Flexible Timeslots
A detailed guide to the flexible timeslot mode -- how it works, when to use it, and how to set the interval and booking duration.
Flexible Timeslots
The flexible mode is designed for branches where the customer determines the booking duration themselves. In the calendar, the customer clicks on a start time and drags (or swipes on mobile) to set the end.
When to Use the Flexible Mode
Ideal for Private Space (PrivateSpace) branches where a space is rented for a duration chosen by the customer:
- Tennis, squash, and badminton courts
- Photography studios and recording studios
- Meeting and conference rooms
- Rehearsal rooms, party rooms, event halls
Example: A tennis center rents courts by the hour. A customer clicks on 14:00, drags to 16:00 -- books a court for 2 hours at 600 CZK (300 CZK/hr). The price updates in real time.
How It Works for Customers
- The customer sees a time grid divided into increments (e.g., every 30 minutes).
- They click a cell where they want to start.
- They drag downward to set the duration -- the system instantly displays the price.
- After releasing, a confirmation dialog appears with the time, duration, and price.
Key Settings
Go to Admin > Settings > Branch > Bookings.
Timeslot Interval (timeslot_duration)
The size of each cell in the calendar grid:
| Interval | Grid Shows | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 8:00, 8:15, 8:30, 8:45... | Shorter bookings, more precise scheduling |
| 30 minutes | 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30... | Standard hourly rentals |
| 60 minutes | 8:00, 9:00, 10:00... | Longer-term rentals |
Minimum and Maximum Booking Duration
Determine the shortest and longest time a customer can book. Examples: tennis court 60--180 min, meeting room 30--480 min, recording studio 120--480 min.
Booking Interval (timeSlotIntervalMinutes)
The increments by which the customer changes booking duration. Timeslot interval = visual grid resolution, booking interval = functional duration resolution. In practice, set both to the same value (e.g., 30 minutes -- the customer can then book 30, 60, 90, 120 min).
Comparison with Other Modes
| Feature | Flexible | Fixed | Scheduled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who determines duration | Customer | System (fixed) | Administrator |
| How customer books | Dragging in grid | Clicking a block | Selecting from list |
| Pricing | Based on duration | Fixed per block | Fixed per block |
| Best for | Space rentals | Standard appointments | Classes, workshops |
| Branch type | PrivateSpace | ServiceProvider | Both |
If you run a salon or office where each service has a fixed duration, use Fixed Blocks instead.
Step-by-Step Setup
- In Admin > Settings > Branch > Bookings, select the Flexible mode.
- Set the timeslot interval (we recommend 30 minutes).
- Set the minimum and maximum booking duration.
- Set the booking interval (same as the timeslot interval if unsure).
- Save.
Recommended Settings by Industry
| Industry | Slot Interval | Min. Duration | Max. Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennis Court | 30 min | 60 min | 180 min |
| Squash Court | 15 min | 30 min | 120 min |
| Meeting Room | 30 min | 30 min | 480 min |
| Recording Studio | 60 min | 120 min | 480 min |
| Photography Studio | 30 min | 60 min | 240 min |
| Party Room | 60 min | 120 min | 600 min |
Common Mistakes
- Interval too fine -- a 5-minute interval for a tennis court overcrowds the grid. Choose an interval that matches your business reality.
- Mismatched minimum duration and interval -- the minimum duration must be divisible by the interval (30 min interval + 45 min minimum = problem).
- Maximum duration too long -- a customer could block the entire day. Set a reasonable maximum.
Next Step
If the flexible mode doesn't suit your business, read about fixed blocks or scheduled blocks. After setting up the mode, continue to pricing rules.