Request to Book (RTB) is a specialized booking mode in Wander Sites that allows property managers to review and approve guest inquiries before they are finalized. Instead of an instant reservation, guests submit a request that you can evaluate based on your specific criteria.
Why Use Request to Book?
Implementing this mode gives you greater oversight of your property operations, allowing you to:
Vet Guest Details: Review information before committing to a stay.
Ensure Compliance: Assess requests against your specific house rules.
Manage High-Demand Dates: Handle special circumstances or peak holidays with more flexibility.
Build Trust: Establish a connection with new guests before confirming the reservation.
Request to Book vs. Instant Book
Feature | Request to Book | Instant Book |
Guest Submits Request | Yes | Yes |
Automatic Confirmation | No | Yes |
Host Approval Required | Yes | No |
Best For | Premium luxury properties and vetting | Maximizing booking volume |
How to Enable Request to Book
Follow these steps to configure your property's booking mode:
Access Dashboard: Log in to your Wander Sites account at app.wander.com.
Navigate to Listings: Select Listings from the left-hand navigation menu.
Select Property: Click on the specific property you wish to configure.
Adjust Booking Settings: Locate the Listing Settings section and, under Booking Type, select Request to Book.
Individual Configuration: Please note that this setting must be applied to each individual listing manually to ensure the correct booking mode is active across your portfolio.
Click this link to see the instructional video
Managing Incoming Requests
When a guest submits a request, the following workflow begins:
Notification: You will receive an immediate alert via your preferred channel.
Review: Navigate to Reservations in your dashboard to view guest information, requested dates, and pricing.
Action: Choose to Approve or Decline. If approved, the guest is charged and the booking is confirmed.
Personalization: You can include a custom message to welcome the guest or ask follow-up questions.
Best Practices for Success
Respond Promptly: Aim to respond within 24 hours to prevent guests from booking elsewhere.
Set Expectations: Clearly state in your listing description that bookings are subject to approval.
Communication: Use the built-in messaging features to clarify any details before confirming.
Active Monitoring: Regularly check your dashboard to ensure no pending requests expire.