Ask for a deposit on the bookings that matter
A client who has paid something upfront is far more likely to turn up, and far more likely to tell you when they can't. You don't need a deposit on everything: start with your longest and most valuable services, where an empty chair costs the most.
Keep it simple and fair. A set amount is easy to understand, and say clearly what happens to it if they cancel late.
How Slotkite helps: Choose per service whether clients pay nothing upfront, a deposit or the full price. Payments go straight to your own Stripe account, and are refunded automatically if you cancel.
Remind clients at the right moment
Most no-shows aren't rude, they're forgetful. A reminder the day before gives people time to rearrange their day or let you know; a short one a couple of hours before catches anyone who still forgot.
Texts get read quickly, so use them for clients who've agreed to receive them, and email for everyone else.
How Slotkite helps: Reminders go out on their own, the day before, two hours before, or both. Clients who give a phone number get them by text, and everyone gets them by email.
Make rescheduling easier than not showing up
If changing an appointment means calling during opening hours, plenty of people will quietly skip it instead. When moving a booking takes a few taps, they move it, and you get the slot back in time to fill it.
How Slotkite helps: Every confirmation and reminder includes a link to cancel or reschedule online, and the freed time goes straight back on your booking page.
Set a clear cancellation window
Decide how much notice you need, whether that's 24 hours or two, and say it everywhere: on your website, on the booking page and in your confirmations. A clear rule feels fair to clients and saves awkward conversations.
How Slotkite helps: Set your online cancellation window once. Clients can cancel or reschedule themselves until then, and your FAQ section is a natural place to spell out your policy.
Ask a question or two when they book
A booking that takes ten seconds of thought is easier to forget than one that took a minute. A couple of relevant questions, like what they'd like done or anything you should know, help you prepare and make the appointment feel real.
How Slotkite helps: Add your own questions to the booking form, and see the answers on each booking.
Only offer times you can really keep
Nothing sours a relationship faster than a booking you have to cancel yourself. Keep your hours, breaks and days off up to date, and give yourself enough notice before each appointment.
How Slotkite helps: Your weekly hours, holidays and time off are always respected, and with Google Calendar sync, anything busy there can't be booked. You also set the minimum notice and how far ahead clients can book.
Know your regulars, and follow up
Keep a note when someone misses an appointment. A friendly message afterwards often brings them back, and a pattern tells you who might need a deposit next time.
How Slotkite helps: Everyone who books is saved with their visit history and your private notes, and reports show your new and returning clients over time.
The checklist
- Deposits on your longest or most valuable services
- A reminder the day before, and one a couple of hours before
- A one-tap link to reschedule in every message
- A cancellation window you state everywhere
- A question or two on your booking form
- Hours, breaks and time off kept up to date
- Notes on clients who miss appointments
