Checkout Process
Checkout Process - Completing a Booking
The checkout process has three steps: 1) Enter customer information, 2) Review and pay, 3) Receive confirmation. Carts are held during checkout, and some accounts can use faster checkout to collect extra details after payment.
When customers are ready to finalize their rental bookings, they go through checkout. This page walks through each step from the customer's perspective.
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Checkout Flow
Most bookings follow this path:
Search → Unit page → Checkout → ConfirmationWhen a customer books a single item from a unit page, RecSystems can send them straight to checkout — skipping the cart page — for a faster mobile experience. Multi-item carts still use the cart page first.
The checkout itself has three main steps:
Customer Info → Payment → Confirmation| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Customer Info | Customer enters contact details (and ID/address when required) |
| 2. Payment | Customer reviews total and enters payment |
| 3. Confirmation | Booking is confirmed, customer receives receipt |
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Step 1: Customer Information
Customers provide their details:
Required Information: - First name and last name - Email address - Phone number
Optional Information (based on your settings): - Address - Driver's license number - Date of birth - Emergency contact
Agreements: - Liability waiver acknowledgment - Rental terms acceptance
Learn more about customer information →
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Step 2: Payment
Customers review their order and pay:
Order Summary Shows: - All items in cart - Rental dates and times - Add-ons selected - Fees and taxes - Total amount due
Payment Options: - Credit card - Debit card - Gift card (if enabled)
If you've configured deposits, customers may pay a partial amount now with the balance due at check-in.
Learn more about checkout payment →
Cancellation Policy Display
Customers can open longer cancellation policy text during checkout without leaving the payment flow. Keep your policy short at the top, then use the expanded text for details like weather, late arrivals, and refund timing.
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Step 3: Confirmation
After successful payment:
- Booking status changes to Reserved
- Confirmation email is sent
- Receipt is displayed on screen
- QR code provided for check-in
Customers can: - Print their receipt - Save confirmation details - Access their booking via email link
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Cart Hold Timer
During checkout, the cart is locked to prevent: - Other customers from booking the same items - Inventory conflicts - Double bookings
Default Hold Time
Carts are held for 15 minutes by default.
What Happens When Time Expires
If checkout isn't completed: 1. Cart expires 2. Items return to availability 3. Customer sees expiration message 4. Customer must start a new booking
Timer Visibility
Customers see a countdown timer during checkout showing remaining time.
When a customer reaches checkout, the hold timer refreshes so they have the full window to complete payment — not just whatever time was left from browsing.
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Faster Checkout (Optional)
RecSystems can collect only the essentials before payment — name, email, phone, and any required agreements — then gather driver's license, address, and emergency contact after payment on the confirmation page or at check-in.
This reduces form fatigue on mobile and helps more customers finish checkout. Contact wecare@recsystems.com if you'd like this enabled for your account.
When Faster Checkout Works Best
Faster checkout is a good fit when your team already verifies details at the rental counter. For example, boat and powersports businesses often collect ID, emergency contact, and final waiver details during arrival.
Use standard checkout if you need every detail before taking payment.
Learn more about customer information →
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Location Selection
If units are available at multiple locations: - Customer must select a pickup location - Location selection happens before checkout - Location affects availability for that time
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Required Agreements
Depending on your settings, customers may need to agree to:
| Agreement | When Required |
|---|---|
| Liability Waiver | When you've uploaded a waiver document |
| Rental Terms | When additional provisions are set |
| Cancellation Policy | Always displayed |
Customers cannot proceed without accepting required agreements.
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What Staff See
When a customer completes checkout:
- Notification — New booking appears in dashboard
- Today's Queue — If starting today, appears in arrivals
- Booking Details — All customer info is visible
- Payment Record — Payment confirmation attached
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Checkout Errors
Availability Changed
If items become unavailable during checkout: - Customer sees an error message - Affected items are identified - Customer can remove items and continue - Or start over with available items
Payment Failed
If payment doesn't go through: - Error message explains the issue - Customer can try a different card - Cart remains held (timer continues)
Cart Expired
If the hold timer runs out: - Checkout cannot continue - Customer redirected to cart - Must start new booking
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Best Practices for Operators
Configure Hold Time Appropriately
- Shorter time (10 min) = less inventory held
- Longer time (20 min) = more customer flexibility
- Find the balance for your business
Make Requirements Clear
- Display cancellation policy prominently
- Explain waiver requirements upfront
- List all fees in the cart before checkout
Test Your Checkout
Periodically test your own checkout to ensure: - All steps work smoothly - Emails are delivered - Receipts look correct
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Need more? Search the live help desk or email wecare@recsystems.com.