Booking and no-show policy pack for Dublin salons
Write the rule down once, put it everywhere the client books, and stop eating the cost of empty chairs. €14.
Who it’s for
Dublin salons, barbers and beauty rooms losing money to no-shows and same-day cancellations, especially on long colour and occasion appointments. You want a fair, clear rule that clients see before they book, not an argument at the desk.
What’s inside
- Three policy levels. Light (reminders only), Standard (card on file or deposit for long services) and Firm (deposit for all new clients and peak dates), each in plain English.
- Booking-page wording. A short version and the full policy wording to paste into Fresha, Phorest, Treatwell, Timely or your own site.
- Reminder texts. Confirmation, 48-hour reminder, 24-hour reminder, running-late and missed-appointment messages for SMS or WhatsApp.
- Reception sign. A4 sign with your policy in four lines.
- Phone script. What to say when a client rings to cancel at short notice, and when someone disputes a kept deposit.
- No-show log. Track client, service, value and outcome so you can see what no-shows really cost.
- Peak-date rules. Debs, Christmas, Communion and wedding Saturdays.
- Consumer-rights note. What to check so your policy is clear and fair, with links to the CCPC.
How you use it
- Pick Light, Standard or Firm.
- Fill your numbers into the policy (notice period, deposit amount).
- Paste the booking-page text into your booking app.
- Load the reminder texts.
- Print the reception sign and start the no-show log.
What it won’t do
- It doesn’t set up deposits in your booking app for you.
- It won’t make every client turn up.
- It isn’t legal advice. If a dispute gets serious, check ccpc.ie or speak to a solicitor.
- It doesn’t contain any guaranteed-enforceable contract terms.
Worked example: what no-shows cost a three-chair salon in Rathmines
Eight weeks of the no-show log, before and after switching from Light to Standard (deposit on services over 90 minutes).
| Measure | 8 weeks before | 8 weeks after |
|---|---|---|
| No-shows | 14 | 5 |
| Late cancels (under 24h) | 11 | 7 |
| Value of empty slots | €1,610 | €640 |
| Deposits kept | €0 | €150 |
| Net cost to the salon | €1,610 | €490 |
The log sheet adds up the value and deposits for you in the Word table or on paper.
Official sources last checked: 7 October 2026. Rules and rates change. Check the current guidance before you rely on anything:
- Citizens Information: employment rights
- Workplace Relations Commission
- Revenue: VAT rates
- Citizens Information: public holidays
- Data Protection Commission
- CCPC: consumer rights
Dublin Salon Desk Kit sells templates. We’re not Revenue, the WRC, the CCPC, a Local Enterprise Office or a regulated adviser.