How to take deposits for appointments (without losing bookings)
Updated November 12, 2026 · Aegleres
A deposit turns a maybe into a commitment. Done well, clients barely notice it; done badly, it puts people off booking. The trick is to ask for it at the right moments, keep the rules simple, and make paying effortless.
When a deposit makes sense
For quick, low-cost services from regulars, a deposit often costs you more bookings than it saves.
- Long appointments that block hours of your day (colour, extensions, tattoos, full details, deep cleans)
- Expensive services or ones where you buy materials in advance
- New clients you haven't met yet
- Peak times — weekends, evenings, holidays
- Clients who've missed appointments before
How much to ask for
Common approaches are a fixed amount (simple to explain) or a percentage of the service price (scales with bigger bookings). Whatever you choose, it should be enough to make people think twice about not showing, and small enough that it doesn't stop them booking.
Say exactly what happens to it
Clients are much happier paying a deposit when the rules are clear up front. Answer three questions in one or two sentences:
- Does it come off the final price?
- Is it refundable if they cancel in time — and how much notice is 'in time'?
- What happens if they don't show up?
A {amount} deposit secures your appointment and comes off your final price. Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours ahead and we'll refund it; later than that, or if you don't arrive, the deposit is kept.
Collect it online, at the moment they book
Asking for a deposit by phone or bank transfer after booking adds friction and chasing. The smoothest way is to take it by card as the last step of online booking — the appointment is only confirmed once it's paid.
How Aegleres does it
- Set a deposit on any service; clients pay it by card when they book online
- The booking is only made once the deposit is paid — and if the slot was taken meanwhile, the deposit is refunded automatically
- Money goes to your own Stripe account (Stripe's processing fee plus a 0.5% Aegleres fee on card payments)
- Your cancellation policy is shown before clients pay
- Refund all or part of a deposit from Finance in one click
Questions
Are deposits refundable?
That's your choice — just make it clear before people pay. A common approach is refundable with enough notice (say 24 or 48 hours) and kept for late cancellations and no-shows.
Will asking for a deposit lose me bookings?
It can for quick, low-cost services. Use deposits where an empty slot really hurts — long, expensive or peak-time appointments, and new or unreliable clients.
Should the deposit come off the final bill?
Usually, yes. Clients see it as paying part of the price early rather than an extra charge, which makes it much easier to accept.
Try it in Aegleres
Booking, reminders, deposits and payments for appointment businesses. $19.99 a month, everything included — free for 14 days, no card.