Cancellation policy templates clients actually accept

A cancellation policy is not about punishing clients — it's about protecting the slot another client wanted. The trick is writing it so it reads as fair, and enforcing it with software instead of awkward conversations.

Template 1 — Soft (new businesses)

'Life happens! You can reschedule or cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your appointment. Same-day changes: just message us.' Use this while you build your book — goodwill matters more than the occasional gap.

Template 2 — Standard (most salons)

'Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit. Later cancellations and no-shows may require a deposit for future bookings.' Firm, but with an escape hatch you control.

Template 3 — Strict (high-demand, long treatments)

'A deposit secures your appointment. Cancel 48+ hours ahead for a full refund; within 48 hours the deposit is retained.' Use for colour corrections, full sets, tattoo sessions.

Enforcement without conflict

The policy should live in the booking flow — shown before checkout, enforced by the self-service link's cutoff window. When software says 'the cancellation window has passed', nobody argues with you personally.

Slotora enforces your cutoff automatically and tracks no-shows per client, so the pattern is visible before it becomes a habit.