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Deposit calculator How much should you ask for at booking?
Enter the price of your service and the percentage you want: instantly see the amount to collect online and the balance to pay on the day of the appointment.
To collect at booking
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Balance to pay on the day of the appointment
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General information, not legal advice. The payment provider's fees are not included in these amounts.
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Choosing your deposit wisely
- The longer or more expensive the service, the more the deposit matters: an empty slot of several hours is costly.
- Write the rule before the booking: amount, cancellation deadline and what is refunded. The client must be able to read it.
- Adjust it for each service: no deposit for a short treatment, a 30% deposit for a long session, full payment for a workshop.
Further reading: deposit or earnest money, asking for a deposit online and the cancellation policy.
Frequently asked questions
What deposit percentage should you ask for at booking?
There is no mandatory percentage. Many self-employed professionals ask for between 20% and 50% of the price, sometimes the full amount for a short service or a very popular slot. The higher the deposit, the fewer forgotten appointments, but the more you risk discouraging some clients.
What is the difference between a deposit and earnest money?
With earnest money, either party can withdraw from the contract: the client loses the earnest money paid, and if you cancel, you return double the amount. With a deposit, the contract is binding: both parties are committed. Unless your contract states otherwise, a sum paid in advance is presumed to be earnest money for a private individual client.
Can I collect a deposit automatically with Calendrio?
Yes. In each service, you choose the payment: on site, deposit or full. The client pays online by card at booking, to your own Stripe account, with no commission from Calendrio.