Template
No-show and deposit policy template for salons (copy and edit)
A clear policy protects your time without making clients feel accused. The best ones are short, specific, and shown before the client books, not after they miss.
Copy the template below, change the numbers to fit your shop, and post it where clients will see it.
Updated
What a good policy covers
- How much deposit you ask for and when it is due.
- How much notice a client must give to cancel or move an appointment.
- What happens to the deposit if they cancel late or do not show.
- How late a client can be before you shorten or move the service.
- Any exceptions, such as emergencies, at your discretion.
Template: deposit, cancellation and no-show policy
Booking and deposit A deposit of [amount or percentage] is needed to confirm your appointment. Please send it within [2 hours] of booking, or your slot will be released. Your deposit goes toward your service total. Changes and cancellations Need to cancel or move your appointment? Let us know at least [24 hours] before. We will move your deposit to your new date or refund it. Late cancellations and no-shows If you cancel less than [24 hours] before, or do not show up, your deposit is kept to cover the reserved time. Running late We will wait up to [15 minutes]. After that, we may need to shorten your service or move you to another time so the next client is not delayed. Emergencies happen. Message us and we will do our best to work something out.
Shorter version for your Instagram bio or Messenger
Deposit of [amount] to confirm. Free changes up to [24 hours] before. Late cancellations and no-shows forfeit the deposit. [15 minutes] grace period.
Where to put it
- On your booking page, so clients agree before they book.
- As a pinned post or highlight on Instagram and Facebook.
- In your Messenger saved replies, next to your booking link.
- In your confirmation message.
Enforce it kindly
- Send a reminder the day before. Most no-shows are forgetfulness, not bad intent.
- Apply the rule the same way to everyone, then use your judgment for real emergencies.
- For a first miss, a friendly note plus the kept deposit is usually enough. For repeat no-shows, ask for full payment upfront.
How Nabbee helps
- Write your own policy text and it shows on your booking page.
- Set a cancellation window, and it is shown to clients on your booking page.
- Ask for a deposit that matches your policy: 20%, the full price, or a fixed amount.
- Email reminders go out before each appointment, on by default.
- No-shows are counted on each client’s record, so you can spot repeat ones.
Questions owners ask
How much notice should I ask for?
Twenty-four hours is the most common. Long services like extensions or color may need 48 hours so you have time to fill the slot.
Should I charge a no-show fee on top of the deposit?
Most small shops keep the deposit and stop there. It is simpler to explain and easier to collect.
Want us to set it up for you?
Send your service list and hours and we will build your booking page, free for founding shops while spots last. We take a limited number each month.