23 Appointment Scheduling Statistics [2026]: Online Booking Trends

Research Summary. For businesses that rely on appointments, efficient scheduling is crucial for maintaining cash flow and competitiveness. In 2026, the integration of appointment scheduling software has become imperative, as evidenced by the following statistics:

• 40% of appointments are booked after business hours.

• 67% of patients prefer online booking.

• 26% of online appointments are scheduled for same-day or next-day.

• Only 33% prefer booking appointments by phone.

• 54% of appointment bookings made during business hours are done on the go.

• 34% of online appointments are scheduled after the office has closed.

For more detailed insights, explore our segmented analyses:
Patient Opinions | Customer Opinions | Online Appointment Scheduling | Trends and Projections

Appointment Scheduling Industry Statistics

Appointment scheduling benefits businesses by not only organizing schedules for staff and clients but also fostering customer loyalty, enhancing efficiency, and boosting revenue by reducing no-shows.

• The Appointment Scheduling Software market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.1% from 2020 to 2027.

  The market, valued at $223.83 million in 2019, is expected to reach approximately $588.10 million by 2027 (an increase of over $364 million).

• Businesses report an average revenue increase of 27% when adopting online booking systems.

  Some local businesses that integrated these systems have seen revenue boosts of up to 120%.

• Clients make 46% of appointments online, while 54% are scheduled by staff.

  This shift alleviates the workload on staff, allowing them to focus on other important tasks.



• Missed medical appointments cost the U.S. healthcare system approximately $150 billion annually.

  Implementing online booking can significantly reduce the incidence of no-shows.

Patient Opinions on Appointment Scheduling

In 2026, consumers prioritize convenience. This trend extends to appointment scheduling, whether for haircuts, doctor’s visits, or financial consultations. Your online reputation is paramount.

• Nearly 9 out of 10 consumers globally read reviews before purchasing products.

  Your online reputation is crucial, as negative reviews can deter potential clients.

• 94% of individuals are more likely to choose a service provider that offers online booking.

  Without online booking options, you risk losing competitiveness.

Customer Opinions on Appointment Scheduling

Customer preferences have shifted, making online appointment scheduling the preferred method for the majority of consumers:

• 67% of patients favor online booking.

  This is a significant contrast to only 22% who opt for phone bookings.



• More than half of Millennials and Gen Xers would switch providers for the ability to book appointments online.

  As these generations age, offering online booking becomes increasingly essential.

• 41% of appointment bookings are discovered through social media.

  36% of these bookings originate from Instagram, while 22% are from Facebook. Social media remains a key platform for appointment scheduling.

• 82% of clients utilize mobile devices for booking appointments.

  Only 16% and 2% use desktops and tablets, respectively.



• 60% of salons and spas achieve up to a 60% online booking rate.

  38% of these appointments are for same-day services, and 88% of all bookings by women are for beauty treatments.

Online Appointment Scheduling Statistics

• 68% of patients prefer providers that offer online appointment booking options.

  Failing to provide online scheduling could result in losing potential clients.

• 72% of patients and 60% of healthcare professionals believe that online booking platforms encourage appointment adherence.

  This is largely due to automatic reminders sent to patients about their appointments.

• 72% of employers in the travel industry utilize online booking.

  Healthcare also shows a strong preference at 58%, while only 31% of retail employers offer this option.

Appointment Scheduling Trends and Projections

• The appointment scheduling market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 12.54% from 2020 to 2027.

  This growth reflects increasing consumer comfort with online services and booking platforms.

• Automated reminders can reduce no-shows by 29%.

  These reminders are particularly beneficial for individuals who book appointments during busy workdays.

• Sundays from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. are the peak times for appointment bookings.

  This trend underscores the necessity of online booking systems as it falls outside traditional business hours.

Appointment Scheduling FAQ

1. What is the most common method of scheduling appointments?

   The most prevalent method of scheduling appointments is computerized scheduling. The secondary method is traditional appointment book scheduling, each with distinct pros and cons.

2. Why is appointment scheduling so important?

   Appointment scheduling is crucial as it minimizes wait times and enhances customer satisfaction. Knowing who is coming allows staff to prepare for payments and materials in advance.

3. Do patients like online scheduling?

   Yes, patients prefer online scheduling. In fact, 67% of consumers favor online booking, and 80% of patients show a preference for physicians offering this option.

4. What are the advantages of an appointment system?

   The primary benefit of an appointment system is the ability for customers to book online 24/7, improving satisfaction and retention rates. Customers often switch to competitors for user-friendly online booking systems.

   Other advantages include:

   • Enhanced operational efficiency

   • Minimized human error

   • Boosted employee productivity

   Investing in an appointment system can yield high returns regarding productivity and customer relations.

5. How can patient scheduling be improved?

   Patient scheduling can be optimized by implementing appointment scheduling software, utilizing reminder systems, and maintaining a waiting list for cancellations. These steps greatly enhance scheduling efficiency.

6. What factors must be considered when setting up an appointment schedule?

   Essential factors for creating an appointment schedule include customer or patient information (name, phone number, address), the purpose of the visit, expected duration, and the professional’s availability. These elements help determine suitable appointment times.

Conclusion

When scheduling appointments over the phone, clients often experience an average wait time of up to 8 minutes, with approximately 30% of that time spent on hold. For younger generations like Millennials and Gen X, this wait is a deal-breaker.

These individuals have grown accustomed to online solutions and prefer to manage their appointments digitally. Businesses must adapt to these expectations by streamlining their appointment processes and implementing efficient online booking systems that integrate with existing scheduling methods. This transition not only enhances client satisfaction but also attracts new customers with minimal staff intervention.

Embracing online appointment scheduling will not only satisfy your current clients but also facilitate business growth. Leverage technology to uphold a positive brand image and provide convenient access for clients. The demand for convenience and instant gratification is here to stay; adapting to these needs will create a mutually beneficial scenario for your business and your clientele.

References

1. GetApp. “Online Booking Options Can Get You More Clients.” Accessed December 2, 2021.

2. PatientPop. “10 Online Scheduling Stats Healthcare Practices Should Know.” Accessed December 2, 2021.

3. BookedIn. “Online Booking: 2019 A Year in Review.” Accessed December 2, 2021.

4. Verified Market Research. “Appointment Scheduling Software Market Size and Forecast.” Accessed December 2, 2021.

5. Webflow. “How online booking systems increase revenue for local businesses.” Accessed December 2, 2021.

6. Oberlo. “10 Online Review Statistics.” Accessed December 2, 2021.

7. Zenoti. “Online Booking Trends for Salons and Spas.” Accessed on December 2, 2021.

8. Finances Online. “74 Basic Appointment Scheduling Statistics; 2020/2021 Data Analysis Market Share.” Accessed on December 2, 2021.

9. 10to8. “Infographic: Appointment scheduling trends in 2018.” Accessed December 2, 2021.

10. Healthcare Innovation. “Missed appointments cost the U.S. healthcare system $150B each year.” Accessed December 2, 2021.

Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.