I'm not sure the "you can cancel a cc payment" still holds, at least in my experience in the US. If I want I can certainly cancel a payment, but my cc would be blocked and a new one issued, which is a real pita for a small overcharge.
I guess as a user, I'd prefer to leave a downpayment if it's a service I use semi-regularly. For example I'm ok with a restaurant because I use opentable often, or I'd be ok if my yoga studio or alike charges me once for not showing up, because I go there weekly. For a service that I was supposed to use once, I didn't show up, and I have no plans to use again, I'd certainly try to put more effort to get my money back.
So, to your idea, I'd start exploring providers that establish a recurring rapport with their clients.