What Is a Time Slot in SuiteCal?
A time slot is a start time a client can book on your booking page.
SuiteCal does not simply show every 15 or 30 minutes by default. Instead, it calculates time slots based on:
Your service duration
Your buffer settings
Your availability hours
Your booking policies
This ensures that every visible time is actually bookable without overlap or rush.
Service Duration Comes First
Every service has a fixed duration, for example:
Classic full set: 60 minutes
Volume full set: 90 minutes
SuiteCal always reserves the full service time before allowing another booking. A booking will never be squeezed into a shorter window.
This is the foundation everything else builds on.
Buffer Before a Service (Optional)
A buffer before adds protected time before the service starts.
Use this if you need:
Setup time
Room prep
Client consultation
A mental reset between clients
Example:
If your service starts at 10:00 AM and you add a 10-minute buffer before, SuiteCal ensures nothing ends too close to that 10:00 AM start.
Clients never see the buffer. They only see clean start times.
Buffer After a Service (Optional)
A buffer after adds protected time after the service ends.
This is useful for:
Cleaning tools
Lash bed reset
Notes or photos
Short breaks
Example:
A 60-minute service with a 15-minute buffer after blocks the full 75 minutes in your calendar.
This prevents clients from booking immediately back-to-back.
Global Gap Between Bookings
A gap is a general breathing space applied between all bookings.
Unlike service buffers, this:
Applies across your schedule
Keeps your day from becoming too tightly packed
Helps prevent burnout
Example:
If you set a 10-minute gap, SuiteCal ensures there is always at least 10 minutes between bookings, even if services change.
This is especially helpful if you offer multiple services with different durations.
How Time Slots Are Actually Shown to Clients
Clients only see time slots that:
Fully fit within your working hours
Respect service duration
Respect buffers and gaps
Do not overlap with existing bookings
Fall within your booking window
If a time would cause stress later in the day, SuiteCal simply does not show it.
This keeps your booking page clean and prevents awkward manual adjustments.
Why You May See Fewer Slots Than Expected
This is normal and intentional.
Common reasons:
Buffers or gaps are pushing slots forward
A long service does not fit near the end of the day
Existing bookings block surrounding time
Lead time or advance booking limits apply
Fewer slots usually means your schedule is being protected correctly.
Best-Practice Setup for Lash Artists
If you’re unsure where to start, this setup works well for most solo lash artists:
Service duration: exact treatment time
Buffer after: 10–15 minutes
Buffer before: optional
Global gap: 5–10 minutes
This creates a smooth flow without overloading your day.
The Big Picture
Buffers and gaps are not about blocking clients. They are about:
Delivering consistent service quality
Protecting your energy
Avoiding schedule mistakes
Reducing last-minute stress
Once set up, SuiteCal handles the math for you so every booking just fits.