There are currently three booking methods on Bubble;
Open requests
Direct requests
Repeat requests
Open requests
With open request, a parent posts their job requirements and the app then alerts nearby sitters who can review the details and apply for the job from their homepage. Parents then see sitter applicants and confirm the booking with the sitter that’s right for them. It's particularly useful for short-notice requests.
What are handpicked requests?
A parent may have spotted your profile in a list and 'handpicked' you to apply. If this is the case it will be highlighted in your app. The parent still needs to confirm.
Open requests differ from Direct Bookings, whereby parents send sit requests only to specific sitters, who are then required to confirm the sit.
Here’s how open requests work:
You made sure your Single Sits toggle is turned ON in your My Profile section.
You receive a push notification for a Post a Job request.
You quickly review the details and apply for the job.
The app will send you a notification if the parent confirms the booking with you or if the parent chooses someone else.
When applying for a job, you have the option of writing a short note that the parent will see with your application. This is a nice way to add a friendly, personal touch to your bid.
Some important points
Bubble caps a parent’s shortlist at 20 sitters, so responding quickly to opportunities will be crucial.
You can find out how to check your notification settings here.Sitters who respond quickly to requests and regularly keep their availability up to date will not only receive more Post a Job requests, they will also get them before other sitters.
Sitters with well-written profiles, clear photographs, and positive reviews from other parents on the app are far more likely to be selected by Parents for the booking. You can find guides to help you out with this back over on the main menu.
If you'd like to learn about Regular Help bookings, please read our article here.
New to Bubble and want to start babysitting? You can download the app for FREE here.