If only things were that simple. It isn't though. And frustration leads to anger. I also dont believe for one minute that by "moving with the times" as you suggest is the way forward by any stretch of the imagination. What needs to be considered here, especially by pibomarco, is that when you have around 600 reviews (as in his case) all set neatly in the past, then a few poor ratings under the new system wont change the aggregate score at all. However, if you only have 50 or 60 reviews thus far, then just a few lousy ratings will screw your ratings big time. That's how algorithms work. At this stage, I'm pretty angry all things said and done. Why? No-ones listening at the big end!
Correct Jonmatie - I, too have long thought this guy has something to gain from advocating such an irresponsible ratings system. Our ratings have plummeted from 9.8 to 8.9 in under 1 year. Some of the ratings display 10's and an overall of as low as 7.5. Others are purposely rated low in each category because it rained. We have no way of replying and no arbitration before the review goes live. I complained once to BDC about one of these review scores that made no sense. The *** in the support centre told me it was "good" to get some poor reviews even if they are false or unfair because it makes BDC look well rounded. Huh? I just laughed. Anyway, i'ts ruined our reputation. Perspective guests just see the score and obviously move to another property. It's no wonder we get more direct bookings now than ever. They see a simple Google rating or another OTA platform rating where ours display a 5 star property and it's there we obtain bookings. BDC bookings are way down these days and that's not because of the virus. In my opinion all ratings and reviews should be qualified. The way it is now, it's way too personal, subject to hates and dislikes, at least it does with BDC.
Pibomarco, I'm not sure where you dug that review from. Its public so why not display the booking reference? In any case, If it is factual, then it's an exception not the rule. You'll need to be more convincing than that. It's obvious the system is biais and grossly unfair. If it works for you the leave it at that, don't try to convince an overwhelming populace who think otherwise.
I didnt think of that, but yes that makes sense. What else can it be? Now that we're set amongst the lower rated properties, the letting pool via Booking.com becomes much bigger, which in-turn means more availability, which equals more commission. What it means for us at least is that we are getting more and more bookings from other OTA's, where our ratings are greater than 9.5. I wonder if BDC took that shift into consideration!
Silvia, I totally agree with you on all points. Guests have no downside in any of this and if you're going to have host ratings it's fair to rate the guests, too. The fact that this doesn't happen means that Booking.com do and always will favour the guest, not the host.
This is nonsense. There's an obvious problem when dozens of hosts are saying there's a problem. All BDC are doing is leaving it up to 1 or 2 pro review system people on this forum to stem the tide. After so many complaints it appears as though BDC won't listen and they stand fast in their decision to keep the current system in place. Maybe it's a saving face thing? One thing is for sure; it's broken. Is there a reason BDC have given as to why it's not being replaced by something that works? Seriously, let's not complain anymore, just inform guests who book on BDC how to review and why the system isn't working. It's down to us really.
If only things were that simple. It isn't though. And frustration leads to anger. I also dont believe for one minute that by "moving with the times" as you suggest is the way forward by any stretch of the imagination. What needs to be considered here, especially by pibomarco, is that when you have around 600 reviews (as in his case) all set neatly in the past, then a few poor ratings under the new system wont change the aggregate score at all. However, if you only have 50 or 60 reviews thus far, then just a few lousy ratings will screw your ratings big time. That's how algorithms work. At this stage, I'm pretty angry all things said and done. Why? No-ones listening at the big end!
Correct Jonmatie - I, too have long thought this guy has something to gain from advocating such an irresponsible ratings system. Our ratings have plummeted from 9.8 to 8.9 in under 1 year. Some of the ratings display 10's and an overall of as low as 7.5. Others are purposely rated low in each category because it rained. We have no way of replying and no arbitration before the review goes live. I complained once to BDC about one of these review scores that made no sense. The *** in the support centre told me it was "good" to get some poor reviews even if they are false or unfair because it makes BDC look well rounded. Huh? I just laughed. Anyway, i'ts ruined our reputation. Perspective guests just see the score and obviously move to another property. It's no wonder we get more direct bookings now than ever. They see a simple Google rating or another OTA platform rating where ours display a 5 star property and it's there we obtain bookings. BDC bookings are way down these days and that's not because of the virus. In my opinion all ratings and reviews should be qualified. The way it is now, it's way too personal, subject to hates and dislikes, at least it does with BDC.
Pibomarco, I'm not sure where you dug that review from. Its public so why not display the booking reference? In any case, If it is factual, then it's an exception not the rule. You'll need to be more convincing than that. It's obvious the system is biais and grossly unfair. If it works for you the leave it at that, don't try to convince an overwhelming populace who think otherwise.
I didnt think of that, but yes that makes sense. What else can it be? Now that we're set amongst the lower rated properties, the letting pool via Booking.com becomes much bigger, which in-turn means more availability, which equals more commission. What it means for us at least is that we are getting more and more bookings from other OTA's, where our ratings are greater than 9.5. I wonder if BDC took that shift into consideration!
Silvia, I totally agree with you on all points. Guests have no downside in any of this and if you're going to have host ratings it's fair to rate the guests, too. The fact that this doesn't happen means that Booking.com do and always will favour the guest, not the host.
Mmm, it looks like you might have to as BDC aren't going to change anything despite all the flurry.
This is nonsense. There's an obvious problem when dozens of hosts are saying there's a problem. All BDC are doing is leaving it up to 1 or 2 pro review system people on this forum to stem the tide. After so many complaints it appears as though BDC won't listen and they stand fast in their decision to keep the current system in place. Maybe it's a saving face thing? One thing is for sure; it's broken. Is there a reason BDC have given as to why it's not being replaced by something that works? Seriously, let's not complain anymore, just inform guests who book on BDC how to review and why the system isn't working. It's down to us really.
Yes, I'm agreed with you.