When a date is set to Request to Book, clients can't book it instantly. They send you a request instead, and the booking is confirmed once you review it and send the invoice. Use it when you want to check every booking before it's confirmed.
What clients see
On a Request to Book date, clients can still pick the date. The booking just goes to you for approval instead of being confirmed right away.
In Select Dates, hovering over a Request to Book date shows the message "This date requires approval from outfitter to book."
The client picks their dates, clicks Save, then clicks Add to cart.
At checkout, a Request to book panel appears next to their cart. It tells them the trip requires your approval and that you'll confirm their dates.
The client enters their First Name, Last Name, Email, and Phone, plus an optional Message.
They click Request to book to send you the request.
If you show your phone number on requests, the panel also includes a Questions about availability? box with Call and Send text buttons. To turn this on, see Configure Display Settings in Manage Online Booking.
What you receive
You get the request by email and text.
The request is saved as a draft booking under Bookings, on the Draft tab.
To ask the client a question before confirming, reply to the request email. See Replying to Online Booking Emails Sends Messages Directly to Your Client.
Approve the request
Click Bookings in the left sidebar.
Click the Draft tab and select the request.
Review the trip details and make any changes.
Scroll to Invoice Summary and click Send invoice and confirm.
To confirm without sending an invoice, or to collect payment directly, see How to Confirm a Draft Booking.
Why a date shows Request to Book
A date shows as Request to Book when any of these apply:
The experience, or your system default, is set to Request to book.
The trip starts inside your Instant booking cutoff time.
The date falls in an off-season range set to Request to book.
The date has an exception on the Exceptions tab.
To change any of these, see How to Set Instant Book or Request to Book.