Newb question; how to shorts shares that are not avail?

I see on IB that it notifies you that shares are not avail but may be located...

1) how do you tell IB to locate them?
2) how long does it take?
3) what if by the time they are located you do not want to short it...

i'd certainly appreciate any info on this....or is it not even worth it on IB..

thank you

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I have had it take an hour. Usually just a few minutes (or seconds). Through the API I just make the trade, then I have to watch it until I get filled or I cancel the trade (and make sure the trade really was canceled). They have been very good, in my experience, unlike most retail brokers with very limited shares available for shorting.
I have no idea where they go to find shortable shares that they don't have locally.
 
GURU, Watch this video titled:
IB Short Video: Pre-Borrow US Stocks for Shorting

https://www.interactivebrokers.com.hk/en/general/education/videos/pre-borrow-us-stocks-shorting.php

and a screen shot you requested.. but watch the video for details on how to enroll along with costs and requirements (ie. must be portfolio margin account)

View attachment 254135

For Hong Kong SEHK: if any of you are serious about pre-borrowing, send me a PM and I'll introduce you to the appropriate team.


Thanks, great video and info I wasn’t aware of.
 
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