Prevent Back-to-Back Bookings with Buffer Time

Q: Is the buffer added before or after the booking?

Both. The setting reads Add a [number] minute gap between bookings., and TidyCal keeps that gap before and after your existing bookings and calendar events when it offers times for this booking type.

Stop back-to-back bookings with a TidyCal buffer: open a booking type, go to Restrictions and set Add a [number] minute gap between bookings. All plans.

How to set up buffers

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

TidyCal booking type Restrictions tab with the minute gap between bookings (buffer) setting

How it works

With a 15-minute buffer, TidyCal only offers times for this booking type that start at least 15 minutes after, and end at least 15 minutes before, your other bookings and calendar events.
The buffer applies before and after. Nothing is added to your calendar: a 1-hour booking still appears as 1 hour.
A buffer only applies when someone books the booking type it is set on. Other booking types with a 0-minute gap can still be booked right next to it, so set a buffer on each booking type.
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.
Set the buffer on every booking type you want spaced out: it only applies when someone books the booking type it is set on. Existing bookings are not moved.
If Ignore external calendar conflicts. is on for this booking type, TidyCal does not check your calendar events or your other booking types' bookings, so the buffer only keeps space around this booking type's own bookings.
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. A slot blocked by the buffer shows the BOOKING or CALENDAR badge for the booking or event next to it. See How to Fix Missing Availability for details.

For team booking types, the troubleshooter shows which host is blocked; see TidyCal Teams: Create a Team and Add Members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the buffer added before or after the booking?

Both. The setting reads Add a [number] minute gap between bookings., and TidyCal keeps that gap before and after your existing bookings and calendar events when it offers times for this booking type.

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.