Approve or deny appointments based on criteria
Hey, community members!
Have you ever wondered how to automatically approve or deny appointments?
While we're still working on building that feature, we've got an alternative method to cancel appointments if they don't meet your specific criteria.
Let me share a recent client request as an example: Our customer has two types of services that are similar: One is for grown-ups and the other is for children. However, often adults mistakenly book these services without realizing that they are not intended for them. This results in unnecessary confusion for our customers, as they have to contact those who accidentally booked appointments and reschedule them, causing a significant amount of administrative work.
Here's how we helped our customer: We added a criteria field to the booking page (e.g., "What is your age?") Then, we automatically cancel appointments where the input age is greater than 15 and we'll even notify the grown-up client that their appointment has been canceled and guide them to book the appropriate service.
To make this happen, you'll need Zoho Bookings and the Zoho Flow Standard Plan.
Here's a simplified breakdown of the process in three steps:
Zoho Bookings will collect the criteria data and pass it to Zoho Flow.
In Zoho Flow, we'll configure a workflow to verify the validity of the data.
If the data is invalid, Zoho Flow will trigger a cancellation request to Zoho Bookings, resulting in the appointment being canceled.
Don't forget these additional steps: Edit the booking confirmation page and notification email to proactively inform customers that their booking maybe subject to cancellation.
Let's dive into the details together!!!
STEP 1: TO BE FOLLOWED IN ZOHO BOOKINGS APPLICATION:
1. Create a mandatory field in Zoho Bookings Forms.
A. For service booking form: Add Field
B. For workspace booking form: Add Field
NOTE: Workspace-level settings apply to group and resource bookings, while for One-on-One bookings, you will need to make the necessary changes within the specific One-on-One service settings.
At the end of step 1, let's say we have created a mandatory field called "What is your age?". Now the customers on the booking page will have to provide their age to book an appointment.
Additional Step:
Canceling an appointment without the customer's knowledge might affect the customer experience. Therefore, we should acknowledge the customers in every possible way.
Here are some tips:
A. We can use the 'Custom Redirection' feature to redirect customers to a custom page after they book an appointment, instead of the default booking confirmation page.
Here is how to change booking confirmation page: Booking Confirmation Page
Here is the sample custom page:
B. By using the "Terms and Conditions" check box, you can include the following message in the box: "This service is specifically designed for children under the age of 15. Bookings made by individuals above the age of 15 may be subject to cancellation". Customers will then need to check the box to confirm their agreement before completing their bookings, ensuring that they are aware of this policy.
More details:
- For Workspace: Terms and Conditions
- For Service: Terms and Conditions
STEP 2: TO BE FOLLOWED IN ZOHO FLOW APPLICATION
A: Log in and search the template
Sign in to Zoho Flow application and create a new flow using the create flow option.
Select App > search for Zoho Bookings in the search bar.
Select the "Appointment Booked" trigger.
Select "Connection" and "Variable" > Done.
How to create a flow in Zoho Flow: Create a flow from scratch
How to create connection in Zoho Flow application: Create a Connection
At the end of step A, we have created a new flow including Zoho Bookings application.
B: Set Variable
In the Logic option > Flow Control > Set Variable > Edit the variable
Name the variable and in the value provide the input in following format "${trigger.customer_more_info.get("What is your age?")} " > Click on done.
- How to set variable: Set Variable
NOTE: In Step 1, we created a multi-line field named "What is your age?" If you have instead created a single-line field without spaces (e.g., "Age?") on the booking page, the format for the field would be as follows:
Single line field format: ${trigger.customer_more_info.fieldname}
Multiple line field format: ${trigger.customer_more_info.get("fieldname")}
At the end of step B, we are fetching the output of the "Age" field from the Zoho Bookings form.
C: Create Condition
In the Logic option > Flow Control > Decision.
In the condition 1, configure as Set Variable(Age) > is not null.
- How to set decision: Set Decision
At the end of step C, we set up conditions to ensure that all bookings made through the Zoho Bookings application meet the requirements specified in the above conditions.
D: Custom Function
In the Logic option > Custom Functions > Create Function.
Configure function name, return type and input parameter.
Details on custom function: Custom Function
Reference below:
Below is the sample code which you can have for reference. You can configure and modify the code according to your specific requirements.
Code Explanation:
Line 1: To pass the input data below to the code
Age: This is used to verify and analyze the customer's input.
