3 Waitlist Strategies For Barbers
Waitlist strategies fill your schedule. This is separate from handling no shows, but still related. So, what is a waitlist? When a barber’s schedule is full, clients who are looking to book an appointment will have the option to put their name on the waitlist. If a client misses their appointment (No Call No Show or Late Cancelation), the barber contacts the waitlist and offers the open appointment time.
It’s pretty simple logic. Barbers with a waitlist strategy have a higher chance to replace a no show. Barbers without a waitlist strategy have a lower chance. Not to mention, barbers with a waitlist strategy and charge a no show fee…can earn double. They collect the no show fee and book another client from the waitlist.
Let’s identify 3 Waitlist Strategies.
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1 - Use a Notebook or Phone Note
In a note on your phone or a notebook, create your waitlist through a numbered list. When a client walks in or contacts you via call or text, write down the client’s name, phone number and/or email. There should be 2 waitlists: the barber and the barbershop. The barber should first check their waitlist. If their personal waitlist is empty, then they should check the barbershop’s waitlist.
The old school method is very manual but does work. You’ll be the one to call or text the client when an opening comes up.
2 - Use a Booking Platform
Your booking app manages it for you. You’ll direct all clients to add themselves to the waitlist on the booking app. If a client walks in, have them scan a QR code, sign up on an iPad that is already linked to your booking site or add them yourself. If a client calls or texts, direct them online.
When clients text for appointment availability, many barbers use text templates saved in a note to quickly copy and paste. The keystroke feature on the iPhone is a very efficient method as well. If you really want to save time, find a booking app that automatically notifies the waitlist when an opening comes up.
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3 - Use Instagram Stories
If you don’t want to have a waitlist, you need an alternative strategy. When there is a late cancellation, many try to fill that spot by posting a story on Instagram. This can be a great way to quickly reach a large audience. When you post, I recommend including your booking link in the story.
Every barber needs a waitlist strategy. It is a great way to serve your clients who didn’t plan ahead and are trying to squeeze in. It’s better to give your client an opportunity to get an appointment with you, than to just pass them off to another barbershop. You never know…if they go to another shop, they might not come back.
Written by Matthew Mendoza
Matthew Mendoza is a licensed barber, educator and consultant. He hosts the podcast Beyond Barber School which provides emerging barbers with the critical guidance needed to start their business. In addition, he writes a newsletter called theGuideline about the latest trends in the barber industry.
