
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
