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Empty chairs don't pay rent
Work out what no-shows are quietly costing your salon, barbershop or studio each year — then generate a clear deposit & cancellation policy your clients will actually accept, with ready-to-paste booking, reminder and follow-up messages.
With a deposit policy, no-show rates typically drop from 15–25% to 3–5% — roughly an 80% cut in no-shows.
You'd claw back roughly £0 a year.
Booking Policy
Who this is for
Barbers, hair salons, beauty and lash/nail studios, tattoo artists and dog groomers — anyone who books appointments and loses money every time a client simply doesn't turn up. If a gap in your diary means a gap in your takings, this tool is for you. Everything you type stays in your browser: nothing is uploaded, saved or sent anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Will deposits scare off clients?
Regulars book you because they want you — a small, clearly-stated deposit doesn't put them off. The clients it does put off are usually the ones who were never going to show up anyway. That's the point: a deposit policy filters for people who intend to keep their appointment, and it compensates you when they don't.
Is keeping a deposit legal in the UK?
Yes, provided your policy is clear, fair and shown to the client before they book — for example on your booking page, in your confirmation message, or on a sign at reception. A deposit that reflects a genuine estimate of your loss is generally enforceable; a penalty far beyond it may not be. This is general guidance, not legal advice — if you're unsure, a quick check with a solicitor or your trade association is worth it before you roll out a formal policy.
How do I take deposits without a card machine?
Most online booking systems (Fresha, Treatwell, Booksy, SimplyBook and similar) can capture a card and take a deposit automatically at the point of booking — no physical card machine needed. If you don't use one of those, a bank transfer, PayPal request or a small cash deposit taken in person all work fine — just be consistent and confirm it in writing every time.
How much should the deposit be?
Enough to make a no-show sting, but not so much it deters genuine bookings. Many salons and studios settle on 20–50% of the booking value, or a flat amount that roughly covers the slot. Higher-value or longer appointments (tattoos, colour, treatments) usually justify a larger deposit because the empty slot costs you more. The calculator above shows what those empty slots add up to over a year.
Please note: this tool gives a guide or estimate only. It may not be 100% accurate and is not professional advice — always check the figures before you rely on them. Any document this tool produces is a template for convenience, not legal advice. You are responsible for making sure anything you issue meets your own legal obligations; seek professional advice for your situation. Whether a deposit is enforceable depends on it being clear, fair, shown before booking and a genuine reflection of your loss — not a penalty. Everything you type stays in your browser and is never uploaded.
Almost there
Where should we send your policy?
The cost figures and every message template are free to read and copy on screen. Pop your details in and you can print or save your deposit policy right away — we build websites & lead systems for UK trades, this is how we say hello.
Success
You're all set!
Check your inbox — and your spam or junk folder, just in case.
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