so we can go over everything before I confirm with a sitter. Not sure why it would go out after, as how do you know what you’re even going to be doing?
I find the lack of Welcome Guide as a sit gets closer very stressful and a huge red flag, if nothing else it is a lack of consideration for the sitter by the HO.
So I’m heading for a three week sit and the Home Owner finally sent the welcome guide which was a series of photos of dogs and home and my bedroom presumably.. all very nice but no other details apart from her post code ? I know there is a saying the Devil is in the detail BUT no detail is also devilishly hard !
They stress they are perfectionists and I’m flattered they chose me BUT
Tight rope here I come! Again! Why do I get seduced by lovely home and lovely dogs !
I’m such a pushover lol!
I’ll keep you posted… Pray for me, please!
Simply Red!
Just the one and it was 5 star and glowing. But that’s not always accurate? I’m an optimist. I’ve sent my reviews since the sit has been confirmed and they are very keen to go ahead.. so will keep everyone updated..
As a homeowner I would not want my Welcome Guide sent to anyone who applies just in case there is something they don’t like. My guide contains and lot of personal and confidential information that would go down great with someone wanting to break-in or use details of my home for some sort of scam. Once you saw the WG you should have either contacted the HO or admin. I think you have the right to back out.
