Bookings
How to cut no-shows without annoying your customers
Jordan Twiggs6 min read
If you take bookings, you lose money to no-shows. The good news: most are preventable with a light touch — the right reminder at the right time, plus a small commitment up front.
Why customers miss appointments
It's rarely deliberate. People forget, double-book, or lose your details. Fix the friction and most no-shows disappear.
- They booked weeks ago and forgot
- No easy way to reschedule
- No reminder, or one that arrived too late
Rule of thumb
One reminder 24 hours before, one 2 hours before. More than that feels like nagging.
Take a small deposit
A £5–£10 deposit changes behaviour without scaring people off. It signals commitment on both sides.
Since we added deposits and reminders, no-shows dropped by two thirds. — Marco, The Chair Co
Make rescheduling effortless
Every reminder should include a one-tap reschedule link. A moved booking is infinitely better than an empty slot.