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

# Service Area

> Validate that a customer's location is within your service area

The Service Area command allows your bot to validate whether a customer's location falls within your defined service areas before proceeding with booking or other actions.

## Adding the Service Area Command

In your AI Agent Instructions, type `/servicearea` to insert the command. Place it where you want the bot to check the customer's location.

```markdown theme={null}
## Qualify the Customer

1. Ask for the customer's address or zip code
2. Use /servicearea to verify they're in your coverage area
3. If they're outside your service area, politely let them know
4. If they're in your service area, proceed with scheduling
```

## Configuring Service Areas

When you create a service area, you choose the type:

* **Zipcode** - Define coverage by zip codes
* **City-State** - Define coverage by city and state pairs

### Zipcode Format

Enter zip codes separated by commas:

```
90210, 90211, 90212, 90213
```

**Supported formats:**

* US 5-digit: `90210`
* US ZIP+4: `90210-1234` (the base 5-digit code is used for matching)
* Canadian: `A1A1A1`

### Using Wildcards

You can use wildcards (`*`) to match multiple zip codes with the same prefix:

**US Zipcodes:**

```
902*
```

This matches all zip codes starting with 902 (90210, 90211, 90212, etc.)

**Canadian Postal Codes:**

```
M5V*
```

This matches all postal codes starting with M5V (M5V1A1, M5V2B2, etc.)

<Note>
  Wildcards can save time when you serve entire regions. Instead of listing every zip code individually, use a prefix with `*` to cover them all.
</Note>

### City-State Format

Enter city-state pairs separated by newlines:

```
New York, NY
Los Angeles, CA
Chicago, IL
```

City-state matching is case-insensitive.