> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://storekit.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Operations Settings

> Configure storekit operational settings including prep time, order acceptance flow, auto-ready behaviour, and how the kitchen receives and processes orders.

Operations settings control how orders flow through your system — from acceptance to preparation to fulfilment. Configure these to match your kitchen's workflow.

## Accessing Operations Settings

Go to **Store Settings** > **Operations** to view and configure all operational settings.

## Key Settings

| Setting                     | Description                                                                               |
| --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Default prep time**       | How long orders typically take to prepare. Shown to customers as the estimated wait time. |
| **Auto-accept orders**      | Automatically accept incoming orders, skipping the manual acceptance step.                |
| **Auto-ready**              | Automatically mark orders as ready after the prep time elapses.                           |
| **Order acceptance window** | How long you have to accept an order before it is automatically declined.                 |
| **Busy mode**               | Temporarily increase prep times during peak periods.                                      |

## Default Prep Time

The default prep time is shown to customers when they place an order. Set this to reflect your typical preparation time.

* Applies to all orders unless overridden
* Displayed as the estimated wait time at checkout
* Adjust during busy periods using Busy Mode

## Auto-Accept Orders

When enabled, incoming orders are accepted automatically without manual intervention.

* Orders skip the acceptance step and move straight to preparation
* Useful for high-volume stores where manual acceptance creates bottlenecks
* Disable if you need to review orders before confirming

## Auto-Ready

Automatically marks orders as ready when the prep time elapses.

* Removes the need to manually mark each order as ready
* Relies on accurate prep time settings
* Best for consistent-prep-time items

For more on auto-ready configuration, see [Auto-Ready](/guides/orders/advanced/auto-ready).

## Busy Mode

Temporarily increase prep times during peak periods:

* Adjusts the estimated wait time shown to customers
* Helps manage customer expectations during rushes
* Can be toggled on and off as needed

<Tip>
  Review your operations settings regularly. As your team becomes more efficient or your order volume changes, adjusting prep times and acceptance settings keeps the customer experience accurate.
</Tip>