i posted a listing for October, and the first week as always, there were a flurry of applications. I had to decline some because they wanted to bring their own pet with them, or wanted to bring kids. Now that it’s been a couple of weeks, i’m getting no new applications. Is it just because it’s not new anymore? Have never had this issue before.
(Post edited by the Forum Team to remove attached profile listing as per the Community Rules).
Are you aware of the 5 application rule?
I know that applications get paused after 5, right? I did decline a couple, does that count- it still shows as active.
Once you decline applications @aspalek, make sure you manually unpause your listing to attract more applicants.
Welcome to forum @aspalek !
If you have applicants still, it is from a sitter-perspective a red flag if the host doesn’t go forward in a timely manner.
If you have sitters apply that you haven’t declined the sitters probably apply for other sits as they are adviced to do so by THS (and because it is the logical thing to do). Many hosts reach out, arrange videocall and confirm within 48 hours. So if you have some you might lose them as other hosts might confirm before you are proceeding (THS has also in terms that a fellow member should be answered within 72 hours. Most answer within hours). Just so you know.
Why did THS remove your listing? Many people post their listing so sitters can give feedback to improve the listing to attract more sitters.
Why was this one taken down?
@aspalek If you received 5 applicants and declined 2 of them, you would then need to “unpause” your listing to get more applicants.
Please attach your listing to your Forum profile so that we can review it.
I believe that many sit opportunities do not get filled. Maybe THS can provide some insight on this. Too many owners and not enough sitters! Lots of competition!
One suggestion: Post your listing when you have blocked out some of your own time to deal with applicants and choose someone within 72 hours of posting the listing initially. Sitters apply to many sits, and they may choose a different opportunity if you are not proceeding with the process more rapidly.
Thats good advice. I may not have been as quick as I usually am because I was considering unusual applicants (for me) - either with no reviews, or applicants wanting to bring children or their own dogs. The one applicant I have left has no reviews so I asked her for references from outside Trusted house sitters, which took a few days. And she’s coming from a 5 hour flight away. Not sure whether it’s even smart to consider that one.
Sounds like I should have been quicker dealing my applicants. Thanks!
Not sure what happened, but a listing should be added in forum profile. It is not allowed to post it in a topic. Could that be it?
I’m currently on a sit with a 12+ hour flight, so it might be real enough. It is good to be careful. If sitter has actually looked into travel cost, if they have tickets and if they have border issue considered.
I did post my listing on my profile if that helps.
I looked through your listing. Your home looks lovely, and your dog is cute. If you take your listing down and then post it again, it will show as “new.”
Consider updating the amenities section. I grew up in San Rafael, CA. Danville is a really nice area but certainly not a tourist hub, so hopefully you will find someone who has a car and needs to be in your area for some reason, for example, visiting family. You might want to mention if your dog enjoys adventures in the car and if he can be left alone for x hours.
October is a lovely month to be in CA. The weather is usually perfect during these dates.
Thank so much for the comments. I will add more info re: my location and my dog. I think I had it so easy with my two other sitters than I didn’t plan things as well. Appreciate your input!