Setting your availability and hours
Configure working hours, block time off, handle splits and timezones.
Your availability controls when clients can book you. Getting this right means no surprises on your calendar.
Setting regular hours: 1. Go to Dashboard -> Availability 2. Toggle on each day you work 3. Set a start time and end time for each day 4. Click Save
Bontro generates bookable 15-minute slots within those hours based on each service's duration.
Split shifts (lunch break, morning + evening): Click "Add hours" on any day to add a second time block. For example, 9 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 7 PM leaves a gap for lunch that clients cannot book.
Blocking time off (vacations, personal days): 1. Click "Add Time Off" in the top right of the Availability page 2. Set a start and end date (can be a single day) 3. Add an optional note like "Vacation" or "Training" 4. Save
No bookings can be made during blocked time, and any existing bookings are not affected -- you'll need to reschedule or cancel those separately.
Buffer time between appointments: Set buffer time on individual services (not in Availability). A 15-minute buffer on a 30-minute service means clients cannot book back-to-back -- there is always a gap for cleanup.
Time zone handling: Your availability is stored in your local time zone. Clients see appointment times in their browser's local time zone. If you are in EST and a client is in PST, they see the correct converted time automatically.
Per-staff availability (Business plan): Business plan users can set individual hours for each team member. Go to Availability and use the staff selector at the top to switch between business-wide hours and individual schedules.
Pro tip: Block off 30 minutes at the start and end of each day as personal buffer. It prevents clients from booking the very first and last slots, giving you setup and wrap-up time.
Related articles: - creating-services - manage-appointments - staff-calendars