Punch cards and treatment courses – how to sell ahead and keep clients
24 October 2026
A punch card (or "course") is one of the simplest ways to strengthen a business: the client pays ahead for several treatments, sessions or classes, and gets a better price or a free treatment in return. For the business it's cash in hand and a client who returns; for the client – savings and a commitment that helps them keep going.
Who it suits
- Treatments that work as a course: facials, hair removal, massage, physiotherapy
- Training and classes: fitness, pilates, yoga
- A regular service: a weekly blow-dry, a manicure every two weeks
How to price it
The clearest way is "10 for the price of 9" or "every sixth treatment free". The client sees the saving immediately, and you don't need to calculate percentages. The perk should be meaningful enough to convince – but not one you lose money on.
What to put in the terms
- Validity: until when the card can be used (for example, a year)
- Whether it can be passed to someone else
- What happens on a no-show – whether the treatment counts as used
- Whether unused treatments can be refunded
Terms written up front save misunderstandings later – and clients appreciate clarity.
How to track it without a mess
Paper cards get lost, and a spreadsheet doesn't stay up to date. It's best when punching happens in the system where you manage appointments, and the client can see how many treatments are left – then there's nothing to argue about.
Remind the client to use it
A client who bought a card and doesn't use it isn't happy – even though they paid. A gentle reminder ("You have 4 treatments left – shall we book the next one?") keeps the relationship and the usage going.
How it works in Lumi
- Create a card type: number of entries, price, free treatments and validity
- Punch in one tap, and the SMS to the client shows how many are left
- The client has a personal link to the card and can see its status any time
- Gift vouchers with a balance that updates with every use