Services are the core of your booking system. This guide explains how to create and manage your service offerings.
Service Basics
Each service in Bookwell has:
- Name - What customers see when booking
- Description - Details about the service
- Duration - How long the appointment takes
- Price - Cost to the customer
- Category - For organizing services (optional)
Creating a Service
Navigate to Services
Go to Services from the main menu.
Click Add Service
Click the Add Service button in the top right.
Enter Basic Information
Fill in the required fields:
- Service Name - Keep it clear and descriptive
- Description - Explain what's included
- Duration - Select from preset times or enter custom
- Price - Set your price (supports decimals)
Configure Options
Set additional options as needed:
- Assign to category
- Select which therapists can provide it
- Set buffer times
- Configure booking rules
Save
Click Save Service to create it.
Service Settings
Duration Options
Include buffer time in your calculations. A 60-minute massage with 15 minutes buffer should have a total slot time of 75 minutes.
Configure how long appointments last:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | The actual service time |
| Buffer Before | Time before for preparation |
| Buffer After | Time after for cleanup/notes |
Pricing
Services support several pricing options:
- Fixed Price - One price for everyone
- Variable Pricing - Different prices by therapist
- Price Range - Shows "From $X" to customers
Therapist Assignment
Control which staff members can provide each service:
- Open the service settings
- Go to Therapists tab
- Check the therapists who can perform this service
- Optionally set different prices per therapist
Categories
Categories help organize your services for customers.
Creating Categories
- Go to Services > Categories
- Click Add Category
- Enter a name and optional description
- Set the display order
- Save
Organizing Services
Assign services to categories:
- From the service edit page, select a category
- Or drag services between categories in the list view
Uncategorized services appear in an "Other" section on your booking page.
Booking Rules
Configure when and how customers can book each service.
Lead Time
Set how far in advance customers must book:
- Minimum Lead Time - e.g., "At least 2 hours notice"
- Maximum Lead Time - e.g., "Up to 30 days in advance"
Availability Restrictions
Limit when the service is available:
- Specific days of the week
- Time ranges (e.g., "mornings only")
- Blackout dates
Capacity
For group services or classes:
- Max Participants - How many can book the same slot
- Min Participants - Minimum to run the session
Service Add-ons
Offer additional options customers can select when booking.
Creating Add-ons
Open Service Settings
Edit the service you want to add options to.
Go to Add-ons Tab
Click the Add-ons tab.
Create Add-on
Enter the add-on details:
- Name (e.g., "Hot Stones")
- Price (additional cost)
- Duration impact (if it adds time)
Add-on Types
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | Fixed price upgrade | "Aromatherapy - $15" |
| Choice | Select one of several | "Pressure: Light/Medium/Deep" |
| Multiple | Select any combination | "Add-ons: Hot stones, Extra time" |
Visibility Settings
Control how services appear to customers.
Status Options
- Active - Visible and bookable
- Hidden - Not shown but can be booked via direct link
- Disabled - Cannot be booked
Display Settings
- Featured - Highlighted on booking page
- Online Booking - Allow/prevent online booking
- Show Price - Display or hide pricing
Bulk Operations
Manage multiple services at once.
Bulk Edit
- Select multiple services using checkboxes
- Click Bulk Actions
- Choose an action:
- Change category
- Update pricing (percentage or fixed)
- Assign/remove therapists
- Change status
Import/Export
Export your service catalog for backup or editing:
- Go to Services > Export
- Download the CSV file
- Make changes in a spreadsheet
- Re-import using Services > Import
Best Practices
Naming Services
- Use clear, customer-friendly names
- Include duration if helpful ("60-Minute Massage")
- Avoid internal jargon
Descriptions
- Highlight benefits, not just features
- Mention what's included
- Note any requirements (e.g., "wear loose clothing")
Pricing Strategy
- Research competitor pricing
- Consider package/bundle pricing
- Review and adjust quarterly
Troubleshooting
Service Not Showing
Check these common issues:
- Is the service status "Active"?
- Is at least one therapist assigned?
- Does the assigned therapist have availability?
- Are booking rules too restrictive?
Can't Set Price
Ensure:
- You have appropriate admin permissions
- The price field accepts your currency format
- There are no validation errors shown