I am getting so frustrated with time wasters at the moment. Yesterday I booked in nine clients and only three showed up.

At the moment I only book two clients for the same time if they have messed me around in the past. But I'm considering multi-booking anyone other than my reliable regulars, if I have two people wanting the same time slot.

 how do you girls deal with booking two clients for the same time or overlapping booking times, and how much problem has this caused? I work from home mostly so I'm keen to avoid drama/angry clients. And I guess there is a risk of bad reviews. The time wasters and the people who constantly change their booking time are getting so annoying and costing me money! Any thoughts appreciated

Thanks yeah, deposits would solve the issue but I don't feel able to do it. I think I would loose too much buissness and don't want to give out my name (my bank details are in a male name - I'm trans).

I do ask for confirmation calls, helps a bit.

I never double book, there’s no need. It’s your confirmation that needs tightening up.

If someone phones at 9am and I book them in for 11am then they have to confirm at 10am and again when they are leaving.

I don’t take afternoon appointments until 2pm. I’m very strict about confirmations and don’t have a problem (apart from the odd plonker about twice a year who says he’s on his way but isn’t but that’s unavoidable).

I only take bookings on the day. Advance bookings require a deposit.

If they don’t confirm on time I send a cancellation text and the genuine ones get straight back to me. If clients are even one minute late on arrival, I call them.

When they know you are strict they are much less likely to mess you around.

Also, are you screening properly? Clients have to tell me which option from my services they want or they are redirected to my profile.

If you booking them in a day in advance you will get multiple no shows. It just doesn’t work (in my vast experience) unless you take a deposit, which you’ve stated you will not do.

If you don’t take control of screening, confirming and chasing those who don’t you will have a lot of no shows.

I also run a reserve list. If one client doesn’t confirm then I often have a standby.

You’ve guessed I’ve got a no nonsense approach to my booking system but I had to learn the hard way.

Sometimes even people that confirm a second time could not turn up. If it is happening a lot and you are losing work then do what you have to do.

I recently double booked a few in which i do not like doing but needs must when some creeps deliberately try to mess you around and cancel last minute or do not show even when they confirmed.

I offered someone a discount when 2 did turn up not far apart and explained the situation. He came back later and was happy with his discount.

If i think someone might not show or cancel i will now book someone else in. Also if i see someone has reports for not showing or cancelling i will take another booking and if they do show up i don't feel bad as they have messed around other workers so it's justified.

I started doing this recently and has worked out much better financially. First come first served.

Thanks all, I'll get stricter with the confirmation requirements. Super helpful!