Common Host Questions
Quick answers to the questions every host asks.
Getting Started
How much can I realistically earn?
Backyard hosts average $200-800/month. Facility hosts with multiple cages earn $1,000-$3,500/month. Depends on location, amenities, and availability.
Do I need insurance?
Recommended but not required. CageList provides booking support, but your homeowner/business insurance should know you are hosting.
How long does first booking take?
1-4 weeks typically. Great photos + competitive pricing + fast responses = faster first booking.
Can I host if I rent my home?
Check your lease. Most require landlord permission. Get it in writing before listing.
Pricing & Earnings
What should I charge per hour?
Research 5 nearby cages. Price 10-20% lower to start, raise after 5 reviews. $20-30 basic, $40-70 premium.
When do I get paid?
Payouts release 24 hours after booking completes. Stripe transfers to your bank in 2-5 business days.
What are CageList fees?
CageList currently keeps a 10% host commission from the booking subtotal and absorbs card-processing costs. Guests also see a separate guest service fee at checkout. Your net payout is shown upfront.
Do I pay taxes on earnings?
Yes. Stripe may issue tax forms when your account meets current IRS reporting thresholds. Report all income, track expenses, and consult a CPA.
Bookings & Calendar
What is Instant Book?
Guests book immediately without your approval. Recommended after 3+ reviews. Reduces friction and leads to more bookings.
Can I block personal use time?
Yes. Block dates/times anytime. Best practice: block recurring personal time (e.g., every Tuesday 6-8pm).
What if I need to cancel?
Avoid if possible. Hurts your ranking. If emergency, contact support. Frequent cancellations = suspension.
Can guests book same-day?
Yes, if you allow it. Set "advance notice" to 1 hour for same-day bookings. Some hosts require 24 hours.
How much warning do I get before a booking?
You decide. Your listing's advance notice setting is the minimum heads-up you get — guests can only pick start times at least that many hours away, and you're emailed and texted the moment a booking confirms. Set it to 0 and guests can grab any open slot, even one starting right away. That's great for filling last-minute openings, but only choose it if you're comfortable with short-notice arrivals.
Safety & Trust
What if guest damages equipment?
Report damage within 24 hours. Submit photos + repair estimate. CageList mediates and guest pays.
Can I screen guests?
View guest profile, reviews, verification status. Request to Book (not Instant Book) lets you approve each guest.
What if guest doesn't show up?
You still get paid if no-show. No-show guests can't review you. Their loss, your gain.
Do guests sign waivers?
Yes. All guests sign digital waiver at booking. You're protected by booking support + waiver.
Reviews & Reputation
How do I get 5-star reviews?
Fast responses + clean cage + clear instructions + friendly = 5 stars. Over-deliver on expectations.
What if I get a bad review?
Respond professionally. Don't argue. Show future guests you handle feedback maturely. One bad review won't kill you.
Can guests see my address before booking?
No. Only general area until booking confirmed. Privacy protected.
How many reviews until I'm "established"?
10+ reviews with 4.5+ stars = established. 25+ reviews = veteran. 50+ = top-tier.