Eliminate 2-Hour Wait Times With Smart Time Slot Scheduling
Consignment Helper's Smart Time Slots spread drop-offs evenly throughout the day. Consignors select their preferred window during registration. Capacity limits prevent overbooking. You see exactly how many people to expect each hour-and so do your volunteers.
The Challenge: Everyone Shows Up at the Same Time
It's drop-off day. Your check-in opens at 9 AM. By 9:15, there are 60 consignors in line because everyone wanted to "get there early and beat the rush." Except there's no beating the rush-everyone had the same idea.
Your volunteers are overwhelmed. Consignors who arrived at 9:05 are still waiting at 11:30. Some leave frustrated. Some never come back next season. And you're fielding angry messages for the next week.
- ✗Morning crush - 80% of consignors arrive in the first 2 hours.
- ✗Dead afternoons - Volunteers sit idle waiting for no one.
- ✗Frustrated consignors - Long waits before the sale even starts.
- ✗Burned-out volunteers - Peaks and valleys destroy morale.
Time slots solve this by distributing arrivals evenly across your drop-off window.
How Smart Time Slots Work
Self-service scheduling that manages capacity automatically.
You Define Slots
Create time windows with capacity limits. "9:00-9:30 AM: 15 consignors max." Repeat for each window throughout the day.
Consignors Choose
During registration, consignors see available slots with remaining capacity. They pick what works for their schedule.
Slots Fill Evenly
When a slot reaches capacity, it's removed from the list. Consignors naturally spread across remaining options.
Predictable Day
Drop-off day arrives. You know exactly how many people are coming each hour. Staff accordingly.
Time Slot Capabilities
Flexible scheduling that adapts to your event needs.
Capacity Limits
Set how many consignors can book each time slot. 10 per half-hour? 20 per hour? You decide based on your check-in speed.
Multi-Day Support
Different slots for different days. Thursday afternoon slots may have different capacity than Saturday morning slots.
Real-Time Fill View
See which slots are filling up as registrations come in. Adjust capacity or add slots if needed before everything books up.
Easy Slot Changes
Consignors can change their time slot through the portal if another option opens up. No emails or phone calls to you.
Staffing Reports
Know exactly how many consignors are expected each hour. Schedule volunteers where you need them, not where you don't.
Reminder Integration
Automated emails remind consignors of their scheduled time. Reduce no-shows and last-minute confusion.
Real-World Example: Before and After Time Slots
Before: No Time Slots
- • 9:00 AM: 45 consignors arrive at once
- • 10:00 AM: 30 more join the line
- • 11:30 AM: First arrivals finally processed
- • 1:00 PM: 3 consignors, volunteers bored
- • Average wait: 90+ minutes
- • Angry Facebook posts that evening
After: Smart Time Slots
- • 9:00 AM: 12 consignors arrive as scheduled
- • 10:00 AM: 12 more, right on time
- • 11:00 AM: Another 12, steady flow
- • 1:00 PM: 12 consignors, same pace
- • Average wait: under 15 minutes
- • "Best organized sale ever" comments
Why Time Slots Change Everything
Happy Consignors
No one enjoys waiting in line. Time slots respect their time and set expectations before they arrive.
Efficient Volunteers
Steady flow means steady work. No overwhelming rushes followed by idle time.
Better Check-in Quality
When you're not rushed, you can properly inspect items, answer questions, and provide good service.
Predictable Staffing
Know exactly how many volunteers you need each hour. No guessing, no overstaffing, no understaffing.
Ready to Eliminate Wait Times?
Spread arrivals evenly and keep drop-off running smooth all day.