Switch it on only if your shop takes walk-ins
The HiOla Business walk-in queue is optional and starts off. A workspace member with the appropriate settings permission enables it for a barber shop. Day-to-day queue management requires schedule-management access.
This is not a remote waitlist. Customers cannot join from home, and the app does not calculate or promise a wait time.
Record the visit when someone arrives
Add the customer's name and requested service. Include a phone number and preferred barber when appropriate. Preferred-barber choices are limited to active staff who offer the selected service.
Entries are ordered by the time people actually joined. Staff can see the customer, service, requested barber when present, and current status. If someone asks for an unavailable barber, discuss the options with them; the queue does not replace that conversation.
Keep the list current as chairs turn over
When a person goes to the chair, mark them seated. Mark the visit complete when finished, or record that they left if they leave before being served.
The interface also has a notified status. This is a record for staff, not proof that an automatic message has been delivered. Your team should communicate with the customer directly.
Check the appointment calendar as well
Walk-in order and a scheduled appointment are different things. Before seating a walk-in, check the service length, the barber's availability and upcoming bookings. Keep individual barber hours and service buffers accurate.
Changing a queue status does not automatically create a calendar appointment or reserve a future slot. The team still decides which chair can take the next service.
For clients who want to choose a time before arriving, share the normal online booking link. Clients can book in a phone browser without installing an app.
Set an honest expectation
A simple explanation works: “We'll add you when you arrive and keep track of the order here. Please check with the team about availability.”
See the free barbershop booking app for the full workflow, or ask support about setup.