What a good policy covers
- The notice period, in hours.
- What happens after that: a fee, a deposit kept, or nothing.
- How to cancel or reschedule, ideally in one tap.
- Late arrivals: how long you wait and what happens to the visit.
- Exceptions: illness or emergencies, at your discretion.
Where to show it
Three places: on your booking page before the client confirms, in the confirmation message, and in the reminder. People read it when it is in front of them, not when it is buried on a website page.
A template you can adapt
Thank you for booking. We reserve this time just for you. If you need to cancel or move your appointment, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance using the link in your confirmation message. Appointments cancelled with less notice, or missed without notice, may be charged at [percentage or amount]. If you are more than [15] minutes late, we may need to shorten or reschedule the visit. In case of illness or an emergency, just tell us and we will be glad to find another time.
Keep it consistent
A policy you enforce for some clients and not others invites argument. Decide your rules, apply them calmly, and use your own discretion for genuine emergencies.
Questions people ask
Can I charge for a no-show?
You can set the terms in advance, but how and whether charges are enforceable depends on your local rules and on whether the client agreed before booking. Check with a professional if unsure.
How much notice is reasonable?
Twenty-four hours is the most common. Longer services or a single-practitioner diary may justify more.
