Reference
Booking & Payments Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the booking and payment terms used by nail technicians, hairdressers, barbers, lash technicians, massage therapists, tattoo artists, and other appointment-based businesses.
Booking Deposit
An upfront payment collected at the time of booking to secure an appointment — protects businesses from no-shows and late cancellations.
No-Show Protection
The process of reducing financial loss from customers who book an appointment and don't show up — usually achieved through upfront payment.
Booking Website
A public-facing page where customers can view services, check availability, book an appointment, and pay — without contacting the business directly.
Cancellation Window
The minimum notice period a customer must give to cancel an appointment before a penalty, fee, or deposit forfeit applies.
Cancellation Policy
The rules a business sets for how much notice a customer must give to cancel an appointment and whether a refund or credit applies.
No-Show Policy
Rules that define what happens when a customer fails to attend a booked appointment without giving adequate advance notice.
Booking Link
A shareable URL that takes a customer directly to a business's booking page to view available times and book an appointment without back-and-forth.
Credit Pack
A bundle of appointment credits purchased upfront — customers use credits automatically when booking, and the business can track what's remaining.
Online Booking
The process by which customers book appointments through a digital system rather than by messaging, calling, or visiting a business in person.
Payment Link
A URL that takes a customer to a payment page where they can pay for an appointment or pack online, without the business issuing a manual invoice.
Guides by business type
See how these concepts apply to your specific business.