Editing How to write a hosting request (section)

== Conclusion ==

Your success at receiving invitations from hosts depends on a lot of things... '''Are you smiling or scowling in your photos'''? Are you pictured '''doing something fun or sitting in the dark in front of your computer'''? How did you fill out your profile description? Do you have connections, verification and references within the use network or can link to others?

No prior references/comments? Try to go to in touch with other local members before you start your trip. The bigger networks have local meetings, where you can learn more about [[Hospitality exchange]] and harvest some references/comments from real life persons. (Besides: It's fun meeting local members of your network and very often their travelling guests are taking part as well.) Another option is to offer members travelling to your place company, tours or meetings. This is especially usefull if you're completely new or your current living situation prevents you from hosting.

It's OK if you contact several hosts to "increase your chances", but please don't spam everyone in a particular city. Every network has several spamfilters in place and when you send a certain number of messages within a small amount of time you may be automatically identified as a possible spammer and NONE of your messages might go out until they are reviewed by a volunteer to make sure you are not spamming people. How many requests is the right number depends on a lot of things, but 10 requests to an average place with a decent profile and a few days advanced notice is usually more than enough to get one invitation.

Also, it's just polite to '''write back to everyone who replied to you, to thank them''' and say you already have a couch if you have already found one. Even if they say "no", reply with a "Thanks anyways" - they will remember your politeness... and who knows, maybe one of their friends may be able to host you. 

Remember, read the host profiles carefully and follow any instructions they include when writing your request.

[[Category:Tips]]