If a customer paid a deposit when booking, you now have the option to collect the remaining balance directly via the FishingBooker app.
This isn't a mandatory way of collecting payments, but you may find it very useful when:
- Customers forget to bring cash
- You're between back-to-back trips and don't have time to take their credit card info
Most importantly, you and the customer can complete the payment in just a couple of taps.
How to collect the remaining balance via the app
Collecting the remaining balance is available on the day of the trip – it shows up 1 hour before the trip starts and lasts until 4 hours after the trip has ended. This is something you should use when you are with the customer.
The "Collect remaining balance" button will appear on your available bookings. You can access it:
- From the home screen of your app
- From the list of all your bookings
- From your booking details page
When tapping this button, you'll see the price breakdown and will be able to request payment from the customer. Once you do, the customer will receive the request via text or as a notification on their FishingBooker app (if they have it installed).
Note that this is only available on the FishingBooker for Captains app, not on the web version (your computer).
They will be able to pay with the credit card that they used to pay the deposit (if they previously chose to save it for future use) or any other card they want to use, including Apple Pay.
Payment status
When you send your request, you'll see a “Payment pending" message. Once your customer completes the payment, your app will update and you'll see a confirmation message.
Additional options on the "payment pending" screen.
If you requested payment by mistake, you can always cancel it by tapping on "Need help > Cancel request".
If you encounter any issues with collecting payments this way, reach out to us by clicking “Need help > Contact Support”.
Note:
- Once the payment is complete, you'll receive the funds once your bank processes the transaction, which may take several working days.
- This is only available for captains with the "Bank account" payout option.
When not to send payment requests
We don't recommend sending payment requests as general pre-trip reminders for customers. FishingBooker sends email and text reminders to each customer via text and email. Our email reminders specifically mention the remaining balance due to you, as well as a general recommendation to leave a tip.
More importantly, if you haven't yet agreed on the preferred payment method with the customer, your request may confuse those who intended to pay in cash. It's always best to confirm the payment method first, and then to send the payment request.