Short version
For your Instagram bio or a WhatsApp message.
Changes and cancellations: 24 hours' notice. Otherwise, 50% is charged at your next visit. Late arrivals: 10 min grace.
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Cancellation policy generator: ready-to-copy text
Pick your type of business, how much notice clients must give, what happens if someone cancels late or does not show up, and how many minutes of grace you allow for late arrivals. You get three versions: a short one for your Instagram bio or WhatsApp, a full one for your website or a sign, and one for your booking page.
Your policy
Full version
For your website, a sign at the front desk or the confirmation email.
Cancellation policy Changes and cancellations: you can change or cancel your appointment free of charge up to 24 hours before. That way we can offer the slot to someone else. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice and no-shows: 50% of the price of the missed appointment will be charged at your next visit. Late arrivals: we will wait 10 minutes. After that, we may need to shorten your appointment or move it to another time so the next person is not kept waiting. Thank you for letting us know in good time: it helps us look after everyone.
For your booking page
For the terms section of your booking page and the confirmation message.
You can change or cancel your appointment up to 24 hours before. After that, please contact us. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice and no-shows are charged at 50% at your next visit. We will wait up to 10 minutes if you are running late.
How it fits with BookingForNow
Each client manages their appointment from the link they get when booking: it shows how long they can cancel or change it online (by default, up to 24 hours before), and after that the website no longer lets them, so they have to contact you. BookingForNow does not charge penalties or deposits: if you apply one, you collect it yourself at your premises.
What a good cancellation policy says
Three things, in this order: how much notice clients must give, what happens if they do not, and what happens if someone arrives late. The shorter and more specific it is, the more people read it. Avoid a threatening tone: most clients want to play by the rules once they know them.
Where to put it
Wherever clients will see it before booking and again when they confirm: your booking page, the confirmation message, your Instagram bio if people book through it, and a sign at the front desk. A rule the client did not know about when booking is hard to enforce later.
To charge or not to charge
Asking for notice without a penalty already helps if you communicate it well. If you decide to charge, keep the amount proportionate and put it in writing before the booking. Deposits work best for long or expensive services and for clients who have missed appointments before.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice should I ask for?
With 24 hours there is room to offer the slot to someone else without asking too much of the client. 12 hours suits short services and calendars that fill up on the day; 48 hours suits long treatments or ones that need preparation.
Can I charge a client who does not show up?
Only do it if you told them before they booked and the amount is reasonable, and put it in writing on your booking page and in the confirmation. This tool gives you a starting text, not legal advice: if in doubt, check with your adviser or your local consumer protection office.
Does BookingForNow collect the penalty or the deposit?
No. BookingForNow does not take online payments: clients pay you at your premises, including any deposit or penalty you apply. What it does do is stop clients from cancelling or changing their appointment online when there is less than the minimum notice left, which is 24 hours by default.
What should I do about late arrivals?
Set a few minutes of grace and say so in your policy. After that, the sensible thing is to shorten the service or move it, so the next person is not kept waiting. If someone is often late, talk to them about it in private.
Let clients cancel and reschedule on their own, within your notice period
With BookingForNow every booking comes with a link to change or cancel it. You start with a 14-day Pro trial, no card; if you do not pick a plan afterwards, you stay on Free at €0.
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