Announcing a new deposit or no-show policy

Timely’s booking-policy guide suggests posting the policy on your website, announcing it on social, email or SMS, and telling regulars in person when they rebook. It even suggests “blaming the software” if the conversation feels awkward (Timely guide, PDF).

Text message (existing clients)

Hi [Name], it’s [Stylist] at [Salon]. From [date], online bookings need a [X%] deposit that comes off your bill on the day. Change with [48]h notice and it moves with you. Thank you for always showing up for us. Reply STOP to opt out.

Email

Subject: A small change to booking at [Salon] Hi [Name], From [date] we’ll take a [X%] deposit when you book. It comes straight off your total, and if you need to move your appointment with at least [48] hours’ notice, it moves with you. Why? Last-minute gaps are time we can’t give to someone on the waitlist. This keeps prices fair for everyone. Full policy: [link]. Any questions, just reply. [Name]

Instagram / Facebook post

📅 Booking update: from [date], appointments are secured with a [X%] deposit, taken off your service on the day. Plans change? Give us [48]h and your deposit moves with you. Policy in bio. Thank you for supporting a small business 💛

In the chair

“Quick heads-up before you rebook: from [date] the system takes a small deposit when you book. It comes off the bill, and if you need to move with two days’ notice it just moves with you. It’s mostly for the no-shows, not clients like you.”

When someone pushes back

“I totally get it. The deposit isn’t extra, it comes off your service. It just protects the slot so I can offer it to someone else if plans change.”

Only text clients who gave you their number, and include opt-out wording. See SMS compliance.

Templates, not legal advice. Fee levels are examples; pick your own and check local consumer and card-network rules. Platform steps were checked against each vendor’s help pages on 2026-10-16, not run in a live account; menus change.