After registering your business, complete these essential setup steps to start accepting bookings and managing your business effectively.

Watch our quick tutorial to learn how to complete you account setup 👇🏻

Onboarding Checklist

An onboarding checklist is displayed on the home screen when there are pending items to complete.

1. Complete Business Profile

Complete any pending business details such as contact information, affiliations, etc.
Set up the business type and services you offer
Set up social media account links

2. Set Currency

Set up the currency to accept activity payments from customer if not already set up during the registration process.

3. Connect Payment Provider

Connect your Stripe account to start receiving booking payments
Configure payout settings to receive payouts on time
Note that payout settings will be visible once Stripe connection is successful

4. Tax Information

Complete your tax information so we can accurately report taxes on your behalf
Upload the applicable tax form
W-9 form for US based business, W-8BEN form for individuals outside US and W-8BEN-E form for businesses outside US

5. Location Management

You business address is added by default. You can add other locations that you use for activities
These locations could be your activity meeting points, training pool locations, harbor or a meeting point at the airport for trips
Verify the coordinates on map to make sure they are accurate so divers can reach you easily

6. Customer Types

Review the default customer types to update them or delete the ones that you don't need
Add custom customer types that you need for your activities
Set up certification requirements if certain customer types need to have a minimum certification level

7. Add-ons Setup

Review default add-ons to update description and pricing
Add custom add-ons if you offer additional services and equipment
Set accurate pricing for the add-ons

8. Configure Policies

Add rebooking, cancellation and refund policies for tours, courses and trips
Set up refund rules to process cancellation refunds to customers

9. Create Activity

Set up your first activity. Note that you cannot publish an activity until you complete Stripe setup and your business is not verified by Buddy team
Configure availabilities for your activity offering
Include detailed descriptions and photos for higher conversion

Team Configuration

Additionally, you can invite team members to perform various activities such as managing booking, managing activities, finance, etc.
Note that you cannot invite team members until your business is not verified by Buddy team
Assign appropriate user groups while inviting team members to make sure correct access is provided to the team
You can also configure access levels using Use Groups if required

Business Verification

Once you have completed the onboarding steps await admin review and approval
You will receive confirmation email when your business is approved
You will gain access to full platform features once your business is approved
With an approved business you can start publishing your activities to take bookings

Frequently Asked Questions

Setup Process

Q: How long does complete setup take?

A: Basic setup takes approximately 30 minutes, but we recommend taking time to:

Configure settings thoroughly
Add comprehensive business information
Set up initial activities
Invite team members

Q: What if I need to pause setup?

A: Your progress saves automatically. Return anytime to continue where you left off.

Q: Which settings should I configure first?

A: Focus on essential settings:

Customer types
Locations
Payment setup
Basic activities

Business Configuration

Q: Do I need to use all features?

A: No, configure only the features your business needs:

Required: Basic profile, customer types, locations, policies, tax information and Stripe account connection
Optional: Add-ons, accommodations, reminders

Q: Can I modify settings later?

A: Yes, most settings can be updated anytime, though some changes may require approval. Note that modifying legal business name and tax information will lead to verification process by the Buddy team.

Q: Should I add all team members immediately?

A: Start with key team members who need immediate platform access. Note that you cannot invite team members until your business is not verified by Buddy team.