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Servas Rating System... Yikes! Your Thoughts?

May 31, 2025 1:26 PM | Bill Magargal (Administrator)

Graphic showing a rating system for "Responds Promptly to Requests"by Bill Magargal

In the post-COVID era it seems that getting timely (or any) responses from hosts has become difficult, to the point that some members have decided not to renew. This might simply be the result of emails getting lost or shuttled to junk-mail folders. Or, now that we are also being deluged with phishing calls and junk texts, perhaps people just ignore calls from numbers they don't recognize. It could also be that people are more concerned about or apathetic to hosting. Whatever the reason, it seems we should do something to address the problem.

At a recent tech team meeting we discussed the issue and tossed out ideas. One option is to use WhatsApp, which seems to have much less spam, but some of us find it difficult to set up new contacts. Another idea is to add a function to the Servas International website by which travelers can request hosting via a standardized email address or phone number. The Servas International website had a similar feature, but it was not well known. This solution would at least identify the requests as non-spam.

Another idea tossed about was to set up a system that would identify the member as a "Quick Responder", or "Top Rated" host. Other travel groups like Couch Surfers and Warm Showers hosts have a rating system that serves this function. The first reaction among most Servas members is that host-traveler ratings aren't something we feel is appropriate. However, not having a timely and reliable communication system is losing us members. Maybe we should consider a rating system. What are your thoughts? Add a comment below to let us know.

Comments

  • June 02, 2025 7:32 AM | David L.
    Prompt the host, in their profile, to specify their preferred method of communication. You still have the situation where there may not be a correlation between what the host says they do, and what is actually done, but it's a start. I have found that most hosts in countries other than the US do NOT respond to emails. That's just statistically speaking, my experience. They have responded (not always in a timely manner) more consistently to WhatsApp messages.
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    • June 02, 2025 7:49 AM | Colette
      This is my experience as well most overseas people use WhatsApp and prefer it. Yes the preference for contact is good because some people don't want phone calls first. I'm finding more and more people want a copy of your letter of introduction with your initial inquiry.
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  • June 02, 2025 7:46 AM | Colette
    I don't like the rating system. People either want to host more people or they don't. Maybe one of the reasons why they don't answer right away is that they're unsure of their plans etc. Using Whatsapp is simple and a lot of overseas people use it. I think a simple explanation and how it works for those of us who are not familiar would help solve that problem. Plus it's free to use when connected to Wi-Fi all over the world, which is a real Plus to having it for us Travelers. Thanks for the opportunity to share.
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  • June 02, 2025 8:08 AM | David Schwartz
    I think this is a good idea but it has an inherent problem: the inquiring traveler would have to take the time to send in the ratings, and I think that would be a no-go for many. Instead, please consider what I have long advocated: a “review” (not rating) system in which travelers are encouraged to write something about their experiences. No stars, no categories, just say what you like and make it accessible to all prospective travelers to read. This can be expanded slightly to include a “quick responder” notification.
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    • June 02, 2025 10:12 AM | Leena Desai
      Yes, we should have a review system and ratings. Whether we can host or not, we must respond to the request when we receive them.
      Link  •  Reply
      • June 02, 2025 5:18 PM | Anonymous member
        A review system is better than a rating system. Also I agree on what’s app. Text and iMessage are unreliable.
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    • June 03, 2025 12:21 AM | anonymous
      I like David's idea. There will already be unhappy travelers who expect a lot
      from the hosts. To give ratings to the hosts who share their spaces and even meals(though not required) will only scare the hosts away especially if the travelers are generally unhappy campers.
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  • June 02, 2025 8:17 AM | steve j
    I agree that offering a variety of contact options, including WhatsApp, is a good idea. As well as asking Hosts to specify preferred means of initial contact.
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  • June 02, 2025 8:35 AM | Ingrid
    I agree that I don't like a rating system. I like the idea of asking a preferred contact method, but it's hard to even get people to confirm their profiles - we recently stayed with a lovely welcoming couple that hadn't confirmed theirs. I encouraged them to do so.

    How about some overall suggestions from country coordinators on general norms in their area?
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  • June 02, 2025 9:30 AM | Anonymous member
    I agree with many of the comments below. I think it best to look at the profile and see how they want to be contacted but WhatsApp seems to be the best for most people. Keep Traveling :)
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  • June 02, 2025 11:15 AM | Marcia
    I don't like the rating system. It makes hosting sound more like being an Airbnb host- already some confusion there with some travelers.
    Like others have suggested, a brief explanation of country norms for communicating, and individual preferences makes sense. WhatsApp is useful. Suggestions for requests too: include the LOI and when you hope to hear back/need a reply.
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  • June 02, 2025 11:55 AM | Lysa T
    I like the idea of WhatsApp. I am currently traveling. I have given up on SERVAS overnight hosts because I have contacted so many people and gotten zero response. I have had better luck with day hosts. I don’t like to call or text people I don’t know so have always used email. I am curious if using WhatsApp would help. As for a rating system the person who suggested writing a short review sounds on track. I also do HomeExchange and we do ratings which actually helps a lot. They are simple and short and nothing like Air BnB. But very helpful.
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    • June 02, 2025 12:36 PM | Alice Diamond
      What's App can either be text or voice. I would only want text, since I don't like to be put on the hook immediately for deciding if I can host, based on what other things are happening for the dates requested. Sometimes I can bring the guest along and sometimes that is not possible since it may be a high cost event, etc. And sometimes I just need to check with the host.
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  • June 02, 2025 2:14 PM | Anonymous
    Many young people, especially if a single female traveling alone, prefer some commenting system if they are to stay with a single male host. Negative ratings could be sent directly to the complaints group before posting broadly. A rating would also give a sense of who is hosting and who is traveling.
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  • June 03, 2025 7:26 AM | Cherie
    What’s Ap is a better option. Ratings create a dynamic that doesn’t fit our mission. We’re not a commercial travel organization, nor are we a travel exchange company. I’m also a solo woman traveler and I would not stay with single men. I’m sure we will continue to talk about safety as a critical issue.
    Link  •  Reply


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