Customer Email: This is required to send an email notification to the customer in the event of an appointment cancellation.
Booking ID: This serves the purpose of identifying the specific booking that needs to be canceled using its unique booking ID.
Line 3: We are implementing an "if condition" to verify the customer's input. In this case, we will check if the entered age is greater than 15. If it meets this condition, the following loop will be executed.
Line 5 - 8: To update appointments, we are utilizing the Zoho Bookings API. Within the update appointment API, there are two mandatory fields that need to be included: BookingID and action (completed/cancel/noshow). In cases where the criteria are not met and an appointment needs to be canceled, we will pass the action field as "cancel".
Line 9 - 14: We are using invokeURL task for API calls. To know more about invokeURL task please refer to the following document: InvokeURL task for API calls
Line 16 - 21: We utilize the sendmail task to send an email to the customer when their appointment is canceled. Additionally, the Zoho Bookings application automatically sends a cancellation email to the customer in such cases. Therefore, you have the option to either use the sendmail task or rely on the default notification system to inform the customer about the cancellation of their booking.
This is what the final flow will look like:
Here is the demo video: In this demo video, we have showcased the behaviour of our setup configuration for different inputs from customers. One input satisfies the configured condition, while the other input does not meet the configured condition.
CONCLUSION:
In the preceding discussion, we have outlined a method for automatic appointment cancellation. You can use this document as a reference to explore the various possibilities that suit your needs.
In the upcoming posts, we will explore various scenarios and methods for updating the appointment status. Furthermore, we have covered the process of canceling an appointment after it has been booked.If you are wondering whether there is a way to verify customer inputs before booking an appointment, the answer is yes. We will delve into that topic in the next series.
As the above configuration may differ based on individual business requirements, we have provided a generic example for reference. If you have any questions or need assistance with configuration to align with your specific business needs, please email us at hello@zohobookings.com or support@zohobookings.com.
Access your files securely from anywhere
Zoho Developer Community
New to Zoho LandingPage?
Zoho LandingPage Resources
New to Zoho Survey?
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Bigin?
Topic Participants
Kaushik S
Sticky Posts
Approve or deny appointments based on criteria
Hey, community members! Have you ever wondered how to automatically approve or deny appointments? While we're still working on building that feature, we've got an alternative method to cancel appointments if they don't meet your specific criteria. Let
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
Zoho TeamInbox Resources
Zoho DataPrep Resources
Zoho CRM Plus Resources
Zoho Books Resources
Zoho Subscriptions Resources
Zoho Projects Resources
Zoho Sprints Resources
Qntrl Resources
Zoho Creator Resources
Zoho CRM Resources
Design. Discuss. Deliver.
Zoho Show Resources
Get Started. Write Away!
Writer is a powerful online word processor, designed for collaborative work.
Zoho CRM コンテンツ
-
オンラインヘルプ
-
Webセミナー
-
機能活用動画
-
よくある質問
-
Ebook
-
-
Zoho Campaigns
- Zoho サービスのWebセミナー
その他のサービス コンテンツ
Nederlandse Hulpbronnen
ご検討中の方
Recent Topics
Syncing with Google calendar, Tasks and Events
Is it possible to sync Zoho CRM calendar, task and events with Google Calendar's tasks and events. With the increasing adoption by many major tool suppliers to sync seamlessly with Google's offerings (for instance I use the excellent Any.do task planningMerge invoices
This has come up three times in a month of me using the system. a client whom i do work for on a regular bases asked me to invoice separate jobs on a single invoice. I would then go and cancel the old invoices and make a new one. It would be great if i could just select the invoices and click merge to create a single invoice.Pipeline stages for product-led growth (PLG) subscription services
(Estagios de pipeline com foco em serviço digital por assinatura (PLG)) Dear colleagues, I am writing to request assistance with a significant challenge I am currently facing. I manage a digital service that operates on a subscription-based model. I amMultiselect lookup in subform
It would be SO SO useful if subforms could support a multiselect look up field! Is this in the works??Zoho CRM for Email ( Microsoft add on app) Feb 25, 2025
We are currently experiencing issues with Zoho CRM for Outlook despite updating the Microsoft add on app and Zoho software to the latest versions. When working in Outlook on our Macs and PC's and 365 on the web, when we try to link an email in OutlookSheet View for Reports
We often need to filter our contacts in a way that is too complex for Custom Filters (which now allows filtering by Related Modules - amazing! - but doesn't allow for an *OR* relationship between the multiple filters) or Custom View (which does not yetFeature enhancement: Highlight rows based on a cell value
Hello Sheet users, We're excited to announce a new feature enhacement, shaped directly by your valuable feedback! As you might know, conditional formatting is a great tool for anyone dealing with large data sets. Previously, if you’ve ever wanted to drawUrgent: Unable to Receive OTP Email for Portal User Registration in Zoho Creator
I paid to enable the Portal User feature on 2/25, and followed the official instructions (Youtube video: Customer Portals | Zoho Creator) to set up the Portal User using my Gmail account. However, I am not receiving the OTP email and am unable to successfullyZoho not receiving verification email.
