> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.payreque.st/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Vacation Mode

> Temporarily pause orders for your shop and PayRequest Pages during holidays or maintenance

# Vacation Mode

Take a break without worrying about incoming orders. Vacation Mode lets you temporarily disable all new orders from your shop and PayRequest Page links while keeping your storefront visible.

## When to Use Vacation Mode

Vacation Mode is perfect for:

* **Holidays**: Going on vacation and can't fulfill orders
* **Inventory**: Restocking products and need to pause sales
* **Maintenance**: Updating your shop or products
* **Seasonal Breaks**: Closing during off-season periods
* **Personal Time**: Taking time off from your business

## How It Works

When Vacation Mode is enabled:

* **Shop**: Customers can still browse your products but cannot place orders
* **PayRequest Pages**: Direct product links show a vacation message instead of checkout
* **Existing Orders**: Current orders and subscriptions are not affected
* **Invoice Payments**: Customers can still pay existing invoices

<Note>
  Vacation Mode only blocks **new** orders. Existing subscriptions continue to bill normally, and customers can still pay outstanding invoices.
</Note>

## Enabling Vacation Mode

1. Go to **Shop** in your dashboard
2. Click the **Shop Settings** tab
3. Find the **Vacation Mode** card
4. Toggle the switch to enable

### Setting an End Date

You can optionally set an automatic end date:

1. Enable Vacation Mode
2. Click the date picker under "Auto-disable vacation mode on"
3. Select the date when you want to resume accepting orders
4. Click **Save Vacation Settings**

When the end date passes, Vacation Mode automatically disables and your shop resumes normal operation.

<Tip>
  Leave the end date empty if you want to manually re-enable orders when you're ready.
</Tip>

### Custom Message

Personalize the message your customers see:

1. Enable Vacation Mode
2. Enter your message in the "Custom message for customers" field
3. Click **Save Vacation Settings**

**Example messages:**

* "We're on holiday until January 2nd. Happy New Year!"
* "Closed for inventory. Back next week!"
* "Summer break - see you in September!"

If you don't set a custom message, customers will see a default vacation notice.

## What Customers See

### On Your Shop

Customers visiting your shop will see an amber notification banner at the top of the page with your vacation message and end date (if set).

### On PayRequest Page Product Links

When customers try to purchase via a direct product link, they'll see a vacation notice instead of the payment form. The product information is still visible, but checkout is disabled.

## Monitoring Vacation Mode

When Vacation Mode is active:

* A **Vacation** badge appears on the Shop Settings tab
* The Vacation Mode card has an amber border
* A warning message reminds you that orders are blocked

## Disabling Vacation Mode

To resume accepting orders:

1. Go to **Shop** → **Shop Settings** tab
2. Toggle the Vacation Mode switch off
3. Orders are immediately accepted again

Alternatively, if you set an end date, Vacation Mode disables automatically at midnight on that date.

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Notify customers in advance">
    If possible, announce your vacation period through email or social media before enabling Vacation Mode.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Set clear expectations">
    Use the custom message to tell customers exactly when you'll be back and accepting orders again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Check pending orders first">
    Before enabling Vacation Mode, make sure you've fulfilled or addressed any pending orders.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Use automatic end dates">
    Set an end date so you don't forget to re-enable orders when you return.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Are existing subscriptions affected?">
    No. Active subscriptions continue to bill normally. Vacation Mode only prevents new orders and subscriptions from being created.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can customers still pay invoices?">
    Yes. Existing invoices can still be paid during Vacation Mode. Only new product purchases are blocked.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens to my shop visibility?">
    Your shop remains fully visible. Customers can browse products and view prices - they just can't complete checkout.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I enable Vacation Mode for specific products only?">
    Currently, Vacation Mode applies to your entire shop. To disable individual products, set their status to "Archived" or toggle "Show in shop" off.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What timezone is used for the end date?">
    The end date uses your business timezone (Europe/Amsterdam). Vacation Mode disables at midnight on the selected date.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>