Most owners guess the number. Once you see it, the fix becomes obvious.
A no-show is not one lost bill. It is one lost bill plus a staff member paid to stand there plus a slot you refused to give someone else. Put your own numbers into the calculator below and see the month total.
A reminder the day before, and one two hours before. This alone removes a large part of it, and costs nothing. A small advance on long or expensive services. Not on a threading appointment. On a bridal trial, a colour, a package — yes. Confirm by asking a question, not by sending a statement. 'Shall I keep 5pm or is 6 better?' gets a reply. 'Your appointment is at 5' does not. Keep a waiting list for peak slots. When someone cancels, the slot is refilled in two minutes instead of lost. Note the repeat offenders. Three no-shows and that customer books only with an advance. Quietly, without a fight.
Cancellation fees you never actually collect. They only teach customers not to book. Being rude about it. The customer does not come back at all, and tells people. Overbooking every slot. It works until two people turn up, and then you have lost both.
Two reminders: one day before, one two hours before. Advance on anything long or expensive. A waiting list for peak slots.
It depends on your prices and how many slots go empty. Use the calculator on this page with your own numbers — most owners are surprised by the monthly figure.
A small advance on long or expensive services works better than a fee you have to chase. Fees you never collect only discourage booking.