How to screen guests who book directly instead of Airbnb, VRBO, etc

[Thanh Lu]

Looking for guidance about setting up direct bookings for guests outside of platforms like Airbnb, VRBO for both guests and myself as the host to avoid the fees.  

How do you go about vetting inquiries to ensure it’s the kind of guest you’d want/allow? I realize that direct bookings don’t have the protection or support (should something come up) that these platforms provide. 

What’s the best way to set up payment for direct bookings?

Thank you!