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An appointment deposit is part of the price a client sends you ahead of time, to keep their spot. You can take one by Interac e-Transfer, Zelle, Cash App or cash, with the money going straight to you. Here’s how to ask, what to write, and what to do when one doesn’t come.
How do deposits work for appointments?
You ask for the deposit with three things: how much, how to pay you, and by when. Your client sends it to you, you check it arrived, and the booking is confirmed.
If it doesn’t arrive by your deadline, the time is open again and you can offer it to someone else.
Say in your rules whether the deposit counts toward the final price, and what happens to it if plans change. Clients should see those rules before they book.
How do I take a deposit by Interac e-Transfer?
Give your client the email address or phone number your bank uses for e-Transfer, and ask them to put their name and booking date in the message.
When it lands, check the name and the amount, then confirm the booking. If your bank offers Autodeposit, the money goes in without a security question; ask your bank how to turn it on.
Interac e-Transfer works between bank accounts in Canada. Check with your bank for its limits and any fees.
How do I take a deposit by Zelle?
Give your client the email address or US mobile number your Zelle is set up with, and the name they’ll see when they send it.
Ask them to add their name and booking date in the memo, so you can match it to the booking.
Zelle works between bank accounts in the US. Check with your bank or Zelle for its limits.
How do I take a deposit by Cash App?
Give your client your $Cashtag, and ask them to add their name and booking date in the note.
Check with Cash App for its limits and any fees.
Can I take a deposit in cash?
Yes. Take it in person, for example when you meet for a quick chat, and confirm the booking once it’s in your hand.
Give a receipt if your client asks for one.
What about PayPal, Venmo or a bank transfer?
They work the same way: say how to pay you, how much and by when, then confirm the booking once it arrives.
How do I politely ask a client for a deposit?
Keep it short and friendly, and say how much, how to pay you and by when, all in one message.
Example
When they book
Hi Sam, thanks for booking! To keep your spot on Friday at 2 pm, please send a $50 deposit by e-Transfer to the address below by Thursday at 6 pm. It counts toward the final price.
Example
A gentle reminder
Hi Sam, just a reminder that your $50 deposit for Friday is due by Thursday at 6 pm. Once it’s in, you’re all set.
Example
When the deadline has passed
Hi Sam, I didn’t get your deposit by the deadline, so I’ve opened the Friday spot again. If you still want it, let me know and I’ll check what’s free.
Example
When someone asks why
I take a deposit for every booking so the time is kept just for you. It counts toward your final price.
Is there a deposit policy I can copy?
Yes. Start from this one and change the parts that don’t fit how you work.
Example to adapt. Not legal advice. Deposit rules differ by province and state.
Example
Deposit. Your deposit holds your time and counts toward the final price.
When to pay. Please send your deposit by the deadline in your booking email. Your booking is confirmed once it arrives.
Moving or cancelling. If you need to cancel or move your booking, please tell me at least 48 hours before. With less notice, the deposit is kept.
No-shows. If you don’t come to your booking and haven’t told me, it’s a no-show and the deposit is kept.
Running late. If you’re running late, please message me. If you’re more than 15 minutes late, we may need to shorten or move your booking.
If I cancel. If I have to cancel, your deposit is refunded in full.
For custom work (if it fits). Your deposit also covers the time I spend planning your custom work, so it isn’t refunded once I’ve started on it.
What do I do when a deposit doesn’t come?
Send one friendly reminder before your deadline. If the deadline passes, tell your client the time is open again, and offer it to someone else.
Holding a spot with no deposit is how one missed booking costs you a whole slot.
How does Zunsho handle deposits?
Zunsho asks for the deposit for you, and the money goes straight to you. You tap Deposit received when it lands.
- You choose a deposit for each service, or none.
- You pick the deadline: 12 hours to 3 days.
- We email your client how much, how to pay you and by when, and a reminder before your deadline when there’s time.
- Your payment details go only to that client. Your page shows just the names, like e-Transfer or Cash.
- If you haven’t tapped Deposit received by your deadline, the time opens up again, and you’re both told.
- Card payments are coming soon.
- Your client sends you the deposit.We email them how to pay you, and by when.
- Money in? Tap Deposit received.Check your bank, or the cash in your hand.
- You both see it confirmed.Your client gets a calendar invite by email.
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