No-Show Cost Calculator
Every empty chair, bay, or time slot is revenue you already sold and didn't collect. See what no-shows actually cost your business — and what automated reminders give back.
You lose per month
You lose per year
Reminders recover per year
SBM Portal's top plan costs $199.99 CAD/month — this calculator shows most businesses recover that in prevented no-shows within the first week.
How to reduce no-shows at your business
- Automated SMS + email reminders — 24 hours and 1 hour before each appointment. This alone cuts no-shows by 30–50%.
- One-click rescheduling — customers who can't make it should reschedule, not disappear. Put a reschedule link in every reminder.
- Deposits or prepayment — a financial commitment at booking time dramatically increases show-up rates.
- A clear cancellation policy — publish it, enforce it, and waive it once for goodwill.
- Follow up on no-shows within 24 hours — a friendly message and a rebooking link recovers more customers than you'd expect.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average no-show rate for appointment businesses?
No-show rates typically range from 10% to 30% depending on the industry. Salons and wellness practices often see 10–15%, while medical clinics and home services can reach 20–30%. Automated SMS reminders consistently reduce no-shows by 30–50%.
How do automated reminders reduce no-shows?
Reminders sent 24 hours and 1 hour before an appointment keep the commitment top of mind and give customers an easy way to reschedule instead of simply not showing up. Businesses using automated SMS reminders report 30–50% fewer no-shows on average.
What else reduces no-shows besides reminders?
The most effective additional measures are requiring a deposit at booking, a clear cancellation policy with a stated fee, one-click rescheduling links in every reminder, and following up with no-shows within 24 hours to rebook them.