To access this feature, you must be on Goodshuffle Pro Standard or above.
Note: This option is only available to Account Owners or Admins
What Are Inventory Buffers?
Inventory buffers extend how long items are considered “in use” before and after an event. These can be set at two levels:
Project Buffers: Apply to all items on all projects by default.
Category Buffers: Apply to specific item categories in your inventory.
Both types of buffers help prevent scheduling conflicts by ensuring you have enough time for prep, breakdown, or cleaning between events.
Project Buffers (System-Wide Default)
Project buffers add time before and/or after an event for all items in your projects. They're ideal for general turnaround needs like travel, general cleaning, or default loading time.
How to Set Project Buffers
Go to Inventory > Settings from the left-hand menu.
In the “Project Buffers” section, click the pencil icon to edit.
In the popup:
Set your Pre-Event Buffer (e.g. 12 hours).
Set your Post-Event Buffer (e.g. 24 hours).
Choose whether to apply this to:
Newly Created Projects Only, or
All Active Projects (will trigger conflict recalculation).
Click “Save Changes.”
Category Buffers (Per Subcategory)
Category buffers give you control over specific inventory types. For instance, you may need 24 hours after an event for linens to be laundered, but no extra time for folding chairs.
These are layered on top of project buffers and cannot be overridden per project.
How to Set Category Buffers
Go to Inventory > Settings.
Scroll to the Category Buffers & Return Automation section.
Click “Edit Category Buffers.”
Choose a subcategory (e.g., Linens).
Enter:
A Pre-Event Buffer (prep time, like ironing or charging).
A Post-Event Buffer (cleanup time, like washing or shelving).
Click “Save.”
PLEASE NOTE: This will trigger conflicts to be re-detected on all future projects containing those items, so you may see new conflicts created on your future projects.
The great news is that if you require extra time before or after an event for these specific items, they will be marked as still "In Use", even if other items aren't in use yet can be checked back in.
Here's a visualization of adding a 24-hour post-event buffer for just your linen.
For example, let's say you have a 12-hour pre- and post-project buffer on a project.
You also have an additional 12-hour pre-event buffer to charge your lighting and a 24-hour post-event buffer to wash your linen.
Here is what the "In Use" time will look on the project for all those items.
Here's how your inventory buffers will appear when conflicts are detected on a project.
Here's how your conflicts will look when you combine category and project buffers.
How Auto-Set Asides Help
If you're using Advanced Inventory, any item that is unavailable due to a buffer period can automatically be marked as set aside during that time.
This ensures:
Your buffers are respected in availability
You don't accidentally overbook
You have clear resolution steps if a conflict arises
📘 Learn more about Auto-Set Asides
Need Additional Support?
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