Walk-ins and appointments: how barbers can run both

Walk-ins fill the gaps and bring new faces. Appointments give you a predictable day. You can have both.

Decide how much of each

A simple split works for many barbers. For example, appointments only before lunch and a mix after, or two bookable days and the rest walk-in. Choose what suits your customers and your area.

Block time for walk-ins

Leave windows in your day where nobody can book online. If those times show as unavailable, you will not get a booking on top of a queue.

Add walk-ins to the diary

When someone walks in, put them in your calendar straight away. That blocks the time, so online clients do not book over them.

Use a clear sign

"Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcome when I am free, scan to book." Tell people where they stand before they ask.

Handle the wait fairly

For walk-ins, give an honest estimate and offer to book them in for next time if the wait is long. Many will take the appointment.

Protect your regulars

If your regulars book ahead, they are never stuck behind a queue. That keeps them loyal and your income steady.

Review monthly

Notice which hours are busy with walk-ins and which are quiet, and adjust your split.

The takeaway

Mix the two on purpose, with bookable blocks and open blocks. In Bookable you can add a walk-in as a booking in seconds, so your calendar always shows what is taken.

Keep reading

• How to put your prices up without losing clients
• Your first week with a booking link: a simple checklist
• How to price your services and show how long they take