How to reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations
Every empty slot is lost income. A few small habits cut no-shows without making customers feel policed.
- 1
Confirm every booking in writing
Repeat the service, the day, the time and the place in one message and ask the customer to reply.
- 2
Send a reminder
A short message the day before, or the morning of the visit, saves most missed appointments.
- The day before
- The morning of the visit
- A map link or the address
- 3
Share your policy up front
Customers who know the rules in advance respect them. Link your cancellation policy in your confirmation.
- 4
Make it easy to move
People skip because it feels awkward to cancel. Tell them they can reply to move the booking to another time.
Questions
For services where a no-show costs you real money, yes, and say so in your policy before the booking.
The day before for most services, plus the morning of the visit for long ones.