How to Set Up Buffer Time Between Appointments
Add breathing room between back-to-back appointments for preparation, cleanup, travel, and avoiding client overlap.
Start the GuideHow to Set Up Buffer Time Between Appointments This step-by-step guide covers everything you need — from prerequisites to pro tips — so you can complete the process in 10 minutes or less. Browse all how-to guides.
Before You Start
Make sure you have the following ready:
- Services with durations configured
- An understanding of how much transition time you need
Step-by-Step Guide
6 steps · 10 minutes
Navigate to booking rules
Go to Settings > Booking Rules > Buffer Time to access buffer configuration.
Set a global buffer
Add a default buffer (e.g., 15 minutes) that applies between all appointments unless overridden.
Start with 10-15 minutes and adjust based on what you actually need between sessions.
Set service-specific buffers
Override the global buffer for services that need more or less transition time. Color services may need 30 minutes; quick trims may need 5.
Configure pre-appointment buffers
Add time before appointments for room setup, material preparation, or simply to review client notes.
Configure post-appointment buffers
Add time after appointments for cleanup, note-taking, and mental reset before the next client.
Verify buffer time in the booking flow
Open your booking page and confirm that available time slots reflect the buffer — they should not show back-to-back options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do clients see the buffer time?
No. Buffer time is invisible to clients. They only see the available booking slots.
Does buffer time reduce my bookable hours?
Yes, slightly. A 15-minute buffer on 8 one-hour appointments means 2 hours of buffer time. Balance efficiency with quality.
Can I have different buffers for different staff?
Yes. Each staff member can have their own buffer settings based on their needs and service types.
What about buffer time for video calls?
Set a 5-10 minute buffer between video calls to prevent the 'Zoom fatigue' of back-to-back calls.
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