Buffers between appointments

Add automatic padding between appointments so you have time to reset between sessions.

Buffers add automatic padding before or after appointments — so there's always a gap between sessions for you to clean up, prep, take notes, or just breathe.

How buffers work

When a buffer is set on a service type, Arketa automatically blocks off that time around each booking. Clients won't see buffer time — they just see the appointment duration. The calendar will show the appointment as taking longer, blocking that slot from being double-booked.

Example: A 60-minute massage has a 15-minute buffer after. The appointment runs 10:00–11:00am. The next available slot starts at 11:15am, giving you time to change linens and prepare the room.

Set up a buffer

Buffers are configured on the service type:

Go to Setup → Service Types → Appointments
Edit the service type
Look for Buffer time in the advanced or scheduling settings
Set the buffer duration before and/or after the appointment
Save

[IMAGE TODO] Take a screenshot showing the Buffer time settings within a service type's edit form at Setup > Service Types > Appointments > [service type], with the before and after buffer duration fields visible.

Before vs. after buffers

Before buffer — blocks time before the appointment, useful for setup or reviewing client notes
After buffer — blocks time after the appointment, useful for cleanup, notes, or recovery time

You can set both on the same service type if needed.

Buffers and booking windows

Buffers interact with your start time increments. If you have 30-minute increments and a 15-minute after buffer on a 60-minute session, the next bookable slot will be at 90 minutes from the start (60-min session + 15-min buffer, rounded to the next 30-min increment).