Guest Booking Authentication

StudioBase allows guests to book classes without creating a full account. This guide explains how guest authentication works using secure magic links sent via email.

What is Guest Booking?

Guest booking allows people to:

• Book classes without creating an account
• Skip the full registration process
• Verify their email address with a magic link
• Access their booking details via email

This feature makes it easier for first-time visitors or casual attendees to book classes quickly.

How Guest Authentication Works

1. Tap a Class to Book

On the studio's booking page, browse classes by day using the date tab bar at the top. Tap a class card to open the booking sheet.

2. Enter Guest Details

In the booking sheet, simply enter your name and email address. No password or account creation is required to book.

3. Complete Booking

Choose a payment method (card, or class pack credit if signed in) and confirm. You'll immediately receive a booking confirmation email.

4. Manage Booking

The confirmation email contains a Manage Booking link. This is a secure "magic link" that automatically verifies your identity and grants access to manage your booking. Clicking the link lets you:

• View class information
• Download your receipt
• Cancel the booking (if eligible)

Signing In as a Guest

If you need to access your booking later but can't find the confirmation email, you can sign in from the booking page:

1. Visit the studio's booking page
2. Tap the account icon in the header, or tap a class card and choose Sign In in the booking sheet
3. Enter your email address
4. Check your email for a message with the subject "Sign in to StudioBase"
5. Click the Sign In to StudioBase button

Once signed in, use the Account Drawer (accessible from the account icon in the header) to view your upcoming bookings, past bookings, and class pack credits.

Magic Link Security

Magic links include several security features:

Time-Limited Access

• Magic links expire after 30 minutes (Sign In links) or 7 days (Booking Confirmation links)
• After expiration, request a new link
• This prevents old links from being misused

Single-Use Links

• Each magic link can only be used once
• After clicking, the link becomes invalid
• This prevents replay attacks

Secure Tokens

• Links contain cryptographically secure tokens
• Tokens are unique to your email and booking
• They can't be guessed or reused

What Guests Can Access

After verifying via magic link, guests can:

View Booking Details

• Class name, date, and time
• Instructor information
• Studio location
• Booking confirmation number

Access Receipt

• Payment amount
• Payment method (last 4 digits)
• Transaction date
• Invoice/receipt PDF

Manage Booking

• Cancel booking (if within cancellation window)
• Add to calendar (iCal, Google Calendar)
• Contact studio support

Limitations

Guests cannot:

• Save payment methods for future use
• Access studio member benefits or perks
• Update profile or preferences

Resending the Magic Link

If you didn't receive the magic link or it expired:

1. Request a New Link

Simply request a new sign-in link:

• Go to the studio's schedule page
• Click Sign In or Manage Booking
• Enter your email address again

2. Check Your Email

A new magic link will be sent to the email address you used for booking.

3. Check Spam Folder

Magic link emails sometimes get filtered:

• Check your spam/junk folder
• Add noreply@studiobase.org to your contacts
• Whitelist the studio's email domain

4. Verify Email Address

Ensure you:

• Entered the correct email address during booking
• Have access to that email account
• Can receive emails from StudioBase

Troubleshooting

Not receiving the magic link email

• Check spam/junk folder: Verification emails sometimes get filtered
• Wait a few minutes: Email delivery can take 1-5 minutes
• Verify email address: Ensure you entered the correct email during booking
• Check email provider: Some providers have strict filtering rules
• Contact the studio: They can resend the verification or help with access

"Magic link expired" error

• Sign-in links expire after 30 minutes; Booking confirmation links expire after 7 days
• Request a new sign-in link by entering your email on the studio page
• Click the new link promptly

"Invalid or already used" error

• Each link can only be used once
• You may have already verified your booking
• Check your email for the booking confirmation
• Request a new link if needed

Magic link goes to wrong page

• Ensure you clicked the correct link from the email
• Check that the URL starts with the studio's domain
• Try copying the full URL and pasting it in a new browser tab
• Contact the studio if the issue persists

Can't find booking after verification

• Check the email confirmation for booking details
• Search your inbox for emails from the studio
• Contact the studio with your booking confirmation number
• Provide your email address used for booking

Want to modify booking but can't access it

• Use the magic link in your original booking email
• Contact the studio directly with your confirmation number
• For major changes, the studio may need to process them manually

Upgrading from Guest to Full Account

Convert your guest booking to a full account to access more features:

Option 1: During Booking Flow

Some studios offer account creation immediately after guest booking:

1. Complete your guest booking
2. Look for "Create an account" prompt
3. Set a password to convert to a full account
4. Your booking will be linked automatically

Option 2: Create Account Later

1. Visit the studio's website
2. Click Sign Up
3. Use the same email address as your guest booking
4. Complete account creation
5. Your previous guest bookings will be automatically linked

Benefits of Creating a Full Account

Convenience:

• View all bookings in one place
• Book classes faster with saved information
• Save preferred payment methods
• One-click rebooking of favorite classes

Features:

• Booking history and upcoming classes
• Class reminders and notifications
• Membership and package management
• Profile and preferences

Security:

• Password-protected account access
• Manage trusted devices
• Secure payment information

Perks:

• Access to member-only classes
• Studio loyalty rewards
• Priority booking windows
• Exclusive offers and discounts

Privacy and Data

What Information is Stored

For guest bookings, we store:

• Email address
• Name (as provided during booking)
• Booking details (class, date, time)
• Payment information (processed securely via Stripe)

How Long is Data Kept

• Guest booking data is retained for 2 years
• Sign-in links expire after 30 minutes
• Payment data follows PCI-DSS compliance standards
• You can request data deletion at any time

Data Security

• All data is encrypted in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Payment processing via PCI-compliant Stripe
• No passwords stored for guest accounts
• Magic links use cryptographic tokens

Studio-Specific Features

Some studios may customize the guest booking experience:

• Required fields: Some studios require phone numbers or additional info
• Guest policies: Studios may set guest booking limits or restrictions
• Class restrictions: Certain classes may require full membership
• Cancellation policies: Guest bookings may have different cancellation rules

Check with the specific studio for their guest booking policies.

Next Steps

After verifying your guest booking:

• Create a Full Account for more features
• Add the class to your calendar
• Review the studio's cancellation policy
• Contact the studio with any questions

If you frequently attend classes at this studio, consider creating a full account for a better experience.

Need Help?

For guest booking issues:

• Studio-specific questions: Contact the studio directly
• Technical problems: Email support@studiobase.org
• Account upgrades: Visit Create Account

Include your booking confirmation number and email address when contacting support.