We have a homeowner requesting an interview for a sit but they have no reviews. They have had one sit in the past but no comments; I wonder if there is a way to contact that sitter privately?
No there isn’t. Why not check out the review that the owner left for that sitter and see what that says to help give you a more rounded image.
2 Likes
If possible, see if you can click the photo of sitter and go to their listing. There you might be able to see the reviews of the sitter and see if the sitter usually leaves reviews or not (or might only leave reviews if positive). It could be somewhat of a red flag. One tip could be also to take a close look at the photos of the listing. Sometimes there are clues. 
1 Like
Why not accept the “interview” chat. Then ask them directly why they have no reviews, instead of speculating negatively. The video call works well for both parties, pet owner and potential sitter.
I always like to do a video call even if the HO has lots of nice reviews already.
7 Likes
In your place, I’d skip it and pursue other sits. That’s because unless it’s a rare sit, why take the chance that the previous sitter didn’t write a review?
I tend to look for positive signs, rather than take chances — the better to avoid bad sits.
I do consider first-time hosts if I see that their profile is robust, welcoming and reciprocal. And only if the house photos look good. Plus, if our video chat goes well.
I figured out how to screen first-timers: Are they friendly, optimistic, house proud? Does their listing sound reciprocal? (I avoid all listings with a self-absorbed focus, all about them and their pets, without consideration for why a sitter might want to come.)
Do they seem like people who have experience as hosts, apart from THS? Like I’ve sat for several retiree couples who’ve spent many years entertaining guests. No one has to teach them to be hospitable.
With such filtering — including avoiding any hosts with potentially negative signs such as missing reviews — I’ve had terrific sits even with hosts new / newish to THS.
The way I look at sits: If I’m going to spend effort, time and money, why take unnecessary risks? I can always stay comfortably home or do nonsit travel.
And it takes good partnership to have a great sit. I don’t settle for iffy partners.
To me, better to avoid potentially iffy ones and miss what could be a good sit. If it turns out they end up well-reviewed later, I can always reconsider applying down the line. But really, so many sits, so little time, so skipping iffy ones isn’t a big deal.
4 Likes