thread How can I show services AND items on my embedded appointment checkout? in Appointments & Bookings

How can I show services AND items on my embedded appointment checkout?

joltdiagnostics — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:57:40 GMT

I'm going on 4 days of trying to figure this out.

The scenario is I have a massage business with five different types of massage services, each has a duration of time. In addition to that a person can add on things like cold stones, hot stones, and aromatherapy. None of those things take up any duration of time and are more of an add-on individual item for sale in concept.

You guys, why do only services show up on the appointments form? Why hasn't square built add-ons into services? Am I really going to have to make a line item for every possible variant of every possible service with every possible add-on?

This is the most ridiculous thing. I'm trying to help a client launch a website and we can't even do simple things through this app.

Please help I'm sure I'm not the only person trying to create add-ons on services.

If there isn't a way I'm off to a different platform.

Re: How can I show services AND items on my embedded appointment checkout?

Stacelyn24 — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 16:22:01 GMT

I understand your frustration with trying to set up add-ons for your massage business in Square. While Square’s current setup primarily focuses on services with specific durations, there are a few approaches and workarounds you can consider to accommodate add-ons like cold stones, hot stones, and aromatherapy without complicating your appointment booking process too much.

Possible Solutions:

Use Additional Services for Add-ons:
- Since Square primarily categorizes services by their duration, consider treating each add-on (cold stones, hot stones, aromatherapy) as separate services. You can create them as "Additional Services" or "Enhancements" with a duration of 5 minutes.
- When booking an appointment, customers can select these add-ons separately from the main service.
Customize Service Descriptions:
- Clearly describe each service to include available add-ons. For example, if you have a "60-Minute Swedish Massage," specify in the description that customers can add cold stones, hot stones, or aromatherapy for an additional charge.
- This method relies on customer communication during the booking process to ensure they select the appropriate options.
Bundle Services Using Square’s Inventory or Itemization:
- If feasible, consider using Square’s inventory or itemization features for creating bundled services. For instance, create pre-defined packages like "Swedish Massage + Cold Stones" or "Deep Tissue Massage + Aromatherapy."
- This approach may require setting up specific inventory items or modifiers for each bundle.
Consider Integrating with E-commerce or Booking Platforms:
- Explore integrating Square with an e-commerce or booking platform that supports more flexible add-on management. Some platforms allow detailed customization of services and add-ons, providing a seamless booking experience.

Steps to Implement:

Review Your Service Setup: Check how your current services are structured in Square and consider reorganizing them to accommodate add-ons.
Create Clear Descriptions: Ensure each service and add-on is clearly described to avoid confusion during booking.
Test the Booking Process: Conduct a test booking to ensure customers can easily select services and add-ons without confusion.

Feedback to Square:

Provide feedback to Square about your experience and the need for better add-on management within the appointment booking system. Square values customer input and may consider enhancements based on user feedback.

Re: How can I show services AND items on my embedded appointment checkout?

joltdiagnostics — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 19:19:21 GMT

Yikes.

Consider eliminating the duration requirement for services and this is workable. I expected more from such a widely used platform. Simple line items. Woof.

I see that this is an ignored feature request for going on 3+ years now. What are you guys doing over there with all the money you are making?

Anyway, thanks for the answer. This is the first time in a week I have received any sort of clarity. No one ever responded to my direct customer service email. Such a shame.