Can I prevent clients from booking me back-to-back? (Creating Buffers)

TidyCal buffers add a gap of unavailable time between bookings, preventing back-to-back meetings and giving you time to prepare. Buffers are available on all plans and configured per booking type.

How to set up buffers

1. Go to Booking types in the sidebar.
2. Click to edit the booking type you want to configure.
3. In the editor sidebar, click Restrictions.
4. Find the setting: Add a [number] minute gap between bookings.
5. Enter your desired buffer time in minutes (e.g., 10 or 15).
6. Click Save at the top of the editor.

How it works

• A 1-hour meeting with a 15-minute buffer blocks a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes on your calendar.
• The buffer time is added after each booking, so the next available slot starts after the buffer expires.
• Clients do not see the buffer time; they only see available time slots.

Troubleshooting

Buffer not being applied

• Ensure you saved the booking type after setting the buffer.
• Buffers apply to new bookings only, not existing ones.
• Verify the buffer value is greater than 0.

Too few available slots after adding buffer

• Large buffers reduce available slots. If a 30-minute buffer is too aggressive, try 10-15 minutes.
• Consider adjusting your availability hours to accommodate the buffer time.
• Contact support@tidycal.com for help.

Tip: Use the Troubleshoot availability button on your booking page to see exactly which slots are blocked and why. Slots affected by this setting show the SCHEDULE badge. See How to Fix Missing Availability for details.

Team booking types note: For a team booking type the troubleshooter evaluates each host individually — not just the plan owner — using each host's own availability, connected calendars and existing bookings, in that host's own timezone. It runs the same per-host logic your public team booking page uses, so the two agree. When a slot is unavailable you get a per-host breakdown naming which host is blocked and why. Round Robin slots stay open when any host is free; Collective slots need every host free. See Simplify Team Scheduling for per-host availability details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the buffer added before or after the booking?

The buffer is added as a gap between bookings. The exact label in TidyCal is "minute gap between bookings," meaning time is blocked after each appointment before the next one can start.

Is this available on the Free Plan?

Yes. Buffer time is available on all plans.

Can I set different buffers for different booking types?

Yes. Each booking type has its own buffer setting.