No-shows are a direct revenue loss. A customer who booked but does not appear has used up a slot that another paying customer could have filled. Prepayment eliminates or significantly reduces this problem because it creates financial accountability at the moment of booking.
How much does prepayment reduce no-shows?
Businesses that require full or partial prepayment at booking typically see no-show rates drop by 60--90% compared to free-to-book slots. The reduction happens because customers have a financial stake in the appointment. When cancellation is required to recover a deposit, most customers either show up or give meaningful advance notice.
Should you require full payment or just a deposit?
Either approach works. Full prepayment is most effective at eliminating no-shows but can reduce booking volume for high-ticket services where customers want to assess fit first. A deposit (25--50% of the service value) provides strong no-show protection while keeping the booking threshold lower. For services under 500 DKK, full prepayment is usually standard.
How do customers react to prepayment requirements?
Most customers accept prepayment if it is communicated clearly and the refund or cancellation policy is stated at booking. Businesses that explain the policy upfront -- "full refund if cancelled 48 hours in advance" -- see very little resistance. The customers who object most strongly are often the same ones most likely to no-show without a deposit.
How does WayPAY handle prepayment and refunds?
WayPAY collects payment at booking via card, MobilePay, Vipps, or Swish through Stripe. The business sets a cancellation policy. If a customer cancels within the allowed window, the refund is issued automatically. Late cancellations or no-shows result in the deposit being retained according to the policy set during service configuration.