Services let customers tell you what they came for before they reach the counter. Each service has its own estimated duration, which feeds wait time estimates when the queue uses the service_time method.

When to use services

Use services if the time a customer takes varies a lot. A salon might offer a haircut (30 minutes) and a color (90 minutes). An auto shop might offer an oil change and a full inspection. If everyone in a queue is doing roughly the same thing, you do not need services.

Add a service

  1. In the admin sidebar, open Settings, then Services.
  2. Services are grouped by queue within the selected location. Find the queue you want and add a service to it.
  3. Enter a Name (required). This is what customers see on the join form.
  4. Add a Description if it helps customers pick the right one.
  5. Set Estimated Minutes. Be realistic, this number is what the system uses for wait math.
  6. Save. The service is now selectable on the kiosk, widget, and Add Entry modal for that queue.

How services affect wait times

If the queue's Wait Time Method is service_time, the estimate uses each entry's service duration. Customers who pick a longer service see a longer wait, and customers behind them see a more accurate total. If the method is average or manual, the service choice is recorded but not used in the wait calculation.

Edit or remove a service

  1. Go back to Settings, then Services.
  2. Click a service to edit its Name, Description, or Estimated Minutes.
  3. Use delete to remove a service you no longer offer. Past entries that used it keep their history.

Common problems

  • Service dropdown is empty for customers. The queue has no services yet. Add at least one or leave services off entirely.
  • Wait time does not change when I set minutes. The queue's Wait Time Method is not set to service_time. Update it under Queue settings.
  • Estimates are way off. Staff often underestimate service time. Measure a few real sessions and update the number.
  • Services are in the wrong queue. Services live under a single queue and cannot be shared. Recreate the service in the correct queue.

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