Hello, I’ve only rented my space once, and my inclination is to meet the guests to unlock the space and meet them again at the end of the assigned time to lock up. (it’s an open commercial office that I rent when I don’t need it, no separate space for me to wait out their event) However, I’ve had to decline some requests when I wasn’t able to meet the guest. Does anyone ever leave the key in a lockbox for guests, or is this not standard practice? thanks!
Just like airbnb, you should set up a automated system to open the space. Keycode or wifi door lock.
I use August app for my airbnb. It allows you to give a bluetooth/wifi access to the guest, you can see on your app when they enter and when they leave. And once the event is over, you can revoke access. very easy to install
This is actually something I learned when I was a photographer for airbnb: a host described to me to startling difference between the number of things that would mysteriously go “missing” and the overall condition of the space after the rental when guests checked themselves in and out with no face to face interaction versus when they were met by the host.
Naturally it’s important to have a backup system in place so that people can get in and out without you if necessary. But for the reasons above and because there’s a lot of professional equipment and not everybody knows what they’re doing (despite how much of a facade they attempt to put up) I like to meet them, ask them about what they’re planning and do my best to help them get started setting up.
Nothing is more annoying than being told “we’re good here - thanks” in the middle of giving an explanation of how everything works only to get a call 3 minutes later asking how to set up the Apple TV for a conference call. Where is the wifi password? Where are the extension cords? How do these lights work? I was literally in the middle of telling you when you asked me to leave - but sure, now let me describe it to you over the phone… 
Point of all this? Whenever possible meet your guests, put a face to the name and let empathy and humanity work in your favor.
3 Likes