Message Seller
1. Overview
The Create Booking Request flow allows Users to initiate a reservation request for a listing by selecting a pricing package, choosing their preferred time, and optionally messaging the Seller with additional context.
This flow supports multiple pricing strategies — fixed price, hourly rate, or fully custom — and intelligently adjusts UI and pricing logic based on the Seller’s configuration.
2. Visual References
3. User Experience
3.1 Entry Point
Users enter this flow by clicking the “Message Host” button on the Listing Detail Page.
The flow launches as a dedicated screen, where Users can:
- Select a pricing package (Per hour or Custom)
- Specify event date/time
- Enter guest and event details
- View calculated pricing
- Send a message to the Seller
We deliberately require Users to input details about the inquiry so that the conversation gets off a productive start with the Seller.
3.2 Package Selection
We have implemented two pricing modes for the current marketplace:
- Per Hour
- User picks a start and end time.
- Total cost = hours x hourly rate.
- Allows for more flexible scheduling.
- Custom
- No price is shown initially.
- User messages the Seller to discuss needs.
- A custom offer is made later inside the conversation.
Modular by design
The codebase is structured in a modular, component-based way—making it easy for your team to modify, replace, or extend individual flows to fit your unique marketplace model. Whether you’re adjusting pricing logic, onboarding steps, or messaging behavior, customization is straightforward and isolated.
3.3 Input Fields
Depending on the selected package, the User fills out:
- Date
- Required for all pricing modes.
- Start Time / End Time
- Editable only for Per Hour or Custom.
- Activity Type
- Free-text field.
- Guest Count
- Number field for Seller’s information.
- Alcohol Consumption
- Boolean toggle.
The Platform may configure the Activity Type (free-text), Guest Count (number) and Alcohol Consumption (Boolean) with logic that affects pricing and compliance.
- Message for Host
- Kicks-off the conversation thread between the User and Seller to prevent inquiry from being stale.
4. Step-by-Step Flow
- User clicks Message Host.
- Selects package type (if multiple options).
- Enters booking details: date, time, party size, etc.
- Price is calculated in real-time.
- User optionally sends a message.
- User submits the inquiry or offer.
5. Common Platform Configuration
- Price Modifiers
- Add-ons, number of guests, alcohol toggles, duration-based tiers
- Booking Windows
- Minimum or maximum advance booking period
- Message Field Behavior
- Optional or required
- Pre-filled templates
- Character limits or smart suggestions
- Custom Pricing Enhancements
- Predefined templates for Seller responses
- Pricing guidance (e.g., “Similar spaces charge $100–$150/hour”)
- UX Variants
- Full-page vs. modal form
- Separate flows for direct booking vs. inquiry