Getting Started
Onboarding Wizard
Last updated 28 June 2026
Onboarding Wizard
The onboarding wizard focuses on one outcome: creating the first slot a customer can book online.
It keeps payments, branding, full team setup, calendar sync, and import polish as improvements you can finish after the first bookable slot exists.
TL;DR
- The activation wizard has five stages: Business basics, Review services, Bookable availability, Booking mode, and First bookable slot live.
- Services start from a ready-to-edit starter menu for your category.
- Support-managed import is optional and does not stop you from continuing with the starter menu.
- Solo venues can use the owner as the first bookable provider.
- Team venues only need one bookable provider to activate.
- Pay-at-appointment is the default booking mode and does not require Stripe.
Wizard Steps
| Step | Name | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business basics | Confirm the venue details captured during creation |
| 2 | Review services | Accept, edit, remove, or manually add starter services |
| 3 | Bookable availability | Choose the first provider, weekly hours, provider availability, and service assignment |
| 4 | Booking mode | Choose pay-at-appointment or online payments/deposits |
| 5 | First bookable slot live | See whether OpenChair found a future bookable slot, then preview, test, copy, or share the booking page when ready |
Review Services
OpenChair starts with a deterministic starter menu for your business category. You can:
- Select or deselect services.
- Edit names, descriptions, duration, price, and category.
- Add services manually.
- Request managed import from another booking platform.
Managed import sends your current booking URL to support. It does not automatically publish imported services and it does not block setup.
Bookable Availability
This step combines the data needed for the first online slot:
- One provider.
- The services that provider can perform.
- Venue operating hours.
- Provider working hours.
- Service-provider assignment.
Solo venues can use the owner as the first provider. Team venues can enter one provider now and invite the rest later.
Booking Mode
There are two modes:
| Mode | What it means |
|---|---|
| Pay at appointment | Customers can book online and pay later. This is the default and does not require Stripe. |
| Online payments or deposits | Customers must pay online or leave a deposit before booking. This requires payments to be ready before public booking is considered ready. |
First Bookable Slot Live
The final step uses server readiness checks. It only says the booking page is public-booking-ready when OpenChair can find a real future slot.
When ready, you can:
- Preview the booking page.
- Make a test booking.
- Copy the booking link.
- Share the booking link.
- Finish setup and go to Today.
If readiness is not complete, the final step shows repair items and Today keeps those blockers visible after setup.
Resuming the Wizard
If you close the browser or return later, OpenChair resumes at the first unmet public-booking-readiness item. Saved services, hours, provider details, booking mode, and readiness are restored where possible.
You can also go to Today before public booking is ready. Today shows the readiness rail and links back to the exact repair step.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| I cannot continue from Review services | Select at least one service. |
| No first bookable slot is found | Check that a service is active, a provider is bookable, the provider is assigned to the service, and both venue hours and provider availability include future working time. |
| Stripe is shown as a blocker | Check the booking mode. Stripe only blocks public booking when online payments or deposits are required. |
| I submitted an import URL but want to keep setting up | Continue with the starter menu or manual services. The support import request runs separately. |
FAQ
What does the onboarding wizard cover?
The wizard covers business basics, reviewing services, bookable availability, booking mode, and first bookable slot readiness.
Can I close the wizard and come back later?
Yes. Completed server-side steps are saved. OpenChair resumes at the first unmet readiness item.
Do I need online payments to finish onboarding?
No. Pay-at-appointment is the default booking mode. Payments are optional unless you choose online payments or deposits.
What happens when I finish setup?
OpenChair marks setup complete, shows a truthful readiness message, and sends you to Today. If the booking page is not public-booking-ready yet, Today keeps the blockers visible.