Overview

Open-Ended Locked Actions, also known as Pending Actions, provide a specialized tracking solution for advertisers whose tracking requires extended locking periods. Unlike standard CJ transactions that lock within predetermined timeframes, these actions allow advertisers to maintain control over when orders transition from "New" to "Locked" status—accommodating sales or bookings that require up to a year or more to confirm, and permit advertisers to control when orders are locked and paid to publishers.

It allow advertisers where:

• Confirmation periods exceed standard limits - Travel bookings often require weeks or months to confirm
• Order values may change - Final booking amounts can increase or decrease from initial reservations
• Advertiser control is essential - Travel companies need to decide when to lock commissions based on booking status

This solution replaces the need for separate tracking actions by consolidating the entire booking lifecycle into a single, pending action.

Transaction Lifecycle Flow

The following diagram illustrates how an Open-Ended Locked Action moves from initial tracking through to final resolution:

flowchart TD
    A[Booking Tracked via CJ] --> B[Transaction Status: New / Pending]
    B --> C[Extended Confirmation Period]
    C --> D[Advertiser Automated System Reviews Booking]
    D --> E{Booking Status?}

    E -->|Confirmed| F[Restatement Sent via API]
    E -->|Modified| G[Restatement Sent with Updated Amount]
    E -->|Cancelled| H[Cancellation Sent via API]

    F --> I[Status: Accepted]
    G --> I
    H --> J[Status: Declined]

    I --> K[Transaction Locked]
    K --> L[Commission Paid to Publisher]
    L --> M[Invoiced to Advertiser]

    J --> N[No Commission Paid]

style A fill:#1966da,color:#fff
style B fill:#fff8e6,color:#735400,stroke:#ffb121,stroke-width:2px
style J fill:#fff7f4,color:#d42617,stroke:#d42617,stroke-width:2px
style K fill:#f2fffa,color:#007e4d,stroke:#007e4d,stroke-width:2px
style L fill:#f2fffa,color:#007e4d,stroke:#007e4d,stroke-width:2px
style N fill:#fff7f4,color:#d42617,stroke:#d42617,stroke-width:2px

Billing and Payment Structure

Monthly Invoicing Cycle

Advertisers receive monthly invoices for:

• Locked actions processed during the billing period
• Associated commissions for confirmed bookings
• Platform fees related to locked transactions

Payment Timing

Invoicing occurs based on when actions transition to "Locked" status, not when bookings were initially tracked. This ensures payment accuracy and aligns with actual booking confirmations.

Requirements

Before implementing Open-Ended Locked Actions, ensure you meet all the requirements below:

• Travel vertical verification - Confirm advertiser operates in travel industry
• Automated systems development - Build or configure automated booking management
• Start Date Time parameter setup - Implement required tracking parameter
• End Date Time parameter setup - Implement required tracking parameter
• API integration completion - Connect to CJ Commission Detail API
• Testing validation - Complete cancellation and restatement process testing
• Process documentation - Document internal procedures for booking management

Key Benefits Summary

• Extended booking management for travel industry requirements
• Advertiser control over commission locking timing
• Flexible order value adjustments to reflect final booking amounts
• Automated processing reduces manual intervention and errors
• Accurate financial reporting aligns with actual booking outcomes
• Publisher transparency through clear booking status communication

Next Steps

To implement Open-Ended Locked Actions for travel advertiser clients:

1. Assess advertiser eligibility - Verify travel vertical and booking confirmation requirements with your Client Integration Engineer and Client Activation Manager
2. Review technical requirements - Evaluate current systems against implementation requirements
3. Configure automated systems - Set up booking management automation
4. Test and validate - Complete comprehensive testing of all processes
5. Launch and monitor - Deploy solution and monitor booking management effectiveness

For technical implementation details, API documentation, and integration support, refer to the CJ Technical Integration Guide or contact your technical account manager.