Novice Innkeeper Has Question Re Bookings

[Jare's Place]

Hi there, 

I opened my b&b in the summer of 2010.  Since then I have updated my website to take online bookings.  Recently I got my first online booking.  Yah!  Now I'm not sure what to do?  Do I charge the guest's credit card right away?  Do I wait until the guest arrives?  If I wait, is there a way I can hold that amount on the guest's credit card until they arrive? 

Any ideas/knowledge/suggestions welcome.  Thanks for reading.

 

Take Care

Jare's Place