Frequently Asked Questions - For Service Providers
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Citysurfing operates as neither a tour operator nor a travel agency; rather, it functions as a technology company. Our primary responsibility lies in facilitating connections between locals who offer services and visitors seeking to arrange meetings.
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No, Citysurfing functions solely as a platform facilitating connections. As a host, you operate as an independent contractor, working for yourself.
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Locals on Citysurfing offer a diverse range of services tailored to enhance visitors' experiences. Activity partners engage in unscripted meetups, both in-person and online, providing an insider's perspective on their city. Tour Guides deliver scripted and unscripted historical, sightseeing, and specialty tours. Relocation Guides offer specialized relocation services such as photography, videography, and translation. Taskers handle relocation tasks like unpacking, furniture assembly, and minor repairs. Drivers provide transportation services, including pickups, drop-offs, and city tours. Additionally, locals organize various lessons and activities, including arts and crafts sessions, cooking classes, hiking excursions, biking tours, and private dinners.
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No, offering your services on Citysurfing is 100% free. We do offer optional purchase options to become verified or to boost your listing. If you decide to be prepaid for your services, we will collect a 14.5% service fee from your customers when they make a booking. This contribution allows us to effectively and efficiently manage the community, as well as provide you with online payments, marketing, and customer support. It’s a win-win situation because your contribution is made only after you get booked. Alternatively, you can allow your guests to use the “Pay at Meeting” payment option. This allows you to receive payment for your services when you meet your guest. When you do that, you will keep 100% of your earnings.
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Absolutely! We encourage individuals without prior experience to create a local pal listing. Being an expert isn't necessary—what matters most is your vibrant personality, deep knowledge of your city, and enthusiasm for connecting with people and enjoying new experiences.
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Yes, to register as a user on Citysurfing, you must be eighteen years of age or older. Our platform is not intended for use by individuals under the age of eighteen.
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You have the autonomy to create and personalize custom offers for each client. It's important to recognize that visitors to your city are often willing to pay for your services, companionship, insights, and expertise.
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There are two payment options available on Citysurfing: (1) Payment in the local currency at the time of the meeting, and (2) Pre-payment for booking requests. By default, all hosts can accept cash payments at the time of the meeting. If you prefer to receive pre-payment for your agreed-upon meeting, you can set up your listing to accept all major credit cards. These payments are processed via Stripe payment processing. Accepting pre-payments is a great option because it creates a fully automated booking experience, alleviating concerns about money for both the host and the guest during the meeting. When a booking request is made, the guest enters their payment information, and the amount due for the booking is charged. Payment will be sent immediately to your Stripe account, minus a 14.5% service fee.
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As an independent service provider, it is imperative to clarify that your affiliation with CitySurfing does not establish an employer-employee relationship. Consequently, CitySurfing is not required to report any income derived from our platform on your behalf. It is your sole responsibility to adhere to the tax laws applicable in your jurisdiction and accurately report your earnings. Should you require further clarification on the filing process or seek advice tailored to your tax situation, we strongly advise consulting with a qualified tax professional.
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No, Activity Partners and tour guides offer distinct services. Activity Partners focus on informal hangouts, sharing practical advice and personal experiences about local hotspots, restaurants, shopping areas, and more. In contrast, tour guides are licensed professionals who provide scripted tours, including food tours, historical excursions, and other guided experiences.
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You retain full discretion over your appointments, deciding both whom you meet and when. You exercise complete autonomy in managing your schedule, fostering connections with individuals worldwide.
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On CitySurfing, our user base is divided into two user communities: Unverified Members and Verified Members. As a traveler or local service provider, you have the option to participate either as an unverified or verified member. If you're unverified, you can only meet with other unverified regular members.
Our Verified member community on Citysurfing prefers to exclusively connect with other verified members. Therefore, if you intend to engage with any verified member, please ensure that your account is verified beforehand. This enhances safety measures by confirming users' identities and ensuring the availability of essential contact information, which can be used if any problems should arise during your meetings.
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Certainly. Bookings on Citysurfing do not occur automatically. Prospective clients initiate contact to request your services, granting you unfettered discretion in accepting engagements based on your preferences.
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While cancellations inconvenience confirmed bookings, we acknowledge that emergencies may necessitate such actions. Should you need to cancel a confirmed booking, we encourage you to first attempt rescheduling with your guest. Should rescheduling prove impractical, you must formally initiate the cancellation process via the Citysurfing messaging system, providing prompt notification to your guest. Please read the Citysurfng Terms of Service for a full description of the Cancellation Policy.
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To bolster guest confidence and augment reservation prospects, consider the following strategies:
1. Create a comprehensive and personable listing page.
2. Ask for testimonials from acquaintances familiar with your services.
3. Upload high-quality photographs to showcase your offerings.
4. Prioritize swift responses to reservation inquiries.
5. Deliver exemplary service to garner positive ratings and reviews.
6. Share your profile across various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram.
7. Become a verified member and prominently display the verified member badge on your profile page. Visitors often exhibit a preference for booking verified locals.
8. Boost your listing to the top of your city or on the homepage to receive increase traffic to your listing page.