Deposit system

Deposit means the customer pays an amount up front when booking. Reduces no-show rate, adds commitment.

Where to configure

Settings → Payments → Policy (or service-level on a specific service).

Deposit types

Fixed amount

E.g., 5,000 Ft for any booking. Customer pays this regardless of service price.

Percentage

E.g., 30% of total. 20k Ft service → 6k deposit.

Remainder paid at salon.

Refund rules

Deposit can be:

• Refundable: cancel outside the rule window, get it back
• Partial refund: tiered, e.g., 7 days 100%, 3 days 50%, 0% within
• Non-refundable: clear booking confirmation, no refund on cancel

Deposit collection method

Online (booking page)

Customer pays at booking via Stripe or Barion. If they don't pay, the booking doesn't go through (or stays "Awaiting confirmation", see: Awaiting confirmation).

In-person

Salon asks customer to pay on the spot. Manually log the deposit in the sale.

When to use

High-value service

30k+ services warrant a deposit: customer commits, salon's time risk reduced.

Long prep-time service

Booking blocks a 90-min slot. Deposit covers schedule risk.

New customer

First-time bookers have higher no-show rate. Deposit is a filter.

Peak season

Christmas, seasonal peaks. Deposits regulate that only serious customers book.

Use case scenarios

Scenario 1: Laser treatment

"Laser hair removal full leg" 25k Ft. 50% deposit rule. Customer pays 12.5k online at booking. On arrival pays remaining 12.5k.

Scenario 2: Peak-season only

Mid-December through January 6: 5k fixed deposit on all services. Tightens at peak, off in normal months.

Scenario 3: New-customer deposit, regular none

New-customer filter: first 3 visits 30% deposit, after that none. Customer database filter auto-allows.

Scenario 4: 100% deposit for premium

A 50k Ft spa package paid full upfront. Non-refundable within 24 hours. Customer doesn't waver.

Scenario 5: Flexible refund

Salon does refunds flexibly: 7 days 100%, 3 days 50%, 24 hours 0%. Customer sees this at booking, decides.

Tips

• Fixed vs percentage: percentage is fairer (bigger service, bigger deposit). Fixed is simpler for customers.
• Deposit shouldn't kill bookings: too high, customer goes elsewhere. 20-50% typical range.
• Non-refundable deposit is legal risk: Hungarian consumer law is strict. Consult lawyer for terms.
• Online deposit needs gateway: Stripe or Barion. See: Gateways.
• Communicate with customers: deposit policy clear on booking page and confirmation email.