How do I create an account?

1. Click "Register as Player" on the home page or in the login section
2. Fill in your full name, email address, and phone number
3. Create a secure password (minimum 8 characters)
4. Click "Register" to create your account
5. Check your email for a verification link and click it to activate your account

Why do I need to verify my email?

Email verification ensures we can communicate important updates about your stringing jobs, such as when your racket is ready for pickup or if there are any issues with your order.

How do I log in?

1. Go to the home page
2. Enter your email address and password in the login form
3. Click "Login" or press Enter
4. You'll be redirected to your player dashboard

What if I forget my password?

If you forget your password, click "Forgot Password?" on the login page and follow the instructions to reset it via email.

What is the player dashboard?

Your dashboard is your personal control center for managing stringing jobs and rackets. After logging in, you'll see:

• Quick Stats: Overview of your active jobs, ready rackets, and outstanding orders
• Recent Activity: Your latest stringing job with status and stringer info
• Quick Actions: Easy buttons to create new jobs or manage rackets
• Job History: Complete list of all your past and current stringing jobs
• Racket Library: Your saved rackets with specifications and usage history

How do I navigate the dashboard?

1. After login, you'll land on your dashboard homepage
2. Use the top navigation bar to access different sections:
   • Dashboard: Main overview and quick actions
   • My Rackets: Manage your racket inventory
   • String Jobs: View all your stringing requests
   • Strings Catalog: Browse available strings
   • Profile: Update your account information
3. Click on any job or racket to see detailed information

What quick actions are available?

Your dashboard includes convenient buttons for common tasks:

• New String Job: Launch the guided wizard to create a new stringing request
• Add Racket: Open the racket search modal to add equipment to your library
• View All Jobs: See your complete job history and current status
• Browse Strings: Explore our string catalog with pricing and specifications

How do I manage my location preferences?

From your dashboard:

1. Click on "Profile" or go to your account settings
2. Select your preferred drop-off location for future jobs
3. This location will be pre-selected in the job wizard
4. You can change it on a per-job basis when creating requests

How do I contact my stringer?

When a stringer claims your job, their contact information appears on:

• Your job detail page in the dashboard
• The confirmation email you receive
• You can message them through the support inbox if questions arise

How do I add my rackets to my account?

Adding rackets is simple using our modern search interface. Here are the 5 easy steps:

1. Go to your player dashboard and click the "Add Racket" button
2. A modal window opens with two convenient tabs:
   • Search Catalogue: Search our local database of rackets with full specifications displayed (head size, length, weight, balance, beam width, stiffness, string pattern, power level, composition, and more)
   • RacquetFinder Database: Access a comprehensive external database if your racket isn't in our system, with racket images and detailed specs
3. Enter your racket brand and model name to search
4. Browse results and click "Select & Add" to import racket into your account
5. Your racket is now saved and ready to use for stringing jobs!

Helpful tip: Search by brand (e.g., "Wilson") or model (e.g., "Pro Tour 100") - partial matches work great!

What racket information is displayed?

Our comprehensive racket database includes detailed specifications:

• Head size (sq. in. / sq. cm)
• Length (inches / cm)
• Strung weight (oz / grams)
• Balance point
• Swing weight
• Beam width
• Tip/Shaft specifications
• Stiffness rating
• String pattern
• Power level
• Composition and materials
• Main skip pattern
• Recommended string tension

Why should I save my rackets?

Saving your rackets offers several benefits:

• Faster job creation: Select from your saved rackets instead of searching each time
• Better recommendations: Our stringers can provide personalized suggestions based on your equipment
• Job history: Track stringing dates and setups for each of your rackets
• Performance notes: Document how each racket performs at different tensions

What if my racket model isn't in the database?

If you can't find your racket:

1. Try searching for similar models from the same manufacturer
2. Check the RacquetFinder database tab - it has thousands of rackets
3. Contact your stringer with your racket details and they can add it to our system
4. Email our support team with the brand, model, and year

Managing my saved rackets

Go to your "My Rackets" section to:

• View all your saved rackets with images and full specifications
• Edit racket details (though we recommend keeping official specs)
• Remove rackets you no longer own
• View the stringing history for each racket

How do I start the Stringing Wizard?

1. Log in to your player dashboard
2. Click the "New String Job" button (usually in a quick actions section)
3. The Wizard window will open, and you'll begin with Step 1

The 9 Steps of the Wizard:

What happens after I submit?

1. You'll see an immediate confirmation with your job reference number (e.g., SB55290512)
2. A confirmation email is sent with all job details
3. Your job enters our queue and appears in our stringer dashboard
4. A stringer will claim your job and you'll be notified
5. You'll receive status updates via email and your dashboard as work progresses
6. Get notified when your racket is ready for pickup

How do I request a stringing job?

Requesting a stringing job is simple and takes just a few minutes using our interactive wizard:

1. Log in to your player dashboard
2. Click the "New String Job" button to launch the interactive wizard
3. Follow the 9-step wizard (see "The Stringing Wizard" section above for detailed steps)
4. Review your job details on the final step
5. Click "Confirm & Submit" to create your job

Helpful tip: Having saved rackets makes this process even faster! See "Adding Rackets to Your Library" to get started.

Can I get string recommendations?

Yes! During Step 9 (Review & Confirm) of the wizard, you can check the "Request Recommendation" checkbox. Our experienced stringers will review your racket specs and playing level to suggest optimal strings and tensions for your game.

Can I track my job status?

Absolutely! Your player dashboard shows real-time job status including:

• Current status (awaiting assignment, in progress, ready for pickup, collected)
• Assigned stringer name and location
• Expected completion timeline
• Special instructions and any notes from the stringer

How long does stringing take?

