Online Booking

How do I set default buffer times for all services?

In Bella Booking, go to Settings > Booking Policies and set default buffer before and buffer after values at the location level. All services inherit these defaults automatically. Override individual services only where they need different timings.

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Location-level defaults

Setting buffer times at the location level means every service picks up the same defaults without manual per-service configuration.

1Go to Settings > Booking Policies
2Find the Processing Time & Buffer Time section
3Set the default Buffer Before value (e.g., 5 minutes for setup)
4Set the default Buffer After value (e.g., 10 minutes for cleanup)
5Optionally set a default Processing Time if most services need one
6Save — all services at this location now inherit these values

If you have multiple locations, each location can have different defaults. A day spa might need 15 minutes of buffer after for room turnover, whilst a hair salon might only need 5 minutes.

Overriding per service

Some services need different timing. A quick blowdry might not need any buffer, whilst a full body treatment needs extended cleanup time. Override the location default on individual services without affecting others.

Go to Service Catalog > select the service
In the timing section, toggle the override for buffer before, buffer after, or processing time
Set the custom value for that service
Services without overrides continue to use the location default

How inheritance works

The system resolves timing values in order: service override, then location default, then zero. If you change the location default from 5 minutes to 10 minutes, every service that hasn't been individually overridden automatically updates to 10 minutes. Services with explicit overrides are unaffected.

For bundles, the resolution adds another layer: bundle override, then service override, then location default, then zero. This gives you fine-grained control where you need it and sensible defaults everywhere else.

Buffer time recommendations by service type

The right buffer depends on what happens between appointments. Here are practical starting points for common service types.

Hair colour services

Colour services need buffer after for cleaning mixing bowls, wiping down stations, and sweeping. Start with 10 minutes after. If your salon does a lot of bleach or lightener work, consider 15 minutes — the cleanup is more involved. Buffer before is usually unnecessary unless your colourist needs to pre-mix.

Waxing and body treatments

Waxing rooms need sanitising between clients — bed paper, surfaces, and warming equipment. A 10-minute buffer after is typical. If you use a dedicated waxing room, this also acts as turnover time for the space. Buffer before is less critical since setup is usually quick.

Massage and spa treatments

Massage and spa services benefit from longer buffers — 15-20 minutes after for changing linens, resetting the room ambience, and sanitising the treatment bed. Some spas also add 5 minutes before so the therapist can greet the client and let them settle in without feeling rushed.

Nail services

Nail stations need minimal buffer in most cases — 5 minutes after for sanitising tools and clearing the workspace. If you offer soak-off gel removal as part of the next appointment, consider adding 5 minutes before as well. For pedicure stations with basins, allow 10 minutes after for draining and cleaning.

Set your location default to the most common buffer your services need (often 5-10 minutes after), then override only the services that need more or less. This saves time and keeps your configuration manageable.