Turnaround Time - Buffer Between Rentals

Turnaround time (buffer time) is the gap between rentals for cleaning, inspection, refueling, and preparation. RecSystems automatically blocks this time so you're never rushed between customers.

Why Turnaround Time Matters

Without buffer time: - Back-to-back bookings leave no prep time - Staff are rushed between customers - Equipment may not be properly cleaned - Customer experience suffers

With proper buffer time: - Clean and inspect equipment thoroughly - Refuel if needed - Reset for the next customer - Maintain quality standards

How Buffer Time Works

Buffer time is added after each booking ends:

Booking ends: 1:00 PM
Buffer time: 60 minutes
Next available: 2:00 PM

The system automatically makes 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM unavailable for new bookings.

Setting Buffer Time

Step 1: Go to Timeslot Settings

Navigate to Settings → Timeslots and select a timeslot.

Step 2: Find Cleanup Minutes

Look for the Cleanup Minutes (or Buffer Time) field.

Step 3: Enter Duration

Enter the number of minutes needed:

Step 4: Save

Click Save to apply the buffer time.

Recommended Buffer Times

By Equipment Type

By Rental Duration

Buffer Time Examples

Hourly Jet Ski Rentals

Settings: - Cleanup minutes: 30 - Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM

Schedule: - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Customer A (2-hour rental) - 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Buffer (unavailable) - 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM: Customer B (2-hour rental) - 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Buffer (unavailable) - 2:00 PM onward: Available

Daily Boat Rentals

Settings: - Cleanup minutes: 60 - Pickup: 9 AM, Return: 5 PM

Schedule: - Day 1: Customer A (9 AM - 5 PM) - 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Buffer - Day 2 (9 AM): Ready for Customer B

Note: With daily rentals, the buffer typically falls outside operating hours.

Different Buffers for Different Units

If some units need more turnaround time:

Option 1: Separate Timeslots

Create timeslots with different buffer times: - "Jet Ski Quick" — 30 min buffer - "Pontoon Standard" — 60 min buffer - "RV Extended" — 120 min buffer

Assign units to appropriate timeslots.

Option 2: Generous Default

Use the longest buffer needed and accept some slack for simpler units.

Impact on Availability

More Buffer = Less Bookings

Higher buffer times mean fewer possible bookings:

9 AM - 5 PM (8 hours), 2-hour rentals: - No buffer: 4 rentals possible - 30 min buffer: 3 rentals possible - 60 min buffer: 3 rentals possible

Finding the Balance

Consider: - What's the minimum time for quality prep? - What buffer maximizes bookings without sacrificing quality? - Can you staff for quick turnovers?

Customer Experience

Customers don't see buffer time: - They book available slots only - Buffer is invisible to them - They just see "available" or "not available"

Adjusting Buffer Time

Increase When:

- Staff report feeling rushed

- Equipment quality is suffering

- Customers are waiting at pickup

Decrease When:

- Large gaps between bookings

- Staff have excess downtime

- Missing booking opportunities

Troubleshooting

Back-to-back bookings appearing

- Verify cleanup minutes is set

- Save the timeslot after changing

- May need to refresh availability cache

Too much time between bookings

- Buffer may be set too high

- Check all timeslots for correct values

- Consider if buffer is appropriate for equipment type

Can't fit expected number of rentals

- Buffer reduces available slots

- Calculate: (Operating hours - rental time × bookings - buffer × (bookings-1))

- Adjust buffer or hours as needed

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Related Articles: - Understanding Availability - Setting Rental Schedules