I developed a website registration page and need to send verification email. I am using sendinblue for sending out the verification emails. Somehow, the mail is not being received by the Zoho users. Gmail, outlook, yahoo domains works fine but when I try to send the mail to my Zoho account I am not able to receive the mail. Can you please let me know what might be the issue?Restore deleted spreadsheet
Hi all, I can not find my spreadsheet. It seems that my spreadsheet is deleted. Please, restore the spreadsheet. Thanks in advanceLookup fields can't be used for anything important
Hi It seems the lookup fields are mostly.... informative, you can at most link stuff between modules... You can't use lookup fields in blueprints, you can't use them in layout rules or anything... It that correct?Function to check frequency of customer ordering patterns
Hi, I'm no coder, so I thought I could make use of Chat GPT to generate some Deluge script to create a function that would check order frequency of our customers so that I could send an email if they go beyond their usual order pattern. Chat GPT and ClaudeBetter Control over Team Ordering and Display
Two feature requests for Zoho Desk team drop downs: The ability to change the order of teams, currently it's not in alphabetical order, which is confusing. I'm thinking a manual ordering via number or drag and drop, alphabetical order, and creation orderClear specific tag or tags from all leads
I'm looking for a way to clear a specific tag from all Leads. I have a function when a tag is added to a lead they are added to a campaign and their status is set to "invited". I need to find a method to remove the tag. If I try to delete the tag to clearCisco Webex Calling Intergration
Hi Guys, Our organisation is looking at a move from Salesforce to Zoho. We have found there is no support for Cisco Webex Calling however? Is there a way to enable this or are there any apps which can provide this? Thanks!Has Anyone Else Built a State Machine into a Function?
I'm in the process of building a state machine for lead lifecycle management within Zoho CRM, and I'm curious if anyone else has tried integrating a state machine into their Deluge functions, especially considering Zoho’s 12-function cap. I’ve managedIs there a way for a custom function to trigger a custom made email alert?
Hi Zoho Team, We have currently maxed out our 30 workflows in one of our department and we are trying to find ways to make it more efficient. We usually use our workflows to send automated email notifications per team leader for approval of tickets. IsUnified WhatsApp Number Management in Zoho Desk and SalesIQ
Dear Zoho Desk Support Team, We are currently utilizing both Zoho Desk and Zoho SalesIQ for our customer support operations. While both platforms offer WhatsApp integration, we are facing challenges due to the requirement of separate WhatsApp numbersMulti User Lookup field on the Zoho CRM iOS app.
Hello all! Hope you are all safe and sound. We have now brought in support for the Multi User Lookup field on the Zoho CRM mobile app. Below are the enhancements that are supported in this update: * Multi User Lookup field can be added through theHelp with Deluge Script in Zoho SalesIQ (Input Variables Always Null)
Hi everyone, I’m working on a Deluge script for Zoho SalesIQ, specifically for a block in Zobot. The script is supposed to: Check the visitor’s name when they start a chat. If the name is empty, return false; if a name is present, return true. However,Item/service subtotal
Just discovered & really pleased that we can drag to re-order the line items in Sales orders & Invoices, a very nice feature which doesn't seem to be documented? It would be nice to be able to insert a subtotal as a line item to complete this great featureHide/Show Certain Fields When Creating/Editing Invoices, Estimates, Etc.
