Booking Buffer Time

Booking buffer time is a block of unavailable time placed before or after appointments so a service business can prepare, travel, clean up, or handle unexpected delays. A mobile handyman might need extra time between jobs across town, while a cleaning crew may need time to restock supplies before its next visit. Buffer time reduces the risk of scheduling back-to-back appointments that cannot realistically be fulfilled. It differs from the service duration, which represents the time allocated for the job itself. The amount of buffer depends on the work, location, team size, and operating practices. Online booking settings should reflect real capacity rather than simply maximizing the number of available slots.