Booking Confirmation - Which is Best?

Modified on Sun, 15 Feb at 1:58 PM

As a Host, you have the flexibility to choose how bookings are confirmed. Whether you prefer to be hands-on with every guest or want a seamless, automated experience, you can select the method that best aligns with your schedule and hosting style.

1. Manual Approval

With Manual Approval, you maintain full oversight. You will receive a notification for every booking request, allowing you to review the guest’s profile and details before the reservation is finalized.

How it works: Guests submit a request, and their payment is held. The booking is only confirmed once you click "Confirm".
Best for: Hosts who have specific house rules, unique property requirements, or prefer to screen guests personally.
Booking Status: Will change to "Confirmed" once the Host has approved the reservation.

Pros	Cons
Complete Control: You decide exactly who books at your property.	Slower Response Times: If you aren't by your phone, guests might book elsewhere while waiting.
Conflict Prevention: Opportunity to double-check your personal calendar before committing.	Higher Maintenance: Requires you to monitor notifications and respond within a set timeframe (2 hours).
Personal Connection: Allows you to start a dialogue with the guest before they arrive.	Lower Conversion: Some guests bypass listings that don't offer instant booking.

2. Automatic Approval (Instant Confirmation)

Automatic Approval streamlines the process by instantly confirming bookings. It removes the need for back-and-forth communication during the initial booking phase.

How it works: As soon as a guest submits a request for available dates, the booking is confirmed and added to your calendar immediately.
Best for: Busy Hosts who want a "set it and forget it" workflow and those looking to maximize their booking rate.

Pros	Cons
Efficiency: No manual work required; the system handles everything 24/7.	Less Oversight: You don't get to screen guests individually before the deal is sealed.
Better Search Visibility: Listings with automatic approval often rank higher in search results.	Calendar Rigidity: The moment a guest hits "Book," those dates are instantly grayed out for everyone else.
Higher Booking Volume: Attracts travelers who are looking for immediate confirmation.	Spontaneity: You might receive last-minute bookings that catch you off guard if your settings aren't strict.

Which Style Fits You?

Pro Tip: You can switch between these modes at any time. Many new Hosts start with Manual Approval to get comfortable with the process, then switch to Automatic Approval once they have a few successful stays under their belt.