How to reduce no-shows.
Most no-shows can be prevented. The rest can be paid. Here is how, and how Guacamole does both automatically.
Nothing to pay to start. We earn only when money comes back to you.
The appointment is gone. The fee never comes.
What no-shows cost appointment businesses.
+11 pts
more people attend with SMS reminders (67.8% to 78.6%)1
25–50%
deposits are one suggested way to secure a booking2
Forgetting
is one of the main reasons appointments are missed3
Why most businesses stop at step 3.
Writing a policy is easy. Charging a client is the part nobody wants to do, so the policy never gets used.
Guacamole does the asking. You stay the one they like.
- 1Remind people at the right moment.
- 2Make rescheduling easier than not showing up.
- 3Have a clear policy, accepted at booking.
- 4Secure the booking with a card, and charge it when the policy applies.
Prevent. Protect. Recover. Refill.
How it works.
Prevent
Reminders and one-tap rescheduling stop most no-shows.
Protect
Every booking is secured with a card. Nothing is charged upfront.
Recover
The no-shows that still happen are paid, automatically.
Refill
Cancelled slots are offered to clients who want them sooner.
What no-shows cost your business.
Set to typical numbers for appointment businesses. Change them to yours.
Your no-show policy, ready to use.
Copy it, change the bracketed numbers, and post it. Then let Guacamole make sure it actually gets paid.
Cancellation and No-Show Policy Your appointment is reserved just for you. Please give at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. • 24+ hours' notice: no charge. • Less than 24 hours' notice: $[40]. • No-show: $[40] (or the full price of the service). A card on file secures your booking and is only charged under this policy. In an emergency, contact us and we'll waive the fee.
Charge it the right way.
The rules.
Consent first
Only charge fees clients agreed to in advance. Guacamole records that agreement.
Opt-in reminders
Send text reminders only to people who opted in, with an easy way to opt out.3
Industry rules
Healthcare and medical-grade services can have extra rules. See the industry pages.
What it looks like for appointment businesses.
Example figures at an average price of $100. Prevented and refilled appointments are revenue you keep that would otherwise be lost.
In short
To reduce no-shows: send reminders, make rescheduling easy, keep a clear cancellation policy that clients accept at booking, and secure appointments with a card. Guacamole automates all four, collects the fee when a no-show still happens, and refills cancelled slots.
Questions appointment businesses ask
What is the best way to reduce no-shows?
Combine reminders, easy rescheduling, a clear policy accepted at booking, and a card on file. Each one closes a different gap.
Do reminders really work?
Yes. A Cochrane review summary found attendance rose from 67.8% to 78.6% with SMS reminders.
Should I take deposits?
Deposits work but add friction at booking. A card on file, charged only for no-shows, protects you without charging upfront.
Which industries is this for?
Any business that sells time: dental, medical, private practices, salons, med spas, trainers, vets and more.
What does it cost?
Free to start, no contract. See the pricing page.