Frequently Asked Questions

Browse services, pick a date and location, then send a booking request. We guide you step by step and keep your progress saved so you can finish later.

Yes. Booking progress is saved in your session and can be restored when you return. You can resume from where you left off and continue submitting when ready.

Yes. Use the booking thread in Inbox to share updates. Providers can adjust dates, scope, and quote details inside the same conversation.

We check provider calendars in real time and merge Google Calendar data when providers connect it. Blocked dates are disabled during selection, and clashes are flagged.

We estimate driving vs. flights based on distance and nearest airports. If your event is far, accommodation is added automatically. We also fetch a 3-day weather forecast for planning.

Booking submissions are queued and retried when your connection returns. This reduces duplicate requests and helps preserve your latest changes.

After you accept a quote, you pay the full amount to confirm the booking. No deposits are required.

Card payments are supported right in the app. If alternative methods are needed for your region, your provider can share details in chat.

Booka deducts a 7.5% commission from provider payouts on confirmed bookings. Clients pay an additional 3% service and hosting fee on top of the quote amount at checkout. VAT may apply where required by law.

Payment confirmation is handled server-side. After the gateway confirms payment, booking status and notifications are updated in your thread and account.

Quotes include performance fees, sound and accommodation providers (if needed), travel costs, taxes, and applicable discounts. You can see a running total in the chat thread.

Yes. Providers can update quote details in the booking thread if dates, scope, travel, or other costs change before acceptance.

We match your event details to a provider’s preferences with smart fallbacks (e.g., sound or accommodation partners). You can review and confirm options during the quote step.

Listings are reviewed, and provider visibility can require account verification checks such as identity and bank proof, depending on enabled moderation settings.

Open your Inbox to see all conversations. We support real-time chat, unread counts, typing indicators, and attachments. Messages queue offline and send automatically once you’re back online.

Yes. Messages can queue while offline and retry with backoff when connectivity returns, helping prevent failed sends and duplicate posts.

Policies vary by provider and will be visible before you pay. Many providers offer partial refunds up to a certain date; always review the policy shown on your quote.

Post-payment cancellations follow the provider policy attached to your quote and booking. Use the booking thread first so changes are logged in one place.

We use secure sessions, optional MFA, and follow best practices for data handling. You can review recent activity from your account page and sign out of other devices.

Booka follows POPIA-aligned privacy practices for account and booking data. Data is used for service operations, support, and required communications.

Clients can edit their profile under Account. Service providers can update their profile and portfolio from the Dashboard.

Providers can connect or disconnect Google Calendar from profile settings in the Dashboard. Reconnect is required when scope or authorization changes.