IBKR how do you make a request to short a stock that isn't available?

I get this message "interactive brokers this contract will be available..." but I cannot see any way to initiate a short request? Is there a magic box I can tick off to get the ball rolling for a short request? any help appreciated...

 

Your screen grab mentions the SLB tool. That might be your starting point.
https://www.interactivebrokers.com/en/index.php?f=46919

 

Yes I have the SLB tool open but there's nothing I can see that allows me to initiate a request or number of shares I want...

 

I just put in a GTC market order and wait. Basically just get in line. If you're fine with the SLB fee that should work. I cancel the order if/when the price is no longer attractive.

 

thank you - its such a blind way to fly...IB really aren't very good for shorting small cap...

 

Just the fact it is small cap limits its availability to short.

 

Out of curiosity are you at liberty to disclose which small cap you were shorting? People who attack the ALF, SGOC, AEHR, DTSS, NUROs ect.. when moving claim Center Point can locate. I never had luck getting available shares of insane movers.

 

The point everyone is missing is that IB only offers short locates to Portfolio Margin customers.

EDIT: Actually...I only see IB refer to it as pre-borrowing...I dont actually see them say locates anywhere...They may not do locates at all.

 

That makes sense, thank you for clarifying why.

 

Misinformation here:

For the US markets if you have an offer on the screen, the SLB team will seek the stock and if they can locate it, will make it available. Naturally info such as size, history of the client, etc are factors. Small caps by their nature are hard to borrow.

If you are willing to pre-borrow and pay a fee regardless if you trade the stock, then you can use the tools available.