No-show cost calculator
How much do no-shows and last-minute cancels really cost you? Put in your numbers and see.
No-shows cost you about
$600 / month
Per year
$7,200
Hours lost per year
144
That's like working 3.2 weeks a year for free.
About 12 hours a month, counting 3 hours per visit for this type of business. That is 6% of your appointments.
3 simple ways to cut no-shows
1. Ask the key questions before you say yes
Confirm the day, time, address, what the job includes, and the price before you accept. A client who has answered a few questions has already put in a little effort, and is less likely to forget.
2. Send a reminder the day before
Many no-shows are people who simply forgot. A short note the day before, with the time and address, gives them a chance to show up, or to cancel in time for you to fill the slot.
3. Have a simple no-show policy
Write it down, share it before the first visit, and stick to it. Clients take your time more seriously when you do. Use the free template below.
Change the parts in [brackets] to fit your business.
Questions
How do I work out what no-shows cost my business?
Multiply your average appointment price by the number of no-shows and last-minute cancels you get in a month. That is your monthly loss. Multiply it by 12 to see the year. Then divide the yearly loss by what you earn in a normal week to see how many weeks you worked for free.
What is a fair no-show fee?
Many small service businesses charge between 25% and 100% of the service price for a no-show or a cancel with less than 24 hours notice. Pick an amount you will actually enforce, write it down, and share it with every client before their first visit.
How can I cut down on no-shows?
Three simple habits help most: ask the key questions (day, time, address, what is included, price) before you say yes, send a reminder the day before, and have a short written no-show policy that clients see up front.
Is this calculator free? Do you save my numbers?
Yes, it is free and there is no sign-up. The numbers you type stay in your browser and are not saved.
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