> 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/fundamentals/appointments/park-appointment.md).

# Park Appointment

arking 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 sit in 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

1. Click the **Park** button in the top toolbar on the Dashboard or Appointments page.
2. The Park Appointment panel opens.

#### Required fields

**Client** Search by name using the client search field. Results appear as you type. Select the client — 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.

#### 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.

#### Urgent flag

Toggle **Mark as urgent** to flag this parked appointment as high priority. Urgent requests are visually highlighted in the waitlist so staff know to prioritise them when a slot opens.

3. Click **Park Appointment** to save.

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

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### 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 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; the Waitlist panel is where all parked appointments are managed.

**Can I edit a parked appointment after saving?** 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 in 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.