Handle No-Shows

No-shows occur when clients book a class but don't attend. Learn how to track and manage them effectively.

What is a No-Show?

A no-show happens when:

Client has a confirmed booking
Class time has passed
Client didn't attend or cancel in time
Spot couldn't be filled from waitlist

Marking a No-Show

After Class Ends

Go to Dashboard or Bookings
Find the class that just ended
Review the roster
For clients who didn't attend:
- Click their name
- Select Mark as No-Show
Add optional note

Automatic No-Show Marking

StudioBase can automatically mark no-shows:

30 minutes after class ends
Only for clients not checked in
Enable in Settings > Bookings

No-Show Policies

Set your studio's policy in Settings > Penalties:

No Penalty

Track no-shows for your records
No client consequences

Forfeit Class Credit

Package or membership class is used
Client doesn't get credit back

Late Cancel Fee

Charge a fee for no-shows
Automatically billed to payment method

Combination

Forfeit class + late fee
Most strict policy

Viewing No-Show History

Track client no-show patterns:

Go to Clients
Click View Profile
See no-show count in the stats cards at the top of the profile

Dealing with Frequent No-Shows

For clients with multiple no-shows:

Send a Friendly Reminder
- Email about your cancellation policy
- Encourage advanced cancellations
Personal Conversation
- Discuss attendance concerns
- Find out if there are barriers
Enforce Policies
- Apply late fees if set
- Consider limiting bookings
Offer Solutions
- Suggest different class times
- Recommend smaller packages

Best Practices

Clear Policy: Post cancellation deadlines clearly
Reminders: Send 24-hour class reminders
Grace Period: Consider 1-2 grace no-shows for new clients
Communication: Reach out after first no-show
Consistency: Apply policies fairly to all clients

Reducing No-Shows

Automated Reminders

Enable 24-hour class reminders
Send SMS reminders (if enabled)

Easy Cancellation

Make cancellation simple
Allow self-service cancellations

Waitlist Management

Fill spots from waitlist automatically
Notify waitlist clients of openings

Build Community

Engaged clients show up more
Foster studio relationships

Refunds and Credits

No-Show Refunds

Generally not given for no-shows
Exceptions at your discretion

Converting to Credit

Consider offering class credit
Only for extenuating circumstances
Document in client notes

Need Help?

Contact support@studiobase.org for no-show policy guidance.