When setting up appointments that happen at client-provided addresses, it’s common to use both zip code filters and variable location types. While these 2 features may be used in tandem, they serve different purposes and are not directly connected to each other.
In this help doc we'll cover -
Zip Code Filters (Location Panel)
Purpose - Help clients choose the right location option on your scheduler.
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How it works -
You can assign certain zip codes to a location.
When a client enters their zip code while booking, the scheduler will filter to display only the location(s) you’ve assigned to that zip code.
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Limitations -
These filters do not act as restrictions. They don’t prevent clients from booking outside of the listed zip codes.
They only act as a guidance tool to steer clients toward the correct location option.
The logic does not carry over into the address validation field associated with variable location types.
Variable Location Types
Purpose - Allow clients to enter the specific address where an appointment will take place.
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How it works -
When a client selects a variable location on the Location panel, they’ll get prompted to enter an address.
The address validator (via Google Maps) checks that the address is real but does not check against any Zip Code Filters.
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Limitations -
Variable locations cannot be linked to zip code filters.
There is no way to enforce zip code restrictions for addresses entered for these location types.
If you need to limit your service area, update your location name or description to clearly state which zip codes you serve. While this won’t block incompatible addresses, it can help set expectations and discourage invalid bookings.
Variable Appointment Address vs. Client Profile Address
"Why does the client have to enter their address twice?"
When a variable location gets added to your booking flow, the address that gets submitted on the Location panel is different than the address on a client profile or the address submitted in the fields of the Client Information panel.
Appointment Address (%APPT_ADDRESS%) - The address entered for a variable location.
Client Profile Address - The client information details a client enters on the Client Information panel.
These stay separate because the appointment address may not always match the client’s home or profile address. Depending on the use case, someone might book an appointment that gets held at different addresses, like their office or a family member’s home, while their main contact information is different.
You can include the %APPT_ADDRESS% email tag in your confirmations, reminders and external calendar sync details so that the appointment-specific address that is associated with that variable location booking always gets included.