Buffers between appointments

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 after 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, and Arketa holds the room until 11:15am, giving you time to change linens and prepare. Where the next bookable slot actually lands also depends on your appointment increments — see Buffers and booking windows below.

Set up a buffer

Buffers are configured on the service type:

1. Go to Setup → Service Types → Appointments
2. Edit the service type
3. Navigate to step 2 Scheduling
4. Look for Buffer time
5. Set the buffer duration which applies to after the service (class, appointment, event)
6. Save

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).

The "Post-Service" Rule

• Important: Currently, buffers only apply to the end of a service. They do not automatically "pad" time before a service starts.