Availability windows

Concept

Availability windows control when clients can request bookings and which time slots are offered.

In InkWell, availability is defined by your weekly schedule, slot durations, and buffer time between appointments. Booking advance rules determine how far ahead clients can book.

Why it matters

Good availability settings protect your schedule and keep client expectations clear.

• Clients see consistent, realistic appointment options.
• You avoid overbooking or back-to-back sessions with no break.
• Slot pacing keeps your daily workload manageable.
• Schedule performance becomes easier to review and improve.

Poor availability settings usually lead to double-bookings, burnout, and avoidable cancellations.

How to configure it

1. Go to Dashboard -> Settings -> Availability.
2. Set your working hours for each day of the week.
3. Define slot duration and buffer time between appointments.
4. Set booking advance rules:
   • How far in advance clients can book.
   • Minimum notice period before an appointment.
5. Block specific dates for holidays or time off.
6. Save, then test a booking request from the client view to verify.
7. Use Dashboard -> Settings -> Availability -> Pause bookings for temporary control, then resume when ready.

How to verify it worked

• Your public page shows the correct available time slots.
• Booking requests can only be submitted within your defined hours.
• Buffer time between appointments is reflected in available slots.
• Blocked dates show no availability.
• The booking flow stays manageable through busy periods.

Related guides: Booking settings and Managing bookings.

Common mistakes

• Setting availability too wide before understanding your real capacity.
• Not leaving enough buffer time between appointments.
• Forgetting to block holiday dates before they become bookable.
• Changing availability without checking confirmed appointment impact.
• Leaving bookings paused after a temporary hold.