Frequently Ask Question

Host

Can I set my own rates?

Yes, absolutely! However, there are a few important things to keep in mind when doing so. First, keep in mind, Dock Manager retains 10% of earnings so be sure to price your dock appropriately.
Setting the right price can mean the difference between getting a steady flow of bookings or none at all. You might have the top-secret scoop on why guests would be willing to pay more, or less, than our suggested rates, and we want to give the freedom to have control over each listing. That’s why we give everyone the ability to set their own rates. For example, if a dock is near a popular destination and the nearby docks usually fill up fast, charging a little more might be reasonable. If the docks don’t always fill up and the area requires guests to walk a little farther to get to their destination, it may be advisable to make rates lower.
If we notice that a price is set far above the market in your neighborhood and reservations aren’t being made, we may reach out and offer some guidance to help with earning potential.

How much should I charge for my listing?

Setting the right price is very important. The right price can mean the difference between getting tons of booking or none at all. Consider the average marina rates in your area and set a competitive price. Also consider your location and amenities and price accordingly.

How much can I potentially earn?

The amount of income that can be earned from a listing will vary depending on location, availability and number of docks. Some hosts who are very close to high demand areas earn more than less attractions nearby. No matter what, it’s always more than an empty dock would make! Please keep in mind, Dock Manager retains 10% of earnings so be sure to price your dock appropriately.

Is my dock insured while others are using it?

Yes! Dock Manager provides enhanced guest screening services and property damage protection. Learn more about this plan here.

How do I get paid?

Your Guest is charged through Dock Manager’s secure payment system, powered by Stripe, when they request or create a booking. In order to be paid for bookings, hosts need to connect their Dockshare account to a Stripe Account. Learn more about connecting your account here.
To connect your account to Stripe, follow these steps:
1) Visit dockmanagers.com/DockOwner/Payouts/Manage
2) Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your personal details

How do I get in touch with the boaters if I have a question or concern, or simply to provide additional information about my dock?

Use our messaging tool! Boaters frequently use our messaging platform to ask specific questions about your dock before booking.

Why can't I share my phone number with boaters?

Great question! Dock Manager works very much like other peer-to-peer sharing platforms (think Airbnb, Uber, etc.) and personal contact information cannot be shared until a booking is approved and the boater has completed a verification step for our insurance provider.
However, if a boater wants to see your dock before committing, they can! They will first need to reserve their desired dates on your listing’s calendar. This simply places a hold on their card. You will have up to 7 days to arrange a dock preview. The boater’s card will not be charged until the end of the 7 days, or 36 hours before the booking starts, whichever comes first.
If, upon visiting the dock, it is not a good fit, the reservation can be cancelled anytime within those 14 days with no penalty.

Can I arrange a dock preview for the boater before they commit?

Yes! If a boater wants to see your dock before committing, they can! They will first need to reserve their desired dates on your listing’s calendar. This simply places a hold on their card. You will have up to 7 days to arrange a dock preview. The boater’s card will not be charged until the end of the 7 days, or 36 hours before the booking starts, whichever comes first.

If, upon visiting the dock, it is not a good fit, the reservation can be cancelled anytime within those 7 days with no penalty.

What are some basic requirements for me as a host?

When hosts join our crew, we encourage them to abide by the following basic requirements, after all – treat others the way you would like to be treated!

• Be responsive and timely: Reply to booking inquiries and reservation requests within 24 hours.
• Accept reservation requests: Accept requests anytime your listing is available.
• Avoid cancellations: Avoid cancelling on your guests – they are counting on you.
• Maintain a high overall rating: Provide a consistent level of quality. Renters will seek out quality service from our hosts.

As a host, what can I do prior to our renter’s arrival?

We encourage you to have your property ready for your renters 24 hours in advance, so you aren’t rushing to make your first impression.  That allows for time to make any necessary changes.

We suggest that you follow some of these recommendations:

  • Have your dock in tip-top shape – if boards are loose or need to be replaced, do it before your Dockshare renters arrive.
  • Disclose any security cameras on the dock or along the walkway.
  • Determine safe occupancy levels on the dock.
  • Determine best route from the dock to the nearest walkway or path.
  • Put things away that could be a possible hazard to children.

How can I be a responsible host?

Being a good Dock Manager host isn’t just about adhering to our basic requirements. It’s about going above the minimum and truly exceeding expectations.
Below please find some of our suggested tips on being a responsible host:
• Clean space
– Clean off your dock and surrounding space prior to and after boat/water vessel guests arrive and depart.
– Read labels and use chemicals on the OSHA list.
• Safety
– Provide local emergency numbers and closest hospital.
– Provide a direct emergency number for host as well as a secondary emergency host contact.
– Utilize the communication platform on Dock Manager app for secure outreaches.
– Our technology enables us to determine fraudulent activity by verifying user  accounts, allowing dock owners and boaters to confirm                                      their identities of each party.
• Reduce hazards
– Be sure that your dock is in tip-top shape – if boards are loose or need to be replaced, do it before your Dock Manager guests arrive.
– Disclose any security cameras on the dock or along the walkway.
– Determine safe occupancy levels on the dock.
– Determine best route from the dock to the nearest walkway or path.
– Put things away that could be a possible hazard to children.
• Inclusion
– We strive to make the water accessible to everyone.
– We expect our community members to be respectful, kind, and inclusive.
– We will not tolerate inappropriate behavior either online or in person. We reserve the right to remove anyone from the Dock Manager                                             community should you fail to follow our principles.
• Neighbors
– Post signage if you do not allow smoking.
– Encourage guests to keep noise down if the dock is in an area with close neighbors. Please remind dock renters that the dock is not
a party venue.
– If pets are onboard, encourage the dock renters to pick up after their animals and to dispose of the waste in a trash can.

