Setting Up Your Host Account
15-minute setup guide—get your account ready to receive bookings and payments.
6-Step Setup (15 Minutes)
Complete these in order
Step 1: Sign Up
2 minutesEmail or Google sign-in. Verify email. That is it.
Step 2: Complete Profile
5 minutesAdd profile photo, bio, location. Builds trust with guests.
Step 3: Verify Phone Number
2 minutesSMS verification code. Required for hosting.
Step 4: Connect Bank Account
3 minutesStripe setup for payouts. Secure and instant.
Step 5: Add Profile Photo
1 minuteReal photo of you (not logo). Guests book hosts they trust.
Step 6: Set Communication Preferences
2 minutesEmail/SMS notifications. Choose response channels.
Total Time: 15 minutes. Do it all in one sitting—don't stop halfway through.
Profile Optimization Tips
Your profile sells you as a host
Use a Clear Face Photo
Listings with host photos build trust and get more inquiries. Show your face, not your logo.
Write a Personal Bio
"Former D1 player now sharing my cage" > "I rent batting cages." Tell your story.
List Your Baseball Background
"20 years coaching" = credibility. "Just a homeowner" = still fine, be honest.
Add Response Time Statement
"I respond within 1 hour during business hours" sets expectations.
Mention Why You Are Hosting
"Love connecting with local players" > "Need extra cash." Community matters.
Stripe Payout Setup
Required to receive payments
1. Click "Setup Payouts"
In host dashboard. Links to Stripe.
2. Enter Business/Personal Info
Legal name, address, SSN/EIN. Required by law.
3. Connect Bank Account
Routing + account number. Payouts go here.
4. Verify Identity
Upload ID if requested. Anti-fraud measure.
5. Set Payout Schedule
Daily, weekly, or monthly. Your choice.
Security Note: Stripe is bank-level secure. Your info is encrypted. We never see your bank details.
Security Checklist
Protect your account
Strong Password (12+ characters)
RequiredTwo-Factor Authentication
Highly RecommendedVerified Email
RequiredVerified Phone
RequiredGovernment ID Upload
Optional (boosts trust)Connected Bank Account
Required to receive payoutsCommon Setup Issues
Quick fixes
Can't verify phone number
Fix: Check spam for verification text. Try "resend code" if expired. Contact support if stuck.
Stripe setup failing
Fix: Name must match bank records exactly. No nicknames. Double-check SSN/EIN.
Profile photo rejected
Fix: Must be clear, recent photo of you. No logos, pets, or group shots.
Can't receive emails
Fix: Check spam folder. Add support@cagelist.com to contacts. Verify email in settings.
Before You Create Your Listing
Final checklist
Profile 100% Complete
Guests check your profile. Incomplete = sketchy = no bookings.
Profile Photo Added
Real face builds trust. No photo reduces trust and inquiries.
Bio Written
Tell your story. Why are you hosting? What's your baseball background?
Bank Account Connected
Can't get paid without this. Set up Stripe before first booking.
Notification Preferences Set
Don't miss bookings. Enable SMS + email for fastest response.