Credit Card Authorization Failure now creates a Cancelled Reservation for Auditing

Added: 2/20/04 - Article ID: KI0047 - IRM Version 213

Warning:  Any update to the IRM Version 213 or higher requires a simultaneous update to RDPDOS Version 309 or higher.  

Credit Card Authorization Overview

The IRM can be configured to require a credit card deposit using the Protobase interface.  The process is as follows:

1. The IRM guest enters their name, address, and credit card information and selects "process credit card".

2. A reservation number is required by Protobase in order to authorize a credit card.  The IRM files a "pending" reservation, which is of reservation type "P0" (if pre-assigned room) or "I0" (if inventory).  The next available reservation number is assigned to this pending reservation, for example #336.

3. If Protobase authorizes the credit card without any problems, the IRM converts the pending reservation from a "P0" type to "P2" if pre-assigned, or from an "I0" to "I2" if inventory.  These "P2" or "I2" reservations are now "real" reservations with a valid credit card deposit.

4. If Protobase cannot authorize the credit card for any reason (such as a bad credit card number, not enough credit, Protobase is down, etc), the IRM provides the guest with the opportunity to "retry" with the same credit card or another credit card number.  

5. If the guest elects to "not retry", or simply closes their browser, there is a "P0" or "I0" pending reservation.  The IRM converts these to canceled status (P9 or I9).  The reason for cancellation in the reservation will be one from the table below.  Note:  Prior to 2/20/2004, the IRM would completely delete this reservation, leaving no trace. Now the reservation appears in the reservation file as "canceled by IRM because the guest credit card did not authorize".

Reasons the IRM will create a Cancelled Reservation based on Credit Cards

Summary - Pending Reservations 

A reservation that is pending Protobase authorization will always appear as a "P0" or "I0" reservation.  Normally reservations are only pending for 20-40 seconds while Protobase authorization takes place.  The reservation will normally become a P2 or I2 if the authorization is successful, or a P9 or I9 if the authorization is not successful.  If and pending reservations (P0 or I0) appear for more than 20 minutes, please call RDP support at 970-845-7108.