Instant booking overrides pre-approval?

[Kimberly419]

I came here with a question, but I think I figured it out. Maybe someone can confirm or explain the logic? 

A person inquired last night to ask if he could book Fri, Sat, & Sun nights. We had Sunday blocked off so his inquiry was for Fri & Sat night.  We decided we could open up Sunday, so I messaged him, said yes, clicked pre-approve, and opened Sunday so he could book it.  In my message, I reminded him that he had 24 hours to book. Note that I clearly read *on the screen* that the pre-approval was complete and good for 24 hours. 

I woke up this morning to 2 messages -- one from the guy saying he couldn't book because the dates show unavailable; and one from a new guest who booked Sat & Sun. 

Is that because I have instant booking turned on? Which means clicking the pre-approval button essentially does ...nothing? I'm confused.... 

[Cathie19]

Without looking @Kimberly419 , it sounds like you definitely have instant book on or a guest couldn’t have booked using it! But also, when you decided to pre-approve, you did not block the dates at that time. That then means the enquiring guest /s has up to 24 hours to take up your pre-approved offer, BUT, this is not set in stone, for the dates remained “open” for public viewing. 

Therefore, first guest to book, is the winner!

Sadly though, by not blocking the dates at the time of sending the pre-approval, you don’t have control and you lost a day’s payment.  

Pre-approvals can be sent to more than one person, but it is wise to let them know they are not the only one the offer has been sent to. Always let them know if the dates are still open, so they are aware, others can still book across the pre-approval time phase.

[Emilia42]

To answer your questions:

Yes, you have instant booking turned on

and the first one with the credit card in hand wins the dates. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Kimberly419 

I believe that when you pre-approve you can either leave the dates for others to book (usually sensible) or block the dates for the pre-approved person. The latter would have been what you needed to do.

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