# Add buffer times to services

## How buffers work

If you need extra time before or after your appointment, you can set **buffer times**. This time is blocked in your calendar and in online bookings to prevent back-to-back clashes and to reflect the real time needed. Buffers do not overlap other appointments or activities, so bookings respect any buffer you set. The client is not present during buffer time.

In the calendar, the service duration **plus** **buffers** is all blocked for the practitioner.

* **Buffer before:** Minutes reserved before the start (e.g. setup or preparation).
* **Buffer after:** Minutes reserved after the end (e.g. notes, clean up, or admin).

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3848983471-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8mHp6Xvui6hSl3fbco11%2Fuploads%2FxxUwzojzrY2HMRj7D17Q%2Fbuffers_3.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b767a8da-3565-4ca2-bb6d-8e6525f95f96" alt=""><figcaption><p>Calendar showing buffer before and buffer after on appointments.</p></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Tip:** Use buffers on longer or admin-heavy services to keep your day realistic and avoid overruns.
{% endhint %}

## How to add a buffer time

1. Go to **Catalogue** → **Services**.

<figure><img src="https://3848983471-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8mHp6Xvui6hSl3fbco11%2Fuploads%2FqfjARK7Gvywp5KL3elYF%2FServices.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1f8c79fa-ab1f-4ea1-a355-9cc24902703b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Open the service, then click **Actions** → **Edit service**.

<figure><img src="https://3848983471-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8mHp6Xvui6hSl3fbco11%2Fuploads%2FyfD0iA1ZtBzM8WfkmiYU%2Fedit%20service.png?alt=media&#x26;token=418e9311-cbca-41e7-b5c5-46914d5181f4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. In **Pricing & Duration**, set **Buffer before** and/or **Buffer after**.

<figure><img src="https://3848983471-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8mHp6Xvui6hSl3fbco11%2Fuploads%2Fes4bDRJylVcu4GBvrjnt%2Fedit_buffer.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f0f95b30-2716-4c18-a0cc-5de4d06a00cb" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Click **Save**. The calendar and online bookings now respect the buffer time for this service.

**Buffer options:** 0 min, 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 1 h, 1 h 15 min, 1 h 30 min, 1 h 45 min, 2 h. \
\&#xNAN;*Setting **0 min** means no buffer.*

**Example:** A 45-minute service with 15 min buffer before and 15 min buffer after blocks **75 minutes** in the calendar.

## Change or remove buffers

1. Go to **Catalogue** → **Services**.
2. Open the service, then click **Actions** → **Edit service**.
3. **Adjust the buffer fields** (set to **0 min** to remove).
4. Click **Save** to apply changes.
