What is Calendar Sync?
A two-way integration between a booking system and external calendar applications (Google Calendar, Outlook, Apple Calendar) that keeps availability accurate across all platforms.
Calendar sync is the real-time synchronization between a booking platform and the calendars that business owners and staff already use in their daily lives. When a booking is made through Addagio, it automatically appears in the linked Google Calendar, Outlook, or Apple Calendar. Conversely, when a personal event is added to the external calendar, the booking system blocks that time from being available for appointments.
This two-way sync is crucial for preventing double-bookings and maintaining accurate availability. A freelance massage therapist who uses Google Calendar for personal commitments and Addagio for client bookings needs both systems to communicate. If they block Tuesday afternoon for a dentist appointment in Google Calendar, that time should automatically become unavailable on their booking page.
Calendar sync also benefits multi-platform hosts. A vacation rental listed on Airbnb, Booking.com, and a direct booking page through Addagio needs all three calendars synchronized to prevent the same dates from being booked on multiple platforms (a costly and embarrassing problem known as a double-booking or overbooking).
The technical implementation typically uses iCal (.ics) feeds for one-way sync or OAuth-based API integrations for true two-way sync. API-based sync provides faster updates and more reliable conflict detection.
Addagio offers two-way calendar sync with Google Calendar and Outlook, plus one-way iCal feed support for Apple Calendar and other calendar applications. Sync updates propagate within minutes, ensuring availability is always current across all connected platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Calendar Sync?
A two-way integration between a booking system and external calendar applications (Google Calendar, Outlook, Apple Calendar) that keeps availability accurate across all platforms.
Why is Calendar Sync important for businesses?
This two-way sync is crucial for preventing double-bookings and maintaining accurate availability. A freelance massage therapist who uses Google Calendar for personal commitments and Addagio for client bookings needs both systems to communicate. If they block Tuesday afternoon for a dentist appointment in Google Calendar, that time should automatically become unavailable on their booking page.
Related Terms
Availability Management
The system and processes used to control when a business, staff member, or resource can accept bookings, including operating hours, blocked dates, and capacity limits.
Appointment Scheduling
The process of coordinating and assigning specific dates and times for client meetings, services, or consultations, typically managed through scheduling software.
Multi-Location Booking
A booking system capability that allows businesses with multiple physical locations to manage scheduling, staff, and services across all sites from a single platform.
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