How to set up online booking for a mobile business

1. Define what customers can book

Give every service a name customers recognise, an honest duration and a clear price. Include preparation or clean-up in the duration when you cannot travel during that work.

• Start with a short service list.
• Test durations against a busy day.
• Explain what is included in customer language.

2. Set working hours you can keep

Booking hours do not need to cover every hour you might work. Protect breaks, administration, planned time off and the journey home.

3. Choose a workable service area

Start with postcodes you can serve consistently. A wide area can fill the diary while creating long journeys that leave little room for paid work.

4. Decide how travel time is handled

• Use a standard buffer when journeys are similar.
• Use postcode estimates when distances vary.
• Use road and expected traffic checks when a tighter diary needs more context.

5. Test the complete journey

Try the first and last time of the day, two distant postcodes, a slot beside an existing booking and a longer service. Confirm the business diary and customer confirmation agree.