Summer months are a crucial period for many local businesses: restaurants, hair salons, beauty institutes, wellness professionals, and those in tourism. Yet one issue keeps coming back every year: the increase in no-shows—appointments that were booked but not honored, with no prior cancellation.
Not only do no-shows disrupt your schedule, they also lead to direct loss of revenue and a waste of your time and resources.
Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to reduce missed appointments and secure your bookings—even during the summer. Here are our expert tips 👇
1. Set Up an Online Booking System
Consumer habits have evolved: over 70% of customers now prefer booking online rather than by phone or in person. By automating appointment scheduling with a solution like Planner by Linkeo, you’ll enjoy many benefits:
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24/7 availability: customers can book anytime, even outside business hours.
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Fewer errors: no more forgotten or incorrect bookings.
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Centralized management: all your appointments in one place, giving you a clear overview.
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Time saved: fewer calls and back-and-forths to schedule or reschedule.
🔧 Pro tip: Customize your available slots, set minimum notice periods for booking or changes to reduce last-minute cancellations.
2. Schedule Automatic Reminders
Sometimes clients forget—it’s not always intentional, just a busy schedule.
A good booking tool allows you to send automatic email and SMS reminders, such as:
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48 hours before: to allow time for schedule changes
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24 hours before: to confirm and remind them of time and location
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On the day: a final nudge to avoid a missed appointment
📲 SMS reminders are particularly effective, with an open rate above 95%.
3. Ask for Confirmation
Introduce a double confirmation system via a link or button in the SMS or email. It helps to:
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Increase client commitment
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Free up the slot if they cancel
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Reduce daily uncertainty in your schedule
💡 Some tools offer built-in “Confirm,” “Cancel,” or “Reschedule” buttons—quick and easy for everyone.
4. Secure Bookings with a Deposit or Card Hold
One of the most effective ways to reduce no-shows is to require a deposit or credit card as a guarantee. This is increasingly common, especially in hospitality, wellness, or high-value service sectors.
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Discourages unreliable clients
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Shows that your time is valuable
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Helps recover some losses in case of absence
💡 You can clearly set your conditions—for example, “Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the appointment.”
5. Be Transparent About Your Policies
Well-informed customers are more likely to follow your rules. Make sure to clearly display:
This information should appear on:
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Your website
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Your online booking page
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Your confirmation emails
📝 Example: “Any appointment not canceled 24 hours in advance may incur a charge of 50% of the service fee.”
6. Reward Reliable Clients
Rather than only penalizing absentees, reward punctual and loyal clients. For example:
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Offer a discount after multiple attended appointments
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Give a small bonus or gift (e.g. free express treatment or haircut after 5 visits)
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Give priority access to high-demand time slots
This creates a positive dynamic and encourages loyalty.
7. Monitor Your Performance
Keep an eye on your stats:
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What is your average no-show rate?
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Which time slots are most affected?
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Do you have repeat offenders?
By identifying these trends, you can adapt your strategy: cut back on certain slots, enforce specific conditions for some clients, or adjust your reminder policy.
Plan Ahead to Stay Stress-Free This Summer 🌞
No-shows can be a real headache—especially during summer, when every appointment counts. By organizing ahead and using the right tools, you can protect your business and improve your customer relationships.
👉 At Linkeo, we help professionals with real solutions like Planner, our easy-to-use and customizable online booking tool.
🔗 Want to learn more or try it out? Contact us today!
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