{"id":"693c06ce8c06ba1497d94ac4","number":35,"collectionId":"679b95a1569de96229a2df78","slug":"how-bookings-work-for-customers","status":"published","hasDraft":false,"name":"How bookings work for customers","text":"<p>Customers book through your public booking page. Alba builds the calendar from your opening hours and prices, so customers only see times that are actually available, at the right price.</p>\n<h3>The booking flow</h3>\n<ol>\n <li>The customer picks a time in the calendar.</li>\n <li>They go to checkout and see a summary of the booking.</li>\n <li>If they are not signed in, they sign in or create an account. At venues with guest checkout enabled, they can also choose <b>Continue as guest</b> and enter their name and email instead. See <a href=\"//alba.helpscoutdocs.com/article/243-guest-checkout-when-customers-book-without-an-account\">Guest checkout: when customers book without an account</a> for details.</li>\n <li>They pay by card or value card. Value cards require a signed-in account.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>Membership benefits show throughout, from the calendar to checkout for signed-in customers. Signed-in customers can also apply discount codes or gift cards at checkout.</p>\n<h3>After payment</h3>\n<p>The customer lands on a receipt page and can download a receipt for their records.</p>\n<p>If your venue uses automated access control, they first verify their identity with a code sent to their phone. That way only the person who booked gets the access instructions, which keeps entry secure. Once verified, they see how to get in and unlock the door(s).</p>\n<h3>Confirmation and reminders</h3>\n<p>As soon as the booking is complete, the customer gets a confirmation email with all the details and access instructions. You can add your own text to this email.</p>\n<p>One hour before the booking starts, Alba sends a reminder SMS with a direct unlock link for the door(s). You decide how long before and after the booking that link stays active. You can also turn on link sharing, so the customer can pass the access link to the other players.</p>","categories":["693c06be2971f25cbd63928d"],"related":[],"keywords":null,"publicUrl":"https://alba.helpscoutdocs.com/article/35-how-bookings-work-for-customers","popularity":5.0,"viewCount":1499,"createdBy":832407,"updatedBy":832410,"createdAt":1765541582000,"updatedAt":"September 7, 2026","lastPublishedAt":1788784506000,"previewText":"Customers book through your public booking page. Alba builds the calendar from your opening hours and prices, so customers only see times that are actually avai","updatedDate":"2026-09-07"}