How to cut no-shows at your salon

A no-show costs more than the price of the appointment. The chair sits empty, the time can't be sold again, and someone on the waitlist missed out. Most no-shows aren't rude, they're forgetful. That's good news, because forgetting is easy to fix.

1. Send a reminder, and maybe two

One reminder the day before catches most people. For long or expensive services, a second one a few days ahead gives them time to rearrange instead of just not turning up.

2. Make moving easier than not coming

If changing a booking means ringing during work hours, some clients will simply stay home. A link in the reminder to move or cancel online turns a no-show into a gap you know about, and can fill.

3. Have a cancellation policy, and show it before they book

Keep it short and fair: how much notice you need, and what happens if they don't give it. Clients should see it and agree to it while booking, not discover it afterwards. Our guide to writing a cancellation policy has examples.

4. Keep a waitlist

When someone cancels, a waitlist turns the gap into a booking. Offer it on fully booked days and tell the waitlist the moment a time opens.

5. Know who your repeat no-shows are

Keep a count of no-shows against each client. A first miss deserves a friendly message. A third might mean asking for payment up front, or booking them only by phone.

6. Confirm new clients properly

Ask for an email and mobile that work, and send a confirmation straight away. A client who never received a confirmation is far more likely to forget.

7. Rebook before they leave

A client who books their next visit at the counter, or gets a "time to rebook" email when it's due, is a client who has a time in their calendar rather than a vague plan.

In Eyroxis: up to three reminders at the times you choose, a change-or-cancel link in every email, your policy agreed before booking, a waitlist, and no-shows counted on each client's page. See Reminders.