Recently I have noticed a total lack of acknowledgement from HO’s when applying for sits. It’s always been an issue, but more so recently. I have all 5* reviews with a wealth of experience but constantly now being left on “Read”.
When a sitter makes an application, why can’t THS remind the HO automatically when the application is made, that they should at least acknowledge the application within 72hrs - and then send a further reminder at 72hrs. I understand a decision will often require more time, but a basic acknowledgement from a HO would be nice once in a while.
I don’t think many HO’s realise that this is the guidance and it’s very frustrating for potential sitters. It also doesn’t leave a good impression of that HO when they leave you on read with not even a basic acknowledgement…
From my POV as a sitter, it makes me feel that we are competing against other sitters (which technically we are!) and the HO just sits back and waits for free petcare. It’s not a nice feeling for the sitter.
I consider such folks doing me a favor, because better to avoid their sits.
Whatever the reason a host doesn’t reply promptly has nothing to do with you or me — we’re just not well matched. And logically we won’t match with everyone.
Automatically withdrawing within 48 hours if the host doesn’t reply to schedule a video chat works well for me. I ultimately end up with great hosts, ones I want to match with.
I agree‼️ Its just plain rude and disrespectful towards the sitter. No mature adult needs to be told to reply politely! Its automatic. If they don’t its because they don’t want to! Therefore they show a superior attitude towards sitters from the get go..! I find the longer a message goes unacknowledged the faster my interest dies anyway.. Time to move on!
I don’t think reminders from THS will teach people manners or improve their communication style.
In our experience THS hosts who don’t respond quickly have not resulted in a confirmed sit for us - either we have found another sit before they respond or we have withdrawn our application for another reason .
For example - we applied over a month ago for a listing , heard nothing for 29 days . I had actually forgotten about the application when the host messaged to ask if we were still available and suggested a video call . Since we were still available we agreed with them a time for a call . The host contacted us on the day to say that they couldn’t make call and asked to reschedule for 3 days later . We again accommodated that request . After a pleasant call , the host said “you seem very nice would we be interested “ ?
We said yes , they said “well I’m speaking to others and I will let you know as soon as possible “
We asked “are your dates fixed ?” and they told us that they hadn’t actually booked the holiday yet .
We withdrew our application straight after the call.
The host was perplexed and explained that when listing they had ticked flexible dates (to indicate that they hadn’t got firm arrangements in place ) . They were surprised when we told them that as sitters we can’t see that !
Out of curiousity, a week later we’ve looked again at the listing, they have 2 applicants and still not confirmed a sitter !
Turn it around. Why would you want to sit for someone that has no clue of how to be polite and no consideration for you as a sitter? How would that attitude influence a sit even if you confirmed one - and how would that lack of consideration for the sitter point of view influence responsibilites, communication during sit - and indeed the review?
Life can ofc happen, and sometimes reasons for not answering (in a timely manner) can be legitimate. Or it is a new member that just doesn’t get it and need time to learn.
But regardless - as others have mentioned too - I see this phase also as a part of my vetting process. Is this a person I would like to make a pet-sit agreement with? Do they regard me an equal partner, and want me to be content also, do they ant me to have a nice stay too at their location?
Not answering my application is an important factor in deciding I don’t want to sit for them, and I’m thankful that they showed that attitude towards sitters early on - and that I didn’t find out until during sit.
This should be an easy to implement piece of coding i.e. a reminder to respond to applications. But, I have little, or no faith in THS making the change. there’s scant evidence of the investors spending any money on improvements. Instead, it’s all about marketing and growing membership.
That’s a good idea actually. Seeing as us sitters have to be quick to apply for desirable sits, perhaps HO’s need to be quick to act on desirable sitters! Having a timeframe would solve that issue but I doubt THS would ever enforce such a thing.
Being left on read makes me feel as though the HO is waiting for someone better to come along. Of course they are valid in wanting that but that attitude does not promote the mutual exchange that THS markets itself on.
This is a really useful perspective. I have written a lot of applications for half term sits recently, and while I am used to getting ignored by a significant proportion of the people we apply to, it seems much worse this time around.
I hadn’t thought that we may be avoiding potentially problematic hosts- thanks for reframing it!
We took a step in this direction earlier this week.
A prompt has been added for on the Pet Parent page which encourages them to review the applications - this appears once 5 applications have been received.
Your broader point about encouraging acknowledgment of sitters applications has been passed on.
what a waste of time!