Creating and configuring services
Name, price, duration, deposit, card on file, and buffer time explained.
Services are what clients choose when booking. Getting your service settings right saves you from pricing confusion and no-shows.
The required fields: - Name -- What clients see. Be specific: "Men's Cut + Beard Trim" is better than "Haircut." - Price -- In dollars. This is what clients pay (or what you'll request at the appointment for free-booking services). - Duration -- How long the slot is blocked on your calendar. Be generous -- better to have buffer than to run late.
Optional but important settings:
Deposit (Growth and Business plans) Charge a flat amount upfront at booking. The remainder is collected later via a payment request or in person. When to use it: any service where no-shows are costly (tattoos, hair color, makeup). Even a $20-$50 deposit dramatically reduces ghosting.
Full payment required Collect the entire price at booking via Stripe. When to use it: short sessions, gift cards, or services where you want everything settled before the client arrives.
Card on file (Growth and Business plans) Require clients to enter a card at booking but do not charge it. You charge manually after the appointment. When to use it: when prices vary (custom work, consultations) but you want a card saved as a commitment.
Buffer time Extra minutes blocked after the appointment that clients cannot book into. It does not show on your booking page. When to use it: cleanup between clients, walking clients out, resetting your station. A 15-minute buffer on a 45-minute service effectively makes every slot an hour.
Advance booking window How far ahead clients can book. Default is 30 days. Increase if you book out further, or decrease if you prefer a shorter schedule.
Pro tip: Start simple -- name, price, duration. You can always add deposit and buffer settings after you have seen how clients behave.
Related articles: - set-availability - accepting-payments - cancellation-policy