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Drop-In Bookings

Drop-in bookings let you quickly register walk-in guests for a class directly from the class detail page. This is ideal for first-time visitors, trial attendees, or anyone who shows up without booking online in advance.

When to Use Drop-In

Use the drop-in flow when a guest arrives at your studio without an existing booking. Common scenarios include:

  • A new visitor wants to try a class
  • A regular client forgot to book online
  • You want to offer a complimentary spot to someone

Creating a Drop-In Booking

1. Open the Class Detail Page

Navigate to the class you want to add the guest to. In the floating actions bar at the bottom of the page, click the Drop-In button. This button only appears when the class has available spots.

2. Fill In Guest Information

The drop-in modal will open with the following fields:

  • Guest Name (required) -- The walk-in guest's full name.
  • Guest Email (optional) -- Useful if the guest wants a confirmation, but not required. Walk-ins without an email address can be added without one.

3. Select Payment Method

Choose how the guest is paying. This selection is recorded on the booking as metadata -- no payment is processed through Stripe at the time of drop-in.

  • Cash (default) -- The guest pays cash in person.
  • Card -- The guest pays by card in person.
  • Comp -- Complimentary entry, no payment required. Use this for trial classes, guest passes, or other free admissions.

The modal displays the class price and the number of available spots remaining so you can confirm details with the guest.

4. Auto Check-In

The Auto Check-In toggle is enabled by default. When on, the guest is immediately marked as checked in upon booking confirmation. Turn this off if you want to check them in manually later.

5. Confirm the Booking

Click Confirm to create the booking. The booking is created with a status of confirmed immediately. The guest appears on the class roster right away.

Overbooking

If a class is full, managers can force an overbooking when needed. This allows you to add a guest even when no spots are technically available.

Important Notes About Payment

Payment methods selected during drop-in are recorded on the booking for your records only. StudioBase does not process the payment through Stripe at drop-in time. You handle the actual payment collection in person (cash register, card reader, etc.) and the system tracks which method was used.

Walk-Ins vs. Online Booking

Walk-In (Drop-In)Online Booking
Who creates itStudio staff via the drop-in modalClient books themselves online
PaymentRecorded as metadata, collected in personProcessed through Stripe at checkout
Guest emailOptionalRequired (part of account)
Auto check-inYes, by defaultNo, checked in on arrival
Best forFirst-time visitors, spontaneous attendanceRegular clients, advance planning

Both methods result in a confirmed booking on the class roster. Encourage clients to book online when possible to reduce front-desk workload and guarantee their spot.

Need Help?

Contact support@studiobase.org for drop-in booking assistance.

Last updated February 7, 2026