Why 60% of Wellness Bookings Happen After Hours
Your spa closes at 7 PM. Your clients are just getting home from work.
It's 9 PM. Sarah just finished a stressful day.
Her neck hurts, she's exhausted, and she finally has a quiet moment to book that massage she's been thinking about.
She calls your spa. Nobody answers.
She books with your competitor who has online booking.
The After-Hours Booking Reality
Research consistently shows that 55-65% of wellness and spa inquiries happen outside traditional business hours.
When your clients are calling:
Why Wellness Clients Book After Hours
1They're Finally Relaxed Enough to Think About Wellness
During the workday, people are stressed and busy. Ironically, that's when they most need wellness services but are least able to book them.
Evening hours are when they can breathe and prioritize self-care.
2Pain and Stress Don't Follow Business Hours
Back pain that started at 3 PM becomes unbearable by 8 PM. Stress headaches peak after work.
The urgency to book happens when you're closed.
3Research Happens at Night
People browse Instagram, read reviews, and compare wellness services while unwinding at home.
When they find your spa, they want to book immediately — before they forget.
4Lunch Breaks Are Too Short
Most people can't spend 10 minutes on hold during their 30-minute lunch break.
They'll "call later" — and later is 7 PM.
The Revenue You're Losing
Calculation for a small wellness practice:
Solutions for After-Hours Booking
Solution 1: Online Booking
Essential for every business
Every wellness business needs online booking. Platforms like Mindbody, Vagaro, and Acuity let clients self-book 24/7.
Limitation: 30-40% of wellness clients prefer calling — especially for first appointments, complex bookings, or when they have questions.
Solution 2: AI ReceptionistRecommended
24/7 phone coverage
AI receptionists answer calls 24/7, handling:
- ✓Appointment booking and scheduling
- ✓Service and pricing questions
- ✓Availability checks
- ✓Basic intake questions
- ✓Directions and parking information
Cost: $25-50/month — far less than extending front desk hours.
Solution 3: Extended Front Desk Hours
Expensive option
Hiring staff for evening hours (6-9 PM):
- •$15-20/hour × 3 hours × 5 days = $225-300/week
- •Plus benefits, training, management time
- •Still doesn't cover weekends or late night
Solution 4: Callback System
Partial solution
"Leave a message and we'll call back tomorrow."
Problem: 85% of callers won't leave voicemails. Those who do may book elsewhere before you call back.
The Winning Combination
The most successful wellness businesses use:
- 1.Online booking — For clients who prefer self-service
- 2.AI receptionist — For clients who prefer calling
- 3.Daytime staff — For complex inquiries and in-person service
This covers 100% of booking preferences, 24/7.
Quick Wins to Implement Today
Count how many you get weekly — each is a missed opportunity
If you don't have it, this is priority #1
At minimum, direct callers to online booking
Most offer free trials — test it for a week
Measure before/after to see impact
The Opportunity Your Competitors Are Missing
Most wellness businesses still rely on daytime-only phone coverage.
By capturing after-hours bookings, you gain a significant competitive advantage:
- ✓Book clients who can't reach competitors
- ✓Appear more professional and accessible
- ✓Build a reputation for convenience
- ✓Fill more appointment slots
Capture Every After-Hours Booking
AI receptionist answers calls 24/7 — so you never miss a wellness booking.
Learn More for Wellness Businesses