How to stop no-shows (without scaring clients away)

No-shows are not a client problem — they're a process problem. The fix is almost always the same: change what happens before the time is held.

Why people no-show

• Nothing was at stake — skipping cost them nothing.
• It was too easy to book — one reply and the slot was theirs.
• No reminder — they simply forgot.

The deposit rule

Asking for a deposit before a time is locked in is the single biggest lever. It doesn't have to be the full price — a small deposit is enough to separate a real booking from a maybe.

It also removes the awkward negotiation: the rule is the rule, and it's delivered politely every time, without you being the bad guy.

What else reduces no-shows

• Only offer times you can actually keep.
• Confirm the details clearly — time, place, price, what to bring.
• A short reminder before the appointment.
• Make rescheduling easy: a rescheduled client beats a no-show.

BOOKYO asks for the deposit on your own payment link before the slot is held, and hands you anything that needs a human.