The End of No-Shows: How Smart Deposits & SMS Reminders Recover Revenue

There is a special kind of pain when a client doesn't show up. You've prepared the station, turned down other bookings, and now you're standing there watching revenue evaporate. The good news? No-shows are a solvable problem.

Why Clients Ghost

Most clients don't miss appointments out of malice; they miss them out of forgetfulness. In our busy world, a booking made 3 weeks ago is easily forgotten. Relying on their memory is a business strategy set up to fail.

The Two-Step Defense System

To eliminate no-shows, you need to add friction to cancellations and ease to attendance.

1. Automated SMS & Email Reminders

Seglo sends automated, customizable reminders at key intervals (e.g., 48 hours and 2 hours before). These aren't just "FYI" messages; they ask for confirmation.

"Hi Sarah, confirming your Cut & Color tomorrow at 2 PM at Luxe Salon. Reply YES to confirm or NO to reschedule."

When they reply YES, the appointment turns green in your calendar. If they reply NO, the AI immediately offers to reschedule them, saving the client even if you lose the slot.

2. Smart Deposits & Card Capture

The single most effective way to stop no-shows is financial commitment. Seglo allows you to:

• Capture Card on File: Require a card to hold the booking (like a hotel). No charge is made unless they ghost.
• Take Deposits: Charge 20% or $50 upfront for high-value services.

The Data: Introducing even a $10 deposit reduces no-shows by over 90%. People respect the appointment when they've paid for it.

Key Takeaways

• Remind effectively: Two-way SMS confirmations are industry standard.
• Secure the value: Deposits filter out flaky clients.
• Automate the policy: Let the system enforce fees so you don't have to be the "bad guy."