
Insights
How Solo Members Handle Their Cancellations
๐ The Real Cost of No-Shows
We all know last-minute cancellations are frustrating. But just how much do they cost you?
Letโs break it down:
1 in 5 appointments is either missed or cancelled with little notice in the beauty industry โ a staggering 20% no-show rate
The average booking value in the UK sits between ยฃ40โยฃ60
Missing just three appointments per week can cost you ยฃ150โยฃ180 weekly, or ยฃ600โยฃ700 per month
That adds up to over ยฃ7,000 in lost revenue per year โ and that's without factoring in the opportunity cost of other clients you could have seen
๐ณ Why a Cancellation Policy Matters
Having a clear policy isnโt about being harsh โ itโs about protecting your time, income, and peace of mind.
Hereโs what a solid cancellation policy can do:
โ Reduce no-shows by up to 65%
โ Help clients take your time seriously
โ Make your income more stable and predictable
โ Prevent last-minute gaps that are hard to fill
๐ฌ What Solo Pros Had to Say
We asked the Solo community how they felt about cancellation policies. Hereโs what they told us:
โYou have to cover yourself when it comes to bills. People who respect you wonโt second guess paying a deposit.โ
โ Elise, Elise Cedar Nails
โThis is your livelihood. People need to respect you the same way they would a salon or hotel.โ
โ Tessa, Glow and Grace
โYou donโt see train companies or hotels refunding last-minute. Why should the beauty industry be different?โ
โ Mandy, Aiyana Beauty
๐ฅ What the Data Shows from Solo Members
88% of pros now have a cancellation policy in place
73% take deposits at the time of booking
50% have had to enforce their policy at least once
Real-world examples:
โI take 100% at the time of booking. It prevents no-shows and removes the awkwardness around paying after the treatment.โ
โ Joanna, The Skin Space
โA 30% deposit puts clients in the mindset that theyโve already spent it. Missing the appointment feels like wasting money.โ
โ Beth, EMB Aesthetics
โA client arrived late โ I kept the ยฃ15 deposit. With a clear policy, everyone understands the rules.โ
โ Sarah, The Locs Smith Ltd
๐ How to Enforce Your Cancellation Policy (Without the Stress)
Clearly display your policy on your Solo booking page
Send automated reminders that include your cancellation terms
Stick to your boundaries โ consistently and professionally
โItโs empowering to keep to your boundaries. Your business will thank you.โ
โ Amy, Amy H Manicurist
Ready to Set Up or Update Your Policy?
You can add deposits, create auto-reminders, and update your cancellation terms right inside your Solo account โ it only takes a few minutes to protect your schedule and your income.
Need help setting it up? Message us anytime โ weโre here to support you ๐