Services

Requiring payment

How to require a deposit or full payment before a booking is confirmed.

Last updated

You can require clients to pay a deposit or the full service price before their booking is confirmed. This reduces no-shows and ensures you're compensated if a client cancels at short notice. Payment requirements are configured per service.

The payment required settings panel showing the toggle and deposit amount field
Enable payment required on any service to collect a deposit at booking time.

Enabling payment required

On the service detail page, find the Payment section and toggle on Payment required. You'll then have two options:

  • Full amount — The client must pay the full service price to complete their booking
  • Deposit — The client pays a fixed deposit amount (in Rands) at booking time, with the remainder due at the appointment

Setting a deposit amount

If you choose the deposit option, enter the deposit amount in Rands. For example, if Naledi's Swedish Massage costs R650, she might require a R150 deposit to secure the booking. The client pays R150 online and the remaining R500 at the appointment.

Choose a deposit amount that:

  • Is enough to cover your costs if the client doesn't show up
  • Is not so high that it discourages genuine clients from booking
  • A deposit of 20–30% of the service price is a common starting point

Use deposits for longer or premium services

Deposits are most valuable for longer appointments where a no-show costs you significant time — for example, a 90-minute massage or a full-day event booking. For short, quick services like a 15-minute eyebrow shape, a deposit may not be necessary.

Note

Payment processing is handled by an integrated payment provider. Ensure your payment settings are configured in your account before enabling this feature. Funds are settled to your nominated bank account according to the payment provider's schedule.

Was this article helpful?

Still need help?

Our support team is happy to help you get the most out of Booklink.

Contact support