How to Take Deposits for Appointments (Cut No-Shows)
A no-show is a paid hour you'll never get back. The simplest fix is to take a deposit when the client books, so skipping the appointment costs them something. Here's how to set that up and handle it fairly.
Quick answer
To take deposits for appointments: (1) set up a booking page that collects payment at the time of booking, (2) charge a deposit that's meaningful but reasonable — often 20–50% or a flat fee, and (3) set a clear cancellation policy. OneSol lets you take booking payments straight to your own account, so a no-show costs the client, not you.
Why deposits reduce no-shows
A booking someone paid for is one they show up to. The deposit turns a casual 'maybe' into a real commitment, and filters out the people who were never going to come.
Set up a booking with a deposit
Use a booking page that takes payment when the slot is reserved, so the deposit and the booking happen in one step. The money lands in your own account, not a middleman's.
Decide how much to charge
Enough to matter, not so much it scares people off — often 20–50% of the service, or a flat fee for smaller jobs. For high-value slots, a larger deposit protects more of your time.
Handle cancellations fairly
State plainly whether the deposit is refundable and by when. A clear, fair policy up front prevents arguments later and still protects you against last-minute drops.
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FAQ
How much deposit should I take for an appointment?
Commonly 20–50% of the service price, or a flat fee for lower-cost bookings. It should be big enough to make skipping the appointment feel like a real loss.
Where does the deposit money go?
Straight to your own connected account. With OneSol, booking payments run through your own Stripe and OneSol takes no cut.
Should deposits be refundable?
That's your call — many businesses make deposits non-refundable inside a cancellation window (say 24–48 hours) and refundable before it. Whatever you choose, state it clearly at booking.
Does taking a deposit really cut no-shows?
Yes — a client who has paid something is far more likely to show up, and those who won't commit filter themselves out before they waste your slot.