Free cancellation and no-show policy template
A clear policy is the first step to fewer no-shows. Copy the template below, swap in your details, and put it on your booking page, intake form, and confirmation emails.
The template (copy and paste)
I reserve your appointment time exclusively for you and prepare specifically for our session. To respect both of our schedules, I ask for at least [24 hours] notice to cancel or reschedule.
• Cancellations or reschedules with at least [24 hours] notice: no charge.
• Cancellations with less than [24 hours] notice: [50%] of the service price.
• No-shows: [100%] of the service price (or your [deposit]).
A card is required to book. By booking, you authorize [Your Business Name] to charge the fees above to your card on file if the policy applies.
Replace the bracketed parts with your own notice window, fees, and business name.
Variations
48-hour notice (for longer or high-value sessions)
Swap "24 hours" for "48 hours." Useful for intensives, shoots, or half-day engagements where refilling the slot takes more lead time.
Deposit-based
Require a non-refundable deposit to hold the appointment, applied to the final price if the client shows. The deposit is forfeited on a late cancel or no-show.
Flat late-cancel fee
Charge a fixed amount (for example, $25) for any cancellation inside your window, regardless of service price.
Make the policy enforce itself
A policy on paper still leaves you sending awkward invoices. Sessurely shows your policy at booking, stores the client's card with Stripe, and charges late cancels and no-shows automatically — so the policy actually does its job. See how automatic no-show fees work →
Cancellation policy: common questions
How much notice should I require?+
24 hours is the most common window for solo appointment businesses; 48 hours is typical for longer or higher-value sessions. Pick what gives you a realistic chance to refill the slot.
How do I actually enforce a cancellation policy?+
A policy only works if it's collected up front and charged consistently. Sessurely shows your policy at booking, keeps a card on file, and charges late cancels and no-shows automatically so you never have to send the awkward invoice.
More on no-show protection
How no-show fees work → · How to stop no-shows → · What no-shows cost you →
Put your policy on autopilot.
Let Sessurely show your policy, hold the card, and charge no-shows for you. Founding members keep $49/mo for life.