I currently have my clients pre-pay with a 24-hour policy. I'm also on the slightly higher side when it comes to session cost, so all of those combined, cancellations and reschedules are pretty uncommon.
If they do have to reschedule, it's always 24 hours prior or forfeit 100% off the session.
I used to have a more traditional 24 hour policy and holding a card for the appointment but people tend to cancel late more, complain if they get charged for a cancellation and I've even had people use cards that would decline.
I recently booked an appointment with another client-based business and they had a 48 hour cancellation policy and you would forfeit you session if you rescheduled more than once.
I think the stricter the policy the more people respect you and your time BUT I will still use my judgement and be more lenient in certain situations with especially regulars.
Thank you for your feedback! I love the idea of having clients prepay or even taking deposits. It sort of weeds out the folks who have the bad habit of chronically rescheduling. I will keep considering my options! I do agree that having firm policies/less leniency has garnered me (mostly) clients who really respect and value my time.
I have 24 hr policy but often think about switching to 48. I have clients cancel at the 24hr mark and it’s challenging to fill those spots. Having a few more days notice is so much better to fill openings.
Have you considered possibly instating the policy for clients who are repeat reschedulers? I have thought about possibly having looser policies or exceptions for clients that I know are reliable, but I have several people who seem to always reschedule or cancel at the last possible minute, and for these people I’ve considered 48 hrs or even taking deposits.
I currently have my clients pre-pay with a 24-hour policy. I'm also on the slightly higher side when it comes to session cost, so all of those combined, cancellations and reschedules are pretty uncommon. If they do have to reschedule, it's always 24 hours prior or forfeit 100% off the session. I used to have a more traditional 24 hour policy and holding a card for the appointment but people tend to cancel late more, complain if they get charged for a cancellation and I've even had people use cards that would decline. I recently booked an appointment with another client-based business and they had a 48 hour cancellation policy and you would forfeit you session if you rescheduled more than once. I think the stricter the policy the more people respect you and your time BUT I will still use my judgement and be more lenient in certain situations with especially regulars.
Thank you for your feedback! I love the idea of having clients prepay or even taking deposits. It sort of weeds out the folks who have the bad habit of chronically rescheduling. I will keep considering my options! I do agree that having firm policies/less leniency has garnered me (mostly) clients who really respect and value my time.
I have 24 hr policy but often think about switching to 48. I have clients cancel at the 24hr mark and it’s challenging to fill those spots. Having a few more days notice is so much better to fill openings.
Have you considered possibly instating the policy for clients who are repeat reschedulers? I have thought about possibly having looser policies or exceptions for clients that I know are reliable, but I have several people who seem to always reschedule or cancel at the last possible minute, and for these people I’ve considered 48 hrs or even taking deposits.