invite sitters

New to this community. Is it better to wait for replies to your listing or to browse local sitters and invite?

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There are lots of threads and info about this already in this THS Forum.

Generally, invitations have a low success rate.

Your best bet is to create a great listing, post dates, and wait for applications. Sitters are able to search using lots of filters and will find you!

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Hi there,
Invites can often be a frustrating time waster for owners, and aren’t very successful. This is because:

A: Sitters’ availability calendars are difficult to edit and are often incorrect, only showing dates where a sitter doesn’t have an already confirmed THS sit (which doesn’t necessarily mean a sitter is available for pet sitting on dates marked ‘available.’)

B: The algorithm will show you local or nearby sitters. Most THS sitters are seeking travel opportunities abroad or within their own country and are not interested in local sits.

C: Many sitters aren’t interested in random, unsolicited invites and will just decline or ignore these, instead actively applying to sits that interest them in places they’re keen to visit at a time that matches their availability.

So, it’s best to have a highly attractive listing that gains applicants. Those that are interested in your listing will find you through their own search. Sometimes they do work out, but it is rare, and it’s best to send invites along with a personalised message, making it clear that you have actually read the sitter’s profile. They work out best when sent to anyone that’s favourited your listing.

If you’re unsure about your listing and it hasn’t gained applicants, you can link your listing to your forum bio so members can view & give helpful feedback. Here’s how:

How to add a listing or profile link to your FORUM profile

Here are also some listing guides to help ensure your listing’s on the right track:

By me:
https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/uploads/short-url/pLTxH15JL8f02lWEkv8FsjpLKxD.pdf

By @Fatamorgana:
https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/uploads/short-url/2j2Xbyp2Go6y4DDKISeAKg8njw7.pdf

Best of luck and hope that helps!

5 Likes

Welcome to forum, @judeh !

Not sure what timeframe you expect re. applications. While very popular locations can have listings fill upp applications in minutes, other might wait days or even weeks. A solid and appealing listing that sitters want to apply to is key. Second good advice from Nagy26.

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Has a sitter, I’ve received sit applications many many times. I have declined all of them because the timing doesn’t work out or it doesn’t make sense to commit to the transportation cost to get there. Suggestions regarding creating a fabulous listing and waiting for applicants is the best way to go. Good luck.

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