For clients who are habitually late, what is a recommended scheduling practice?

Scheduling clients who are habitually late for the last appointment of the day is a practical approach for several reasons. This timing minimizes the disruption to your schedule, as it allows any delays they may incur to have less impact on other clients. By placing them at the end of the day, you also have the flexibility to extend their appointment duration if necessary, without rushing through their service to accommodate others.

Additionally, clients who struggle with punctuality may appreciate having a time slot that alleviates the pressure of being on time for appointments that could coincide with work or other commitments. This scheduling strategy can lead to a more relaxed environment for both the stylist and client, resulting in better service and satisfaction.

The other options may not effectively address the issue of habitual lateness. For example, scheduling them first thing in the morning could set a tone of stress if they arrive late. Asking for a deposit could deter them from booking or create an uncomfortable dynamic in the client relationship. Giving them a full hour time slot might encourage a lack of urgency and could also throw the rest of your schedule out of balance if they are consistently late, making it harder to manage subsequent appointments.