Frequently asked questions
Can I use bosunaire.com without signing in?
+Yes. Simply click 'Search' at the top. You may search the map and get a feel for how the tool works. If you actually want to connect to another user without signing in, Bosunaire will require an email address. If not signed in, we will email only the Bo hosts that accept non-verified Bo users. Also, 'Non-verified user' will be part of the subject field in the email we send to Bo hosts. You are much less likely to get a response from a Bo host if you are not signed in. We encourage users to sign in to bosunaire.com for higher response rates from hosts. Signing in gives the hosts confidence that you are 'real'. Also, at your discretion, your Bosunaire user rating and user reviews may be included in the email to potential hosts/homeowners.
What does Bosunaire actually mean?
+Bosunaire derives from 'Bosun'. A bosun is a senior crew member of a boat or ship. The bosun supervises much of the crew including planning, scheduling and assigning tasks. Bosunaire is a made-up word referring to anyone that 'YOYOs' with another Bosunaire member.
What is 'Yoyo with Bo'?
+Once bosunaire.com connects you to another user, 'You're On Your Own' with the other user. Bosunaire.com is no longer involved. You and your connected Bo will discuss terms, payments, etc ... you're on your own.
Is there a Bosunaire app I can download to my phone?
+No. Bosunaire is website only. Downloading an app exposes your personal data. With Bo your privacy is paramount. Also, as a single software developer, a website is much easier to maintain than phone apps
Can you tell me more about privacy?
+Foremost, we do NOT collect or mine your data. We do not sell your email address. On top of that, your profile, user reviews, user rating, etc, are not exposed to the public or to members you have never attempted to connect with. Upon a submitted search, you determine whether your profile/reviews/rating are shared with potential hosts. Hosts that respond to you via email are encouraged to attach their profile containing user reviews and user ratings. Agreements are performed via EMails between homeowners/hosts and buyers/travellers.
How do I verify the other person I'm emailing is not a scammer?
+Remember, you're on you own, so that's a VERY good question. Make sure the other Bo sends you their profile, user reviews and user ratings. Their profile should contain a link to at least one social media for the user. Ask to verify the user via face-to-face real-time video and match it with their social media. For larger transactions, possibly ask to friend them on social media. If their social media has limited history, beware. Keep your monetary exposure to a minimum.
Before I send money to a Bo host, what should I think about?
+If you're buying a house, this is likely mute, as you'll follow the normal steps of a FSBO. However, if you're renting a Bed and Breakfast or similar, think about exposure. Keep your monetary exposure to a minimum. Bosunaire suggests the two Bo members agree to a total cost of the host's service. The traveler then sends the host a minimal amount to reserve the date/service. This reduces the traveler's monetary exposure. Shortly after the traveler arrives, full payment is likely made. But, again, the details are up to the two connected Bo members.
Why did you develop bosunaire.com?
+To solve to two problems, mainly privacy regarding what I do with my house/home. One, I wanted to list my home for sale without my friends and neighbors asking questions. Secondly, I was a frequent user of the two other online BnB reservation sites. The options were often limited. Then, as their corporate fees, cleaning fees, taxes and other fees almost doubled the price shown for the BnB on their map, I felt the bait-and-switch. I grew frustrated and decided there must be a cheaper and more honest alternative for finding a host for my travels. Plus there were times when I just want to pay cash and not be tracked. Also, I'd spoken with two hosts on other BnB sites that did not want their pictures or even their general location displayed to the public. These reasons are why Bosunaire leans towards privacy over ease-of-use during the search process.
Who is behind Bosunaire? And what is the tech stack?
+I'm a software developer in Raleigh, NC, USA. Bosunaire.com is a Next.js (React server-side-rendering) app using OpenStreetMaps. It's hosted on AWS Amplify. The Next.js app uses Google Firebase Authentication and Google Firestore database. There are no phone apps. The Bosunaire website was coded simply to connect hosts with buyers/travelers with no hidden fees. After that, I'm no longer involved. The AWS and Google costs are minimal to me, so I don't need compensation. Please feel free to email me with questions or comments: bosunaire@gmail.com
