> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.simplespa.net/simplespa-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.simplespa.net/simplespa-documentation/daily-operations/appointments/park-appointment.md).

# Park Appointment

Hold a client's request on the waitlist when no suitable slot is available, without blocking time on the calendar.

Parking an appointment lets you hold a client's request on a waiting list when no suitable slot is currently available — without blocking time on the calendar. Parked appointments stay on the waitlist until a slot opens up and staff are ready to convert them into confirmed bookings.

***

## Overview

| Feature                | Details                                                              |
| ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Access**             | Dashboard and Appointments page — **Park** button in the top toolbar |
| **Requires**           | A client, a service. Staff and date are optional.                    |
| **Visible in**         | The Waitlist panel (bell/tasks icon in the top navigation bar)       |
| **Effect on calendar** | None — parked appointments do not occupy any time slot               |

***

## When to use it

Use Park Appointment when:

* A client calls and wants a specific service, but nothing is available on their preferred date.
* You want to note a future client request without creating a placeholder booking.
* A client wants to be first in line if a cancellation comes up.
* Staff capacity is full and you want a queue to fill gaps automatically.

***

## How to park an appointment

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open the Park panel

Click the **Park** button in the top toolbar on the Dashboard or Appointments page. The **Park Appointment** panel opens.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Fill in the required fields

* **Client:** Search by name in the client search field. Results appear as you type. Select the client, and their name and details appear as a chip. Click the **×** on the chip to change the selection.
* **Service:** Select the service the client is requesting from the dropdown. Services are grouped by category.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Fill in the optional fields

* **Staff preference:** If the client has a preferred staff member, select them here. Defaults to "No preference."
* **Preferred date:** If the client has a target date in mind, enter it here. This is for reference only and does not reserve the slot.
* **Notes:** Internal notes visible only to staff. Use this for context such as scheduling constraints, client preferences or follow-up reminders.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Flag it as urgent (optional)

Toggle **Mark as urgent** to flag this parked appointment as high priority. Urgent requests are highlighted on the waitlist so staff know to prioritize them when a slot opens.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Save

Click **Park Appointment** to save.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

The appointment is added to the waitlist immediately. No calendar slot is created.

***

## Viewing parked appointments

Click the **Waitlist** icon (checklist icon) in the top navigation bar to open the Waitlist panel. The table shows:

| Column        | Description                              |
| ------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **Added**     | Date and time the request was parked     |
| **Req. Date** | The client's preferred date, if provided |
| **Client**    | Client name                              |
| **Service**   | Requested service                        |
| **Staff**     | Staff preference, or "No preference"     |
| **Type**      | Standard or Urgent                       |

***

## Converting a parked appointment

When a slot becomes available:

1. Open the Waitlist panel.
2. Find the parked request. Urgent items are highlighted.
3. Use the action controls on the row to book the appointment. This opens the standard appointment booking flow, pre-filled with the client, service and staff preference from the parked request.
4. Once it is booked, remove the entry from the waitlist.

***

## Frequently asked questions

**Does parking an appointment notify the client?**\
No. Parking is an internal staff action. The client is not sent any notification when their request is parked or when a slot becomes available. Staff should follow up with the client directly.

**Can I park the same client for multiple services?**\
Yes. Each parked entry is independent. A client can have multiple parked requests for different services or dates.

**Is a parked appointment the same as a waitlist entry?**\
Yes — "Park" and "Waitlist" refer to the same feature. The **Park** button creates a waitlist entry, and the Waitlist panel is where you manage all parked appointments.

**Can I edit a parked appointment after saving?**\
Yes. Open the Waitlist panel and use the edit action on the row to update the request.

**What happens if I close the Park panel without saving?**\
The request is discarded. No entry is created on the waitlist.

**Who can park appointments?**\
Any staff member with access to the Dashboard or Appointments page. Viewer-only roles do not have access to the **Park** button.

## Related

* [Waitlist](/simplespa-documentation/reports-and-marketing/online-booking/waitlist.md)
* [Creating an Appointment](/simplespa-documentation/daily-operations/appointments/creating-an-appointment.md)