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How to create a customer-only 24-hour cut-off rule (Classic Items)

Learn how to create a customer-only 24-hour cut-off rule for classic items.

 

Accessing the features mentioned in this article


Where can I find this feature using the top menu?

  • Inventory > Items > Item Rules/Item Events
     

Which Checkfront version supports this feature - Classic Items, Classic Products, or both?

  • Your account must have access to classic items (Inventory > Items), a key feature of our Classic Items version of Checkfront. 

 

How to avoid last-minute online bookings

 

Before you start

  • This walkthrough blocks Customers from booking within 24 hours of the start time, while allowing Staff to override it.
  • The cut-off unit (hours vs days) follows your item’s allocation (time slots = hours, per day = days).

 

Step 1 - Confirm the item’s allocation

  1. Go to Inventory → Items and open the item (e.g., Zipline Tour).
  2. Check allocation:
    • If it uses time slots, your cut-off will be in hours.
    • If it’s per day, your cut-off will be in days.

 

Step 2 - Create the cut-off rule

  1. Go to Inventory → Items → Rules.
  2. Click New Rule and give it a clear name (e.g., Zipline – 24h cut-off).
  3. Choose Rule type: Cut-off.
  4. Enter 24 (hours) as the cut-off value.
  5. Scope:
    • Uncheck “Apply to Staff” so Staff can still book inside 24 hours.
    • Leave customers checked.
  6. Save the rule.

 

Step 3 - Apply the rule via an Item Event

  1. Go to Inventory → Item Events and click New Event.
  2. Inventory status: keep Available (we’re not closing the item).
  3. Type: choose Seasonal (works for availability; we’re not changing price).
  4. Recurrence: select Always (or set a date range, specific months, days of week, or time slots as needed).
  5. Items to apply: click Select none for categories, then pick the specific item(s) (e.g., Zipline Tour).
  6. Rules: add the cut-off rule you created (e.g., Zipline – 24h cut-off).
  7. Create / Save the event.

 

Step 4 - Test the behavior

  • Customer booking page:
    Try to book a start time within 24 hours → you should see an error prompting the customer to pick a later time/date.
  • Staff booking page (Checkfront app or back office):

Staff should still be able to place a booking within 24 hours (because you excluded Staff in the rule).