> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ontimebookings.com.au/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Booking settings

> Set notice periods, cancellation rules, and buffer time for a service.

Booking settings control how far ahead customers can book a service, how much notice they need to cancel, and how much time to leave around each booking.

Open a service from **Settings → Catalogue → Services**, then select **Booking Settings**.

<Note>
  These rules apply to customers booking on your website. You and your staff can override them and book at any time.
</Note>

## Timing

| Setting                                 | What it's for                                                   | Required |
| --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- |
| **Minimum booking notice (hours)**      | How far in advance a customer must book. For example, 24 hours. | No       |
| **Maximum booking advance (days)**      | How far ahead a customer can book. For example, 60 days.        | No       |
| **Minimum cancellation notice (hours)** | How much notice a customer must give to cancel.                 | No       |
| **Padding before booking (minutes)**    | Spare time held before each booking — for setup or travel.      | Yes      |
| **Padding after booking (minutes)**     | Spare time held after each booking — for cleanup or travel.     | Yes      |

Padding times default to 0. Set them if your staff need time around each booking.

## Access

| Setting                | What it's for                                                                                                   | Required |
| ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- |
| **Staff only booking** | **On** — hidden from your website; only you and your staff can book it. **Off** — customers can book it online. | Yes      |