Weather Policies

Strict (No Refunds)

Guest books at their own risk. No refunds or reschedules for weather.

Best For: Indoor/covered cages only

Flexible (Free Reschedule)

Guest can reschedule up to 24 hours before if rain forecast.

Best For: Outdoor cages in unpredictable climates

Middle Ground (Recommended)

Reschedule free if 50%+ chance of rain in forecast 48 hours before. Otherwise, guest loses booking.

Best For: Most hosts—balances flexibility and protection

Action: Allow free reschedule or refund

Use Weather.com or Weather.gov as official source

Action: Automatic cancellation for safety

Never compromise on lightning—liability issue

Action: Offer reschedule or discount next booking

Optional courtesy—prevents bad reviews

Action: For outdoor cages, allow reschedule

Balls become dangerous in high wind

Action: No requirement, but warn guests

Frozen equipment can break—CYA communication

Set Expectations Upfront

"In your listing: "Weather Policy: Free reschedule if 50%+ rain chance 48hrs before booking.""

Proactive Outreach

"Day before booking: "Hi! Forecast shows 60% rain tomorrow. Would you like to reschedule?""

Offer Alternatives

"If light rain: "Cage is covered—still good for use. Your call if you want to proceed.""

Document Everything

"Screenshot forecast when canceling. Saves you from disputes."

Be Gracious

"Even if policy says no refund, consider store credit for goodwill. Reviews matter."

Weather-Proof Marketing

Advertise as "Rain or shine—always available." Charge 20-30% premium over outdoor cages.

Counter-Programming

When the forecast is bad, highlight reliability instead of racing to the bottom on price.

Year-Round Bookings

No seasonal slowdown. Winter becomes peak season if you have heat.

Fewer Cancellations

Weather is not a concern. Higher reliability = better reviews.

Partial Cover

Consider shade, tarp, or roof improvements if outdoor cancellations are frequent.

Manual Weather Adjustments

Use lower off-peak pricing or flexible reschedules when forecasts make demand uncertain.

Clear Reschedule Policy

Publish a simple rain, heat, and lightning policy so guests know what happens before they book.

Same-Day Bookings

Enable Instant Book for same-day. Capture last-minute demand when weather clears.

Guest says "It rained" but you disagree

Solution: Check Weather.com history logs. If no rain recorded, policy stands. Be firm but polite.

Guest wants refund after no-show

Solution: Point to listing policy. Offer 50% credit toward future booking as compromise.

Forecast changed last minute

Solution: Your call—build goodwill with refund or hold to policy. Consider guest history.

Lightning appeared during session

Solution: Full refund, no questions. Safety first. Document with photo/video of storm.