How can I use Webflow's e-commerce features to create a booking system for a retreat/event website, where accommodations depend on specific event dates?

You want to use Webflow's e-commerce features to create a booking system for a retreat/event website, where accommodation availability is linked to specific event dates. Here's how you can approach setting this up:

1. Structure Products as Event Date Options

• Create each event date (e.g., August 5-10 Retreat) as a separate Product in Webflow Ecommerce.
• Each Product will represent a specific retreat session (date range) and its corresponding accommodations.
• Use product variants (Options/Variants) if different accommodation types (e.g., Single Room, Shared Room) are needed for one event date.

2. Set Product Details for Bookings

• Product Name: Include the event name and dates.
• Product Description: Add detailed info like accommodation type, itinerary, and what's included.
• Custom Fields: Use product custom fields (with Webflow CMS Collections) for details like Arrival Date, Departure Date, Number of Spots Available, or Special Notes.

3. Manage Inventory with Variant Stock Settings

• Enable Inventory Management inside your Product settings.
• Set specific stock quantities for each variant (e.g., 10 Single Rooms, 5 Shared Rooms) to prevent overbooking.
• Variants could include:
• Room Type
• Dietary Options (if needed)

4. Customize the Checkout Experience

• Customize Checkout Fields to request necessary booking info, such as:

• Name of Attendee

• Arrival Time

• Special Requests

• You can use Webflow’s native checkout customization tools or connect to platforms like Foxy (a supported Webflow partner) for more flexible checkout flows, if needed.

5. Automate Post-Purchase Flow

• Set an Order Confirmation Page that summarizes the booking details.
• Use Webflow’s Email Notifications to send a tailored confirmation email containing arrival info, what to bring, and next steps.
• Optional: Connect Zapier or Make (formerly Integromat) to automate adding bookings to a Google Sheet, CRM, or email marketing system.

6. Optional: Use Booking Apps or Third-Party Integration

• If you need advanced calendar-based bookings (like showing availability dynamically by date), you will likely need external tools such as:

• Acuity Scheduling

• Calendly

• Foxy + Webflow (full booking e-commerce)

• You can embed these services directly into Webflow pages using Embed elements.

Summary

You can set up a booking system in Webflow Ecommerce by treating each event date as a product with variants for room/accommodation types, managing stock levels, and customizing checkout to capture additional guest information. For complex calendars or real-time date booking, external booking platforms integrated into Webflow may be necessary.