> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gethoneycart.com/live-examples/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gethoneycart.com/live-examples/catering-policies/lead-time.md).

# Lead Time

HoneyCart's lead time feature gives you the exact amount of notice you need to prevent: 

* last-minute orders, or 
* late changes to existing orders.

Set the amount of lead time you based on:

* Number of Business days
* Number of Hours (i.e 24hrs)

## New Orders

Clients will only be able to choose event dates and times that give you enough lead time.

### Example: 2 Business Days

When using business days, you can set the cutoff time to be`anytime` of the day or after a`specific cut-off time` i.e 5PM.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Live Demo:** try a demo for a [two-business day lead time](https://hc-live-examples.gethoneycart.com/?menu=1\&order_type=1) for Corporate/Drop-off.
{% endhint %}

![](https://1828541714-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FtkXFOBTVwPFSQInbHHVW%2Fuploads%2FFYEPiJoJaq3HkbTN9D3H%2Flead-time_create_2-biz-days.jpg?alt=media\&token=a27f3ecf-9226-48fc-b027-286bbc34f82c)

### Example: 3 Hours

{% hint style="success" %}
**Live Demo:** try a demo for a [3-hour lead time](https://hc-live-examples.gethoneycart.com/?menu=1\&order_type=2) for Pickup.
{% endhint %}

![](https://1828541714-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FtkXFOBTVwPFSQInbHHVW%2Fuploads%2FjOPMD4oyhD8rITWK5Ph0%2Flead-time_create_3-hrs.jpg?alt=media\&token=48a69355-f836-411c-b40b-8d3ab7e1fe12)

## Changing an Order

HoneyCart's self-service portal allows clients to login to change or cancel their order.

But If it's after your cut-off time, they won't be able to make changes and will see a message explaining why: 

![](https://1828541714-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FtkXFOBTVwPFSQInbHHVW%2Fuploads%2FzQVMZk6XM5zwgjpwSqty%2Flead-time_change-order.jpg?alt=media\&token=8eb017c0-121e-4dc0-acd8-1338b8683242)