Help CentreBarbersUnderstanding Wait Times

Colour coding (quick read)

Cutline uses simple colour cues so staff can spot pressure points without doing maths:

  • Green: under 15 minutes
  • Amber: 15–30 minutes
  • Red: over 30 minutes

The exact thresholds can vary by store, but the intent is the same: highlight when the waiting room experience is slipping.

How estimated wait times are calculated

Estimates are based on:

  • Tickets ahead of the customer (walk-ins + upcoming appointments that must be honoured)
  • Typical service durations (Haircut vs Fade vs Beard, etc.)
  • Active barbers (including who is on break)
  • Real timestamps from Start/Done actions (this is the biggest factor you control)

What makes wait times wrong

1) Not tapping Start / Done

If a ticket sits in Waiting while you’re actually cutting, the system assumes nothing is happening. If a ticket stays In Service after you finished, the system assumes you’re still busy. Both errors inflate estimates and frustrate customers.

2) Customers selecting the wrong service

If someone selects Haircut but wants a detailed fade and beard, the estimate will be optimistic. Staff can help by guiding customers at the kiosk and encouraging the correct service choice.

3) Breaks not marked

If you’re away but not on break, walk-ins may still be routed toward you, which makes everyone’s wait feel worse.

Tips for keeping wait times down

  • Tap in real time: Start when they sit, Done when you finish.
  • Batch your towel reset: small efficiencies add up on a busy day.
  • Communicate: if you’re running behind on a complex cut, let the manager know so the floor can adjust.
  • Use break mode: protect routing accuracy when you step away.

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