Learning Hub · Policies
Bookings Policy
What does this policy do?
The bookings policy controls the lifecycle of every new booking — from submission by the client, through your review, to confirmation. You decide whether bookings are confirmed automatically or require manual approval, and when the client becomes liable to pay.
The booking lifecycle
A booking goes through several stages. Each toggle here controls a different part of that journey.
Confirm Before Onboarding
The booking must be confirmed by you before the client enters the onboarding pipeline (Meet & Greet, assessments, etc.)
Confirm Before Payment Liability
The client only becomes liable to pay once you manually confirm. Until then, they can cancel for free.
Free Cancellation While Pending
If a booking is still "Pending" (not yet confirmed), the client can cancel without any charge — even if your cancellation policy would normally apply.
Auto-Confirm Bookings
Bookings are confirmed instantly when submitted — no manual review by you. Use carefully: the client is immediately liable.
Booking flow with manual confirmation
Client submits a 3-night boarding for Max
Client submits booking
You review in dashboard
You confirm the booking
Booking appears on calendar
What happens when settings change
Click each scenario to see the result and email preview
Auto-Confirm is turned ON
New bookings skip the pending/review stage and are confirmed immediately. The client receives a confirmation email straight away, and the cancellation policy applies from that moment.
Booking Confirmed!
to: client@example.com
Great news! Your boarding booking for Max (3 nights, 15–18 Jan) has been automatically confirmed. Your cancellation policy applies from now.
Free Cancellation While Pending is ON + Auto-Confirm is OFF
Clients can browse and tentatively book, then cancel for free until you review. This gives both sides flexibility.
Booking Received — Awaiting Confirmation
to: client@example.com
We've received your booking request for Max (3 nights). It's currently pending review. You can cancel free of charge while it remains pending.
Tips & best practices
If you're just starting, keep Auto-Confirm OFF — it gives you control to check availability before committing.
Turning on "Confirm Before Payment Liability" is great for trial periods with new clients.
"Free Cancellation While Pending" builds trust with clients — they can book without pressure.
When this policy is inactive, all bookings default to basic behaviour with no special gates.
Learning Hub • Bookings Policy
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