I've started building in a 30-minute buffer between appointments. It's been a lifesaver for dealing with unexpected traffic or jobs that run a little longer than planned.

Field Service Insights & Best Practices
1

I used to fill my schedule back-to-back, believing it would maximize my efficiency. I quickly learned that a single delay could derail my entire day.

Now, with a 30-minute buffer between client calls, life is so much easier. I can relax, handle traffic better, and actually enjoy my conversations.

2

I agree on the buffer time. Back-to-back meetings only led to chaos when delays happened.

Now I keep extra time between jobs. Finishing early lets me tackle other tasks. It really eases the stress.

3

Been there - showed up to way too many meetings completely frazzled and actually apologized before we even got started.

The game changer? Those buffer windows aren’t wasted time at all. I use them to:

  • Check emails quickly
  • Prep notes for whoever’s next
  • Actually eat lunch
  • Deal with random calls that always come up

Yeah, I could pack more appointments in without buffers. But my work turns to crap when I’m running around like a maniac. Clients notice when you’re all over the place.

4

Totally agree. A delay can throw off your whole schedule. Better to be safe with some extra time.

5

Same here. Double booked myself way too many times before I figured this out.

The buffers actually make me more money. I’m not stressed about running late, so my work’s better. And when those last-minute jobs come up, I can take them without screwing over existing clients.

I bumped my hourly rate to cover buffer time. Clients happily pay more when you show up calm and prepared instead of rushing in with apologies.

6

I hear you. Buffers make a big difference.

7

Buffer time saves everything. I showed up 15 minutes late to a client meeting once because the previous job went sideways. Now I block time between appointments and build it into quotes. Clients already pay for travel time, so no point stressing about rushing between sites.

Whole day runs smoother and clients are happier when you’re on time instead of stressed out.

8

Smart move on the buffer time. I learned this the hard way after getting stuck in construction traffic and showing up 45 minutes late.

Now I build buffer time into my daily rate instead of charging hourly. Clients get predictable pricing and I don’t eat the cost of realistic scheduling.

9

Yep a bit of extra time helps a lot