Research guides for UK service businesses
Worked models of lost income and plain-English UK law on deposits, cancellations and debt, for livery yards, dog walkers, mobile mechanics and beauty businesses.
Livery yards & equine
Livery extras: what unbilled jobs cost a UK yard, and what the law lets you do
A 12-horse yard that forgets three rug changes, two turnouts and one farrier hold a week can lose around £1,500 a year. Most livery clients are private consumers, so statutory late-payment interest does not apply — your written livery agreement is what protects you.
Dog walkers & pet sitters
Dog walking: the cost of cancellations and unpaid time, and fair UK cancellation fees
Two short-notice cancellations a week at £14 each cost a dog walker around £1,450 a year. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 you can charge a fair cancellation fee that reflects your real loss, as long as it was agreed in writing before booking.
Mobile mechanics
Mobile mechanics: the cost of free diagnostics and parts on credit, and what the law allows
Giving away two diagnostic visits a week at £75 costs a mobile mechanic around £7,800 a year. You usually cannot keep or disable a car parked on the customer's own driveway, so take the call-out fee up front and get paid on completion.
Beauty & aesthetics
Beauty businesses: what no-shows cost, and how to make a booking fee fair under UK law
Two no-shows a week at £45 cost a beauty therapist around £4,700 a year. Calling a deposit 'non-refundable' does not make it so: you may keep only what fairly covers your loss, and you must refund in full if you cancel.