Operations

Setting up the waitlist to never lose a cancellation

Cancellations are inevitable. Losing revenue to them is optional. The BookAndGo waitlist turns cancellations into rebookings automatically.

BookAndGo Team27 February 20266 min read

A waitlist entry is a client saying 'I want this service, around this date range, at these times of day — let me know if a spot opens up'. BookAndGo matches waitlist entries to newly freed slots automatically.

How the matching works

When a client cancels, BookAndGo scans the waitlist for any entry whose service, date range, and time-of-day preferences overlap with the freed slot. If there's a match, the system sends you a notification and waits for your accept/decline.

Configure the response window

You get 10 minutes by default to accept or decline a waitlist match. Set longer if you're often away from your phone, shorter if you want the slot to reach the next eligible client faster.

Declines are silent. The waitlisted client never knows they almost got the slot. This is intentional — it prevents the awkwardness of raising hopes you can't fulfil.

Where clients join the waitlist

When a client searches for availability and sees no matching slots, they get a 'Join waitlist' button. They enter their preferences, confirm their email, and they're on the list. No account required.

Frequently asked

Can a client be on the waitlist for multiple services?

Yes. Each preference is a separate entry.

Do waitlisted clients get priority?

They get the first shot at a freed slot. If they decline or time out, the slot returns to general availability.

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