Why deposits work for self-care services.
Deposits are a signal of commitment. They reduce no-shows, filter last-minute shoppers, and give you predictable cash flow. Clients are used to deposits when the policy is explained clearly and applied consistently.
- They protect time slots that are hard to fill last minute.
- They reduce double-booking and late cancellations.
- They help you forecast revenue more accurately.
Deposit amounts by service type.
A simple rule is a percentage for longer services and a flat fee for shorter services. Start moderate and adjust if no-shows persist.
- Short services (30 to 60 minutes): 20 percent or $15 to $25.
- Long services (60 to 120 minutes): 25 to 40 percent.
- High-ticket services: 40 to 50 percent or a non-refundable portion.
Set a cancellation window that is fair and clear.
The goal is not to punish clients. It is to set expectations. Most studios succeed with a 24 or 48 hour window depending on how long the appointment is.
- 24 hours for appointments under 90 minutes.
- 48 hours for longer or multi-service appointments.
- Offer one grace reschedule per year if you want flexibility.
Explain the policy without friction.
Clients respect boundaries when they understand why they exist. Use a short, friendly explanation on your booking page and in reminders.
Policy script
We require a deposit to reserve your time and prepare for your service. You can reschedule up to 24 hours before your appointment to keep your deposit.
Late cancellations or no-shows will forfeit the deposit due to the time held for you.
Handle no-shows with a consistent response.
After a no-show, keep the response calm and consistent. State the policy, confirm the deposit outcome, and offer a path to rebook if appropriate.
- Follow up within 24 hours with the same script each time.
- Require a higher deposit for repeat no-shows.
- Do not negotiate in public messages; keep it private.