Most jobs are completed within 1-3 business days, depending on demand and string type. Rush service is available for important matches. Expected completion times are shown in the wizard.

Can I edit or cancel a job?

Before a stringer claims: You can edit or cancel from your dashboard without any issues.

After a stringer has claimed: Changes and cancellations must be coordinated with your assigned stringer or our support team. We aim to accommodate reasonable modifications when possible.

Note: Once work has begun, additional charges may apply for significant modifications.

How do I choose the right string?

We offer professional-grade strings for all playing styles. Here's a guide to common types:

• Multifilament: Excellent comfort, power, and spin with good durability. Ideal for players seeking arm-friendly strings with a soft feel.
• Polyester (Poly): Maximum control and spin potential with superior durability. Less comfortable but preferred by competitive players for precision.
• Natural Gut: Premium comfort, power, and spin with a lively response. Expensive and less durable, typically used by serious players.
• Synthetic Gut: Balanced performance offering good comfort, control, and durability. Great all-around option for recreational players.
• Hybrid: Combination of different string types (e.g., poly mains with multifilament crosses) for customized performance.

String Gauge: Thinner strings (higher gauge numbers like 17-18) offer more spin and control but less durability. Thicker strings (lower gauge like 15-16) provide more comfort and durability.

What tension should I choose?

String tension is highly personal and depends on your playing style, racket, and preferences. Modern tennis generally uses lower tensions than in the past for better comfort and power:

• Beginners/Recreational: 45-52 lbs (20-23 kg) - Focus on comfort and ease of play
• Intermediate: 49-55 lbs (22-25 kg) - Balance of power, control, and comfort
• Advanced/Tournament: 53-57+ lbs (24-26+ kg) - Maximum control and spin potential

Important: These are general guidelines. Your ideal tension depends on factors like your swing speed, racket head size, and string type. Our stringers can recommend specific tensions based on your setup and playing style.

Can I browse available strings?

Yes! Visit the "Strings" section in your dashboard to browse our current inventory, view specifications, and see pricing information.

Where do I drop off my racket?

We have convenient drop-off locations. When you create a job, you'll see available locations. Choose the one most convenient for you. Our locations include:

• Local tennis clubs and facilities
• Sports stores and pro shops
• Designated pickup points

What should I bring when dropping off?

• Your racket (strings removed and cleaned if possible)
• Any specific instructions or preferences
• Your confirmation email or job reference number

How do I know when my racket is ready?

You'll receive email notifications and can check your dashboard for status updates. Jobs show as "Ready for Pickup" when completed. You can also call the drop-off location to confirm availability.

What if I'm not available for pickup?

Contact us to arrange alternative pickup arrangements. We can hold completed jobs for up to 30 days before requiring additional storage fees.

How much does stringing cost?

Pricing depends on string type, racket size, and labour. Typical costs:

• Basic multifilament: £25-30
• Premium polyester: £25-40
• Hybrid setups: £25-45
• Grip replacement: £2-10 additional (also base grip replacements)
• Grommets: £10-20 depending on a grommet

When do I pay?

Payment is collected when you pick up your racket. We accept cash only. You can see estimated pricing before submitting your job request, as we might need to add extra charges to the final bill but not without confirming it with the customer first.

Do you offer discounts?

We offer discounts for multiple rackets and repeat customers. Contact us for bulk pricing or special requirements.

How do I update my profile?

Go to your dashboard and click "Profile" to update your contact information, preferred locations, and account settings.

How do I view my stringing history?

Your dashboard shows all your past and current jobs. Click on any job to see details, status, and stringing specifications.

How do I change my password?

Go to your profile or dashboard and click "Change Password". You'll need your current password to set a new one.

Can I delete my account?

Account deletion can be requested by contacting our support team. We'll ensure all your data is properly removed.

How do I get help?

We offer multiple ways to get support depending on your needs:

• In-Job Chat: The fastest way to discuss a specific stringing job. Open any job from your dashboard and use the chat feature to communicate directly with your assigned stringer about that particular job
• Dashboard Support Inbox: Access the general support inbox from your dashboard for non-job-specific questions
• Email: Contact us through the support system for detailed inquiries

How do I use in-job chat?

For quick communication about a specific stringing job:

1. Go to your dashboard and find the job you need to discuss
2. Click on the job to view its details
3. Look for the "Messages" or "Chat" section on the job detail page
4. Type your question or message about that particular job
5. Your assigned stringer will receive the message and can respond immediately
6. All conversation history is saved with the job for future reference

Perfect for: Asking about tension adjustments, delivery updates, special requests, or any job-specific questions. Your stringer can respond quickly without needing to look up your details.

What if there's an issue with my stringing?

We stand behind our work. If you're not satisfied with the stringing quality, tension, or setup:

1. Use the in-job chat to message your stringer about the issue (fastest resolution)
2. Contact us through the support inbox
3. We guarantee satisfaction - reach out within 7 days of pickup for resolution
4. We can adjust tensions, restring, or offer other solutions to make you happy

Response Times

We prioritize your messages during business hours:

• In-Job Chat: Usually 15-30 minutes response time during business hours
• Support Inbox: Usually 1-2 hours response time
• Email: 4-24 hours response time

Business Hours

Monday-Friday: 9AM-6PM
Saturday: 9AM-4PM
Sunday: Closed
Emergency contact available for urgent tournament situations

Privacy & Confidentiality

All in-job messages are private and secure:

• Only you, your assigned stringer, and our support team can see job-specific messages
• Messages are encrypted and stored securely
• Job chat history is preserved for your records