Adding a client to your waitlist
Friendly waitlist confirmation:
Hi [Name]! I'm fully booked right now, but I'd love to add you to my waitlist. When a spot opens up that matches what you're looking for, I'll reach out straight away. I can't guarantee timing, but spots do open regularly. Is there a day/time that works best for you? 💅
Professional waitlist confirmation:
Hi [Name], thank you for your interest! I'm currently fully booked, but I'm happy to add you to my waitlist. I'll contact you as soon as a suitable appointment becomes available. If you have preferred days or a rough timeframe, please let me know. [Your name]
Notifying a client of an opening
Opening message — quick response required:
Hi [Name]! A spot has just opened up — I have availability on [day] at [time] for a [service]. Would this work for you? If you'd like it, please let me know by [time/date] and I'll get you booked in. If I don't hear back, I'll offer it to the next person on the list. 💅
Shorter opening message:
Hi [Name]! Spot opened — [day] at [time]. Yours if you want it! Just reply by [time]. 💅
Checking in when no space has opened
If a client is on the waitlist and hasn't heard from you in a while:
Hi [Name], just checking in — you're still on my waitlist and I haven't forgotten about you! It's been a busy period. I'll be in touch as soon as something opens up. Are you still looking for a [service] appointment, and is your timing still flexible? 💕
Waitlist status update (when you know timing):
Hi [Name], quick update — I'm anticipating some availability opening up in [timeframe, e.g. the next 2–3 weeks]. I'll reach out as soon as a spot opens. Are you still interested?
Closing the waitlist
When you need to stop accepting waitlist requests:
Hi [Name], I'm sorry — I'm currently so fully booked that I've had to close my waitlist as I can't guarantee spots in a reasonable timeframe. I'd hate to keep you waiting indefinitely. I'll post on Instagram when I open new availability. Thank you so much for your interest. 💕
Instagram Story for closing waitlist:
⚠️ Waitlist closed
I'm so overwhelmed by the love — thank you! I've had to close my waitlist as I can't take on any more requests right now.
Follow for availability updates 💅
Waitlist Instagram post templates
Opening a waitlist:
📋 Waitlist open
I'm fully booked but opening a waitlist! If you've been wanting to get in, drop a 💅 below or DM me with your preferred service and availability. I'll be in touch when a spot opens. 🤍
Announcing new availability:
📅 New availability just dropped!
A few slots have opened up for [month]. If you're on my waitlist, check your messages — if not, book now via link in bio before they're gone. 💕
Ready to run your nail business more professionally?
Manage bookings, deposits and payments from one customisable Nelsy booking page.
Start free →Frequently asked questions
How should I manage my waitlist practically?
Keep a simple note or spreadsheet: client name, contact, service requested, preferred days/times. When a slot opens, check who's first on the waitlist for that service/time combination and reach out. First in, first offered — unless someone repeatedly can't make it (then move them down).
How long should I give a client to respond to an opening?
Give at least a few hours — ideally 24 hours if the slot is not urgent. If you don't hear back within that window, move to the next person. State the response deadline in your message so it's clear.
