Calendar Sync
Calendar sync ensures your Bookora availability is always up-to-date. When your calendar changes, Bookora updates automatically.
Sync Logic
Bookora uses a two-way sync approach to keep your calendar and booking system in sync:
Inbound Sync
Events on your calendar are synced to Bookora as busy time. If you add a meeting, that time is automatically blocked from booking.
Outbound Sync
Appointments booked in Bookora are added as events on your calendar. Changes to bookings are reflected immediately.
Busy Events
Bookora treats the following as busy time and prevents double booking:
- Existing appointments booked through Bookora
- Events on your connected calendar (meetings, personal events, etc.)
- All-day events (treated as fully busy)
- Recurring events (considered for each occurrence)
- Private events (Bookora respects privacy settings)
Conflict Prevention
Bookora prevents scheduling conflicts through multiple mechanisms:
Real-time Availability Check
When a customer views available slots, Bookora checks your calendar in real-time to ensure the slot is still free.
Slot Reservation
When a customer is in the booking flow, the selected slot is temporarily reserved for them (typically for 10 minutes).
Buffer Time Enforcement
Buffer times are enforced to prevent back-to-back scheduling that would overlap.
Conflict Detection
If a conflict is detected after booking (e.g., from an external event), you are notified immediately.
Sync Frequency
| Sync Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Calendar → Bookora | Every 5 minutes |
| Bookora → Calendar | Immediate |
| Availability Display | Real-time |
Managing Connected Calendars
- Add calendar — Connect a new Google or Outlook calendar
- Remove calendar — Disconnect a calendar from sync
- Refresh sync — Force an immediate sync
- Sync status — View the last sync time and status for each calendar