Hello there, I would like the ability to hide or show certain fields for different employees/roles in my company when they are creating or editing invoices, estimates, etc.. Most of the time, we don't use half of the fields shown on the create/edit invoiceIs there a way to make an account inactive in ZoHo Desk
We have a few Clients "Accounts" that we no longer do business with. It would be beneficial for them to not show up in lists. However, we want to go back and view tickets, time, etc.Any way to Associate a Recurring Invoice with Deal/Potential in Zoho CRM
When we create an Invoice in Zoho Books, we have the option to associate that invoice with a Potential/Deal that is tied to that same customer. Can we do the same thing with Recurring Invoices? When creating a Recurring Invoice, I want to be able to AssociateSSO/SAML
Question - how are you guys handling SSO for Desk? It seems the only options lead back to ADFS which is a dying technology, stupidly complicated to set up and configure (I mean, you can put that on your resume) and seems like overkill for SSO when AAD does it so much better and effortlessly. We want to have our clients have SSO to log into our support portal and we want our Agents to have SSO as well. I shouldn't have to expose our server, turn on ADFS, configure it, install multiple clients (SyncAre downloadable product available in Zoho Commerce
Hi all. We're considering switching to Zoho Commerce for our shop, but we sell software and remote services. Is there a features for downloadable products? I can't find any information about this. Thank you very much AliceAsk the Experts 17: Elevate Customer Communication With Multichannel & Instant Messaging
Hello Everyone, Get ready for the opportunity to interact with Zoho Desk specialists! This month, we’re diving into Multichannel Operations, helping you manage customer interactions across various platforms seamlessly. Why Join? Customers reach out throughZOHO DESK
I use Outlook Exchange to receive emails and want to forward them to Zoho Desk for better management. Additionally, I want to reply to emails in Zoho Desk and have them sent to customers via Outlook Exchange, but I don’t know how to configure it.Automating Custom Web Link Messages to Customers via Instant Messaging in Zoho Desk
Hello, I am looking for assistance with Zoho Desk's Instant Messaging feature. Is there a way to automate the sending of a custom web link to customers every day at 6:30 PM? Any guidance or suggestions on how to achieve this would be greatly appreciated.Exciting Update: Multi WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) Support Now Available in SalesIQ!
We’re pleased to share an important update that will enhance the way you manage your WhatsApp Business accounts (WABAs) within SalesIQ. With the launch of Multi WABA support, you can now connect and manage multiple brands more effectively, each underAn error occurred while uploading the attachment.
From the image below, attaching files is not possible via the website but is supported through the Mobile App.One time offer in Zoho Campaigns
Hello! I have an idea to improve my sales. I would like to make a "one time offer" in Zoho Campaigns with a clock that will count down the bid validity period. Is it possible? Regards.How to Initiate WhatsApp Message on SalesIQ?
I've just activated a Business WhatsApp phone number through SalesIQ because of its touted omnichannel chat approach. Sounds exciting. I understand that when a customer sends me a WA message, I can reply to it on SalesIQ and keep the chat going, perfect.Multiple self client instances
there a couple of details that deserve clarification / improvement in Zoho's OAuth 2: 1. for building true server apps - cloud to cloud REST - one has to choose Self Client when creating a new instance in API Console; Server-based Appplications is slightlyWorkdrive Oauth2 Token Isn't Refreshing
I have set up oauth for a bunch of zoho apis and have never had a problem with oauth. With workdrive i am using the exact same template i usually use for the other zoho apps and it is not working. All requests will work for the first hour then stops soZoho Desk - Delete an email conversation
When using Zoho support desk I see an option to delete and edit conversations that are comments, BUT if the conversation was automatically added as a conversation from an email, then the option to delete it seems not to be available. Is there a way toOrganizational Emails Send through Email Relay Server
Hello, It would be great if the the Organizational Emails could send through the Email Relay Server as well. I often need to send email as someone else and since we use the GMail API option I have to use the organizational emails to do this. We use Postmark for our Email Relay Server to increase deliver-ability which is something that we have had issues with when sending everything through Zohos servers. Also with postmark there is no need for each organizational email to have its own credentialsEmoji support in workdrive
Hello, We are using emojis in our filenames and folder to help visually find relevant data. Currently Workdrive is stripping out emojis and the rest of the filename (along with the suffix), making the file unreadable when they are synchronized with desktop.What is a 'user' in Zoho Surveys, and can I have multiple Offline Kiosks running?
Is a 'user' the amount of people that can make and edit surveys on the website? I basically just want to know if I am able to have multiple Offline Kiosks running on multiple devices at the same time. Either on the Basic or Plus plan which both have 1Fundation / Non profit : Could you help ?
Hi, We're about to handle a Medical research fundation, non profitable structure, what kind of prices could we hope from you ? Could you help us ? We would need Survey, automated campaign and ZIA Thanks in advanceNext Page