Should you take deposits? When they are worth it

A deposit is a small payment up front that secures an appointment. It can protect your time, but it also adds friction.

When deposits make sense

• Long, expensive appointments: a three-hour set or a full day of grooming.
• A history of no-shows: if you lose money regularly, a deposit changes behaviour.
• High demand: when a missed slot could have been taken by someone else.
• New clients: especially from social media, who you do not know yet.

When they may not be worth it

• Short, low-cost appointments such as a quick trim.
• Regular clients who have never let you down.
• If collecting deposits takes more effort than the no-shows cost you.

Keep it fair

• Say clearly how much it is and what it covers.
• Explain what happens if they cancel in good time. Many people return it or put it against the next visit.
• Take it by a method you trust, such as a bank transfer, and keep a record.

Introduce it kindly

"To keep my diary fair, I ask for a £5 deposit that comes off your total." Most people understand.

Think about alternatives

Reminders, a clear cancellation policy and an easy way to rearrange often cut no-shows without taking money. Try those first.

A note on records

If you take payments, keep them in your accounts and think about how you store any client details.

The takeaway

Use deposits where they protect real money, and be clear and fair about them. Bookable does not take online payments yet, so deposits are by bank transfer, which you note against the booking.

Keep reading

• Client phone numbers and UK data protection, simply
• How to fill the quiet days in your diary
• Do I need a website if I already have Instagram?