How to Collect Deposits Online When Clients Book
Require upfront deposits during booking to secure commitments, reduce no-shows, and improve cash flow for your service business.
Start the GuideHow to Collect Deposits Online When Clients Book This step-by-step guide covers everything you need — from prerequisites to pro tips — so you can complete the process in 20 minutes or less. Browse all how-to guides.
Before You Start
Make sure you have the following ready:
- A Stripe or Square account
- Deposit amounts decided per service
Step-by-Step Guide
6 steps · 20 minutes
Connect your payment processor
Link your Stripe or Square account to SchedulingKit. This takes under two minutes and requires no coding.
Set deposit rules per service
Choose a flat amount or percentage for each service. High-value services typically require 20-50% upfront.
Start with a lower deposit percentage and increase if no-shows persist.
Configure refund and cancellation terms
Define whether deposits are fully refundable, partially refundable, or non-refundable based on cancellation timing.
Display deposit info on the booking page
Make deposit amounts and refund terms visible before checkout so clients know what to expect.
Set up deposit receipts
Enable automatic receipt emails that show the amount charged, remaining balance, and appointment details.
Handle remaining balances
Choose whether to collect the remaining balance at the appointment, send an invoice, or charge the card on file automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What payment methods are supported?
All major credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay through Stripe or Square.
Can I require a deposit for some services but not others?
Yes. Deposit settings are per-service, so you can require deposits only for high-value or high-no-show services.
Are deposits automatically applied to the final invoice?
Yes. The deposit is deducted from the total, and clients only pay the remaining balance.
How do refunds work if a client cancels within the policy window?
Refunds are processed automatically back to the original payment method within 5-10 business days based on your cancellation rules.
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Set Up Payment Collection
Accept full payments, deposits, or tips at the time of booking so you get paid before clients walk through the door.
Create a Cancellation Policy
Draft and enforce a clear cancellation policy that reduces no-shows, sets client expectations, and protects your revenue.
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