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How does the waitlist work?

Fully booked? That’s the goal. Your automated waitlist works in the background to keep it that way, helping you fill last-minute gaps automatically without the stress of manual outreach.

How it works

When a client tries to book on the Booksy for Customers app and sees you're full, they don't have to give up. They can join your waitlist for a specific day or a range of dates.

If a spot opens up—because of a cancellation or because you added more hours—Booksy automatically sends an SMS to those clients with a link to book. It’s first-come, first-served, so your calendar stays tight without you lifting a finger. You may have a new appointment booked before you even realise you had a cancellation.

How to use the waitlist

You can see who’s waiting for a spot directly in your calendar.

  • On mobile: Look for the orange alert at the bottom left or a notification at the top of your screen. Tap the banner to see the list. From there, you can call or message clients directly to get them on the books.
  • On web/tablet: When on the “Day” view of your calendar, if a client is waiting you’ll see an orange banner at the top of the screen. Click on it to see who’s waiting. Or, check your waitlist anytime by going to your calendar, and selecting Waitlist from the drop-down menu in the top left corner.

Note: The waitlist doesn’t "auto-hold" spots or book appointments automatically. Clients still need to book the opening once they get the text, or you can manually schedule them once you’ve confirmed their interest and availability.

Earn more using your waitlist

The waitlist isn't just for convenience—it’s for profit. Here’s how to use client demand to your advantage:

  1. Spot the demand: If you see a long waitlist for a specific day, consider opening up an extra hour or two of availability to make the most of that interest.
  2. Level up your pricing: If you notice that certain days are consistently in high demand, consider adjusting your prices for those appointment slots.
  3. Double your protection: Pair your waitlist with No-show Protection. If a client flakes last minute, you collect your cancellation fee, and the waitlist immediately pings your other clients to fill the spot. You get paid for the cancellation and the new appointment. That’s how you win.