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Using the Waitlist in Core by PushPress

Here is a breakdown of what waitlisting does, how it works, and how your members will use it in the member app.

Jessica Hamel avatar
Written by Jessica Hamel
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Summary:
Waitlisting lets members reserve a spot on the waitlist when a class is full. If someone cancels, the first person on the waitlist is automatically added to the class—no manual action needed from staff. This ensures full classes, fewer missed opportunities, and a smoother experience for members.


How Waitlisting Works

  1. When a class is full:
    Members can join the waitlist once the class reservation cap is reached.

  2. Automatic registration:
    If a registered member cancels, the next person on the waitlist is automatically moved into the class.

  3. Notifications:

    • SMS text (US & Canada only) for waitlist status changes.

    • Email if no phone number is on file.

    • Push notification in the PushPress Members App when a spot opens up.

  4. Notification window:
    Members can choose how much notice they need before being added (for example, two hours before class).

  5. Waitlist window:
    The waitlist follows the same open and close times as class registration. Once registration closes, members can no longer join the waitlist.


What Members See

In the PushPress Members App, members can:

  • Join or leave the waitlist directly.

  • Get notified automatically if they’re moved into the class.

  • View waitlist updates and class details in real time.

If a member can’t attend after being moved off the waitlist, they should cancel their reservation through the app so another member can take the spot.


FAQs

Do I need to enable waitlisting?
No. It’s automatically included for all classes.

Can members remove themselves from the waitlist?
Yes. Members can manage both reservations and waitlists directly in the Members App.

When does the waitlist close?
It closes when the class reservation window closes (e.g., if registration closes 3 hours before class, so does the waitlist).

What happens if a member late cancels?
A late cancel (after the reservation window closes) still counts against the member’s plan, but the open spot goes to the next person on the waitlist.

Are push notifications available for all classes?
No. Push notifications are exclusive to waitlist updates, not for regular class reservations or reminders.

What happens with no-shows?
If a reserved member doesn’t check in by the end of class, they’re marked as a No-Show, and the class counts against their plan.

Do members receive class reminders?
Yes, email reminders go out one day before class. Text and push reminders are not currently supported for regular classes.

Can members change their email notification preferences?
Yes. Email confirmations and reminders can be customized in system settings.

Are text notifications available for appointments?
Yes. Appointment text notifications are supported, unlike recurring class reminders.


Troubleshooting

Issue

What to Check

Member didn’t get notified

Confirm a valid phone number or email is saved.

Waitlist not appearing

Ensure class capacity is set and the cap has been reached.

Auto-bump didn’t occur

Confirm the member’s required notification time allowed enough lead time before class.


If you're a visual person, this graph might help better understand the rules of waitlisting:

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