As a lash artist, one of the most frustrating situations we face is when clients show up late to their appointments.

It's tempting to implement late fees - after all, our time is valuable, right?

I understand why lash artists consider charging late fees. They're trying to solve a real problem - getting chronically late clients to respect their time.

When a client shows up late, it means we can't do our best work. And depending on how our schedule is structured, one late client can create a domino effect, pushing all remaining appointments back.

But before you add that policy to your business, let me share why I believe late fees do more harm than good in the lash industry.

But first, let me tell you a story from a few years ago that completely changed how I think about client lateness.

A few years ago, a new client showed up an hour late for her two-hour appointment. When she finally arrived, she spent another 10 minutes in the bathroom before making her way to my lash bed.

I had just 45 minutes left in her scheduled time slot.

Now, I could have charged her a late fee. I could have lectured her about respecting my time. Instead, I did what any professional would do - I gave her the absolute best service possible within the remaining time.

Two weeks later, she texted me, unhappy with her lashes. That's when I simply reminded her that due to arriving an hour and fifteen minutes late for a two-hour service, I wasn't able to give her the full experience she'd booked.

She never booked again - and that's okay. 

Why Late Fees Send the Wrong Message 

Think about what charging late fees really says to your clients.

When you implement late fees, you're telling clients that you care more about punishment than understanding.

You're showing them that you see them as dollar signs rather than people.

And most importantly, you're willing to start your service relationship with negativity. 

Understanding Client Lateness

Life happens. Sometimes clients run late because they're stuck in unexpected traffic.

Their babysitter might have shown up late, or maybe they had an emergency at work.

Yes, some people are chronically late - we all know someone like that!

But starting your relationship by charging them extra creates an energy that affects everything. From how relaxed they feel during the service to how they perceive your work.

 Setting Professional Boundaries

Instead of charging fees, I've found success with a much simpler approach: clear boundaries.

Every service in my business has a set start and end time. I make this crystal clear during booking and in appointment reminders.

If a client shows up late, their service ends at the originally scheduled time. No exceptions.

This approach maintains professionalism and respects everyone's time - including my next client's.

When a client is late and receives a shorter service, they learn through experience that less time means less amazing results. No fees needed to teach this lesson.

They either adjust their behavior and start showing up on time, or they find another lash artist who might be a better fit for their scheduling style. 

The True Cost to Your Business

Charging late fees might feel like you're protecting your business, but consider what it actually costs you:

Your word-of-mouth reputation takes a hit.

You create negative energy in your lash room.

Stressed clients won't relax enough for a good set.

Remember: The most successful lash artists aren't the ones with the strictest policies - they're the ones who create an experience clients want to return to. 

A Better Solution: The Consultation Approach

Shortly after my experience with the super-late client, I made an important change to my business: I stopped allowing new clients to book premium lash services right away.

Instead, they start with a 30-minute paid consultation. This serves multiple purposes.

It lets us get to know each other and ensures we're a good fit.

Most importantly, it significantly reduces the chance of lateness since we've already established a professional relationship.

By the time they book their actual service, they understand and respect my time and process.

I recently broke down my entire consultation process - from pricing to structure to conversion - in a Lash Masters Monthly live training.

If you'd like to learn more about how to structure a consultation so you fill your books with only the highest quality clients along with other tips and tricks to help you master your lash application and grow your lash business, you should join the Lash Masters Monthly.

Enrollment only opens twice a year so get on the waitlist to be notified when enrollment opens again. 

Creating Success Through Clear Communication

The most effective way to handle lateness is through clear communication and consistent boundaries.

Send detailed appointment reminders with start and end times.

Educate clients about how timing affects their results.

Be consistent with your scheduling boundaries.

When clients learn through experience rather than fees and penalties, they're more likely to change their behavior.

As lash artists, we're in the business of making people feel beautiful and confident.

Your time is valuable, but so is your professional reputation. Choose policies that reflect both.