How do I switch my listing(s) from active to inactive?

In order to make a dock inactive, go to “My Docks” and edit the availability for your dock.

Please keep in mind that if you are changing dock availability you are still expected to honor any future bookings that have already been booked.

How can I encourage my dock renters to be “good neighbors” to our neighbors?

Being respectful to neighbors is something we strive to do, both on and off the water. Dock Manager crew members are encouraged to reinforce the suggestions below to keep everyone happy!
Post signage if you do not allow smoking.
Encourage guests to keep noise down if the dock is in an area with close neighbors.
Remind dock renters that the dock is not a party venue.
If pets are onboard, encourage the dock renters to pick up after their animals and to dispose of the waste in a trash can.

What is your cancelation policy?

You can view our full cancelation policy here.

Boaters

May I visit a dock before booking?

Yes! As personal contact information cannot be shared until a booking is approve, you will first need to reserve your desired dates on the listing’s calendar. This simply places a hold on your card. You will have up to 7 days to arrange a dock preview. Your card will not be charged until the end of the 7 days, or 36 hours prior to your booking – whichever comes first.

If the dock isn’t a good fit after visiting, the reservation can be cancelled anytime within those 7 days with no penalty.

How do I get in touch with the host if I have a question or concern, or simply to provide additional information about my boat?

Navigate to the dock’s listing page and click the “Contact Host” button in the upper right corner. Dock owners will be notified of messages via email and you will be able to communicate with the host.

When will I be charged?

We’ll place a hold for the full reservation cost when you book. If the host accepts your reservation request, we’ll charge your account for the full amount 7 days after you book or 36 hours before the booking starts – whichever comes first. The 7 day window allows you to visit the dock in person if desired without penalty for cancellation, to make sure it’s a good fit for your boat.

If the host declines your initial booking request, we’ll cancel the hold on your account.

How do I change or cancel a booking?

To change or cancel a booking, reach out to our team at info@dockmanager.com and we’ll be glad to assist! You can also view our cancelation policy here.

How can I be a responsible guest?

It’s important to be a good guest.  After all, who doesn’t want to be invited back?
Be the best guest you can be by exceeding the basic requirements. Below please find some of our suggested tips on being a responsible and kind dock renter.
Clean space
                              – Keep the dock and surrounding area clean. Pick up trash, wipe down mud off to the dock, gather all belongings.
– Leave the dock space better.
– As you leave the dock, be sure to check the space for any leave behinds.  Keep the dock clear – as though you weren’t even there.
Safety
– Provide a direct emergency number for dock renter as well as a secondary emergency renter contact.
– If someone else is handling the watercraft, please share the name of the driver as well.
– Utilize the communication platform on Dock Manager app for secure outreaches.
– Our technology enables us to determine fraudulent activity by verifying user accounts, allowing dock owners and boaters to confirm                                      their identities of each party.
Reduce hazards
– Abide by safe occupancy levels on the dock.
– Follow the suggested route from the dock to the nearest walkway or path.
– Encourage young children to stay with adults when/if walking on the dock.
– Keep pets on a leash when exiting the watercraft and walking on the dock.
Inclusion
– We strive to make the water accessible to everyone.
– We expect our community members to be respectful, kind, and inclusive.
– We will not tolerate inappropriate behavior either online or in person. We reserve the right to remove anyone from the Dock Manager                                             community should you fail to follow our principles.
Neighbors
– Refrain from smoking if the dock owner does not allow smoking on the dock or property.
– Keep noise down if the dock is in an area with close neighbors. The dock is not a party venue.
– If pets are onboard, pick up after their animals and dispose of any waste in a trash can

As a renter, what can I do once I arrive to keep the property safe?

Respect and safety go hand and hand when renting.  We suggest that you follow some of these recommendations:

  • Abide by safe occupancy levels on the dock.

  • Follow the suggested route from the dock to the nearest walkway or path.

  • Encourage young children to stay with adults when/if walking on the dock.

  • Keep pets on a leash when exiting the watercraft and walking on the dock.

How can I encourage my crew to be “good neighbors” to your hosts actual neighbors?

Being respectful to neighbors is something we strive to do, both on and off the water. Dock Manager crew members are encouraged to reinforce the suggestions below to keep everyone happy!
Refrain from smoking if the dock owner does not allow smoking on the dock or property.
Keep noise down if the dock is in an area with close neighbors. The dock is not a party venue.
If pets are onboard, pick up after their animals and dispose of any waste in a trash can.