I've had many owners contact me with a "stay request" when all they really want is a meet and greet to try and find a sitter who they would like to use on a more frequent basis, however, don't need a dog sitter in the near future.
Is there a way owners can request meet and greets without having to request a stay first?
This is a problem that I experience occasionally as well.
It's problematic, given the new "score system" that is based on how many of your requests you book. It also potentially fills your calendar so that you no longer appear in search results for those dates. Unfortunately, there is no way to communicate with a sitter without first sending a request.
I'm happy to accommodate to these "meet and greet only" types of requests, on the basis that it could lead to future business. However, as soon as I have scheduled a meet and greet with them, I archive the booking so that it no longer keeps me from booking other clients on these dates.
"It's problematic, the new "score system" is based on how many requests you book." Ain't that the truth. ROVER insists on punishing me for doing a lot of Meet & Greets. I can't be every Owner's perfect fit. If they choose not to book with me after M&G why should my rank be adversely affected.
We've spent literally half our time arranging and setting up for M&Gs that don't pan out. People don't care that this is my HOME as well as my business. I wish at least they'd be prompted to "archive" their request with ME before booking with someone else.
I'm new at this, but I'm guessing that there isn't a way to just do a meet and greet without a potential booking, since those who just want to meet sitters for some time in the future would likely want to book you outside http://Rover.com.
So far, each of the new booking requests have requested a meet and greet to see my home and make sure my dog and theirs get along, but each one has ended with a booking confirmation.
Pat