Guest Screening
Spot red flags, ask the right questions, and protect your cage from problem guests—before they book.
Green Flags (Good Guests)
What to look for
Complete Profile
Photo, bio, verified email/phone. Shows they are serious.
Clear Communication
Polite, specific questions. "Do you have a pitching machine?" vs "Yo, you got stuff?"
Advance Booking
Books 3-7 days ahead. Last-minute bookings are higher risk.
Repeat Guest
Anyone booking a second time is low-risk. Build those relationships.
Parent Contact Info
For minors, parent provides emergency contact. Shows responsibility.
Red Flags (Proceed with Caution)
Warning signs to watch for
Blank Profile
High RiskAction: No photo, no bio, new account. Ask for verification before accepting.
Vague Messages
Medium RiskAction: "Can I bring friends?" without details. Ask: How many? Ages? Skill level?
Haggling on Price
Medium RiskAction: Excessive negotiating. Your rates are your rates. Stand firm.
Late-Night Requests
Medium RiskAction: Wants 10pm-midnight slot. Higher risk for noise/issues. Trust your gut.
Refuses to Sign Waiver
High RiskAction: Automatic decline. Safety and trust are non-negotiable.
Aggressive Tone
High RiskAction: Rude, demanding, entitled. Decline and move on—not worth the stress.
Remember: You may decline a booking for any legitimate, non-discriminatory reason — for example, a scheduling conflict or a request that doesn't fit your listing's rules. You may never decline a guest because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, or any other protected characteristic; doing so violates CageList's Nondiscrimination Policy and public-accommodation law. A brief, honest reason such as "Sorry, that time no longer works for me" is enough.
Screening Questions to Ask
Before accepting a booking
How many people will be using the cage?
Why: Prevents surprise groups. Charge per person if needed.
What is the age range of participants?
Why: Minors need parent supervision. Set expectations.
What type of practice are you planning?
Why: Hitting vs pitching vs fielding. Ensures they understand your setup.
Have you used a batting cage before?
Why: Newbies need more instruction. Gauge experience level.
Do you have your own equipment, or will you use mine?
Why: Clarify what is included. Prevents disputes.
Pro Tip: Add screening questions to your listing description. Most guests will answer proactively, saving you time.
Social Media Verification
Quick background check (optional)
How: Search their name/phone. Check if profile exists and looks legit.
Why: Real people have social presence. Fake accounts do not.
How: For corporate bookings (team-building events).
Why: Verify they actually work where they claim.
How: Search name + city. Check mutual friends with past guests.
Why: Community connections = lower risk.
Privacy Note: This is optional. Most hosts skip this unless there are multiple red flags. Use your judgment.
Trust Your Gut
Intuition is data too
Something feels off
Response: Decline without explanation. "Unfortunately, I am booked at that time."
Guest ignores your questions
Response: Send one follow-up. If still vague, decline.
Too good to be true
Response: Wants to book 20 hours upfront, no questions asked? Could be scam or stolen card.
Pressure tactics
Response: "I need this NOW or I will book elsewhere." Let them. Desperation = red flag.
If You Have a Bad Experience
How to recover
1. Document Everything
Photos of damage, screenshots of messages, incident report.
2. Contact CageList Support
Email support@cagelist.com with evidence. We can remove bad guests from platform.
3. Leave Honest Review
Warn other hosts. Our community protects each other.
4. Update Your Screening
Add new question or policy based on what went wrong.
5. Do NOT Retaliate
Stay professional. Angry responses hurt your reputation more than theirs.
Auto-Accept Criteria (Advanced)
If you enable Instant Book
Instant Book Settings
Only enable if you are confident in your screening. Start with "Require approval" until you build experience.
Verified Guests Only
Require email + phone verification. CageList marks these guests.
Minimum Age
Require 18+ for solo bookings. Minors must have adult present.
Previous Reviews
Auto-accept guests with 3+ positive reviews from other hosts.
99% of Guests Are Great
Screening is about filtering the 1% who are not. A few simple questions save you from headaches.