Hi @GrantFromACK
When I started on THS it took me 23 applications to get my first local sit. I have 27 mostly 5 star reviews now . It took me another 10 sits to start getting the sits I really wanted. Unfortunately competition for sits in popular locations is fierce and without having I would say 10 five star reviews behind you then I think you’ll struggle to get sits in your desired locations.
Not what you want to hear but most of us have been there.
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richten1, Yeah, I’m starting to get the message. Unfortunately, I’m not really into competing with other people. It’s not my style. If I get a sit or two, it will be a bonus. Had I known that this was how THS worked, I probably would not have paid for a premium membership. But at least I get two lounge passes out of the deal. 
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THS doesn’t necessarily work that way, it’s not always about competing for listings. There are many sits where there are none or only one applicant, you can see them here on “last minute sits”.
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In case it’s useful, TrustedHousesitters offers a refund policy for sitters (this answer is from Google so you could check for accuracy, but I think it’s right)
in your first year of membership if you don’t secure a sit after submitting at least 5 applications within a 14-day period. A separate refund is available if you cancel your membership within 14 days of joining or auto-renewing, provided you haven’t applied for a sit or published any live dates.