Clients would be more aware of the commitment, and any cancellations or no shows would feel less surprising or punitive...From my personal experience clients respond and are more communicative when we are already HOLDING on to their money.

As for keeping a card on file the clients Freeze/ Lock their card when they miss their appointment. THAT has been the most frustrating thing of all.

I believe that Upfront deposits could provide a smoother experience overall and could prevent those unhappy moments or reviews after an appointment is missed.