Wording on brochure to prevent no-show's?

[Nail Perfection]

I have just had a new client (it's always the new ones) cancel by text 20 mins before her appointment. Just a txt saying can't make 3.20 appt, followed by her name. No reason!

I text back saying that was a shame because I had to turn another client away that wanted this appointment. This is not strictly true but I am just so frustrated with these clients and I feel I can't let them away with it anymore. On monday I had a no show with no explanation at all! I have lots of lovely regular clients so am quite busy and could do without these time wasters.

Can anyone suggest wording to go on my web page etc along the lines of "please only make appointments you are able to keep" or "please give at least 24 hours notice of any possible cancellation" or even better
"don't muck me about! or else!" (lol)

 

[FingerNailFixer]

Your appointment time has been specially reserved for you, should you be unable to keep your appointment a minimum of 24 hours notice is appreciated. Failure to give adequate notice may result in a charge for the time and/or full prepayment of your next booking which will be non-refundable.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Meesh B]

Something along the lines of...

Our goal is to provide quality treatments in a timely manner. In order to do so we have had to implement an appointment/cancellation policy. The policy enables us to better utilize available appointments for our clients.

In order to be respectful, please be courteous and call (insert company name) promptly if you are unable to attend an appointment. This time will be reallocated to someone who is in requiring a treatment.

To cancel appointments please call (insert number) at least 24 hours before your appointment is due. If you do not reach the (insert company name) you may leave a detailed message on the voice mail. You may not cancel via email.

After reading a post regarding charging for missed appointments I think the general consensus was it did not really work as people would simply not come back, I can not speak for myself as I do not operate this kind of policy as I have no means of taking their card details etc and with data protection etc i'd rather not bother.
xxx

 

[laura16]

I just have on my leaflets "24hours notifications of cancelations is appreciated" - I have been lucky though and only had 1 person cancel a couple of hrs before their appointment, it was a friend of mine that is a mobile nail tech you would think she would understand x

 

[fozzyo]

Its very hard, part of the territory I'm afraid. Cancellation charges are nice enough, but unless you take card details at time of booking very very hard to recover.

Mat

 

[geeg]

Usually when new clients cancel at the last minute, it means you will not see them again, so recovering any money is pretty hopeless.

If it is a regular client who is canceling and changing appointments habitually, then I would indeed have a policy statement (I liked Fingernail Fixers very much). I would mark their client record car every time it happens and even if they re-book, it is still a time you could have filled if you'd known in advance.

Some clients think it's OK to do whatever they like as long as they rebook. Sometimes things happen and can't be helped, but habitual ones should have their card marked so that at least you can ring them 24hrs before their appointment to check. I used to write their names in RED in the appointment book so that I could easily see to do this ( or my receptionists could).

Once a client asked me why I always used a red pen when doing her bookings and I told her straight out why!!! I believe it made her think!!

 

[Martigirl]

Your appointment time has been specially reserved for you, should you be unable to keep your appointment a minimum of 24 hours notice is appreciated. Failure to give adequate notice may result in a charge for the time and/or full prepayment of your next booking which will be non-refundable.
Posted via Mobile Device

that is superb thank you xxx:hug:

 

[NoLimitNails]

I actually state that I have both cancellation fees if they rescedule in less than 24 hours (50% of what the booked treatment costs) and if they are no-shows they will have to pay 100%. I also state that I will send out a bill, and that I take full details for my client record when they order the first treatment. I do accept one late rescedule of an appointment without a fee.

But I probably won't do much about it hough, but just by having this on my website will make people think twice if they book an appointment they really don't know if they can make. And I state that my ime is precious and I can't offer the customer service I would like if people book and don't bother to cancel.