Turn system (rotation)
A turn system is a rule for deciding which team member takes the next walk-in, usually a rotation so each person gets an equal share of the customers who come in.
Also called: walk-in rotation, turn list, up system, taking turns
In a shop where each person earns from their own services, who gets the next customer is a matter of income. A turn system settles it with a rule everyone can see. The simplest version is a rotation: the next walk-in goes to whoever has been free longest, or whoever is next on the list.
Most systems add exceptions. A customer who asks for a specific barber goes to that barber and does not use up a turn. Someone who is busy when their turn arrives passes it on. The point of writing the rules down is that no one has to argue about them during a rush.
The list has to be honest to work. If people are not marked as on or off the floor, turns go to someone at lunch and the shop looks sloppy. Keeping the status current is the real discipline.
How NextUp Walk-in handles it
Only team members marked on duty are in the rotation when staff press Call next. Customers can choose a specific person on the join form, and that request keeps them in that person line.
Questions
How does a barbershop turn system work?
The next walk-in goes to the next available barber in a set order. Customers who request a particular barber go to that person, and the rule is posted so it applies equally.