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Queueing overview

Updated yesterday

This feature is an add-on; to activate, contact your Booxi representative.

This feature requires a Head Office account; to obtain this, you must be subscribed to the Essential, Standard or Custom plan.

What is queueing?

Queueing refers to a system that manages the order and flow of customers waiting to be served; its purpose is to help you organize customer demand in a structured and efficient way.

Queueing will be especially useful to you if you frequently handle high foot traffic. Such environments typically include the following:

  • Retail stores offering walk-in services

  • Salons & spas with flexible appointment slots

  • etc.

What is unique about Booxi's queueing feature?

Booxi's queueing system goes beyond the limitations of first-come, first-served models. Instead of rigidly serving clients in order of arrival, it intelligently considers the service each client needs and the real-time availability of staff members qualified to provide it. This allows the system to match clients with the right staff at the right time—so someone who arrives later may be served sooner if the match is right. The result is a faster, more efficient experience that reduces idle time, optimizes staff productivity, and keeps the flow of service smooth and responsive throughout the day.

Benefits of queueing

  • Improve Customer Experience

    • Eliminate the need for your clients to wait in physical lines. Clients can track their wait time in real time, so they can use that time productively instead of standing in line.

  • Keep Customers Informed

    • Automatically notify customers with updates about their estimated wait time and when it’s their turn.

  • Streamline Operations

    • Empower your staff to manage queues in real time and respond dynamically to customer flow.

    • Reduce bottlenecks and improve overall operational efficiency by optimizing how customers are served.

  • Increase Staff Efficiency

    • Allow your team to plan ahead more effectively and allocate resources based on real-time demand.

  • Alternative to Appointment Scheduling

    • Let your clients join a live queue instead of booking fixed appointments—ideal for last-minute visits or walk-ins.

  • Boost Customer Engagement

    • Create more touchpoints with customers during their wait, building engagement and loyalty.

  • Make Data-Driven Decisions

    • Collect and analyze valuable data such as queue lengths, average wait times, peak hours, and service durations.

How is queueing Different from a Waitlist?

A queue is structured and follows a predictable order for same-day availability, whereas a waitlist is longer-term and doesn’t necessarily guarantee the next available spot in a strict sequence.

For example, in a retail store:

  • Queueing: A walk-in customer checks in, gets a queue number, and waits for their turn.

  • Waitlist: A customer signs up for an appointment in advance and is contacted when a spot becomes available.

See below for additional information:

Queueing

Waitlist

Order

Dynamic sequencing (see note here)

Not always sequential; can be prioritized

Use Case

Immediate service (e.g. walk-in clinics, retail counters)

Future availability (e.g. event registration)

Timeframe

Same-day

Long-term; no fixed timeframe

Customer Expectation

Knows their position and expected wait time

Waits for an open spot but may not know exact timing

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