Advice on Managing Deposits for Square Appointments

[FeelPretty]

Hi everyone! I recently switched my Square Appointments policy from requiring a card on file for no-call/no-shows to charging a $25 non-refundable deposit for new client bookings.

I’d love to hear from those who have experience with this: 

How is the deposit applied during the checkout process?

Are there any tools in Square that let me test the process before having an actual booking?

Have you noticed a difference in client behavior after implementing this change?

I’m hoping to make this transition as smooth as possible and appreciate any advice you can share.

[#2]

Hey @FeelPretty ,

I don’t personally require deposits for new clients because, for me, it feels like extra work to track and manage. But I totally get why you’re making the switch!

A couple of things that might help:

1. Applying the Deposit – Square should automatically deduct the deposit from the total at checkout. You can also manually apply it if needed.
2. Testing the Process – You can create a test booking using your own info to see how it flows before rolling it out to clients.

Hope that helps a little, and I’d love to hear how it goes for you! 😊

[maxpete]

@FeelPretty Great question!

Tagging in a few folks to potentially weigh in with their advice! @Stacelyn24 and @Doran!

[Stacelyn24]

Hey @FeelPretty ,

I don’t personally require deposits for new clients because, for me, it feels like extra work to track and manage. But I totally get why you’re making the switch!

A couple of things that might help:

1. Applying the Deposit – Square should automatically deduct the deposit from the total at checkout. You can also manually apply it if needed.
2. Testing the Process – You can create a test booking using your own info to see how it flows before rolling it out to clients.

Hope that helps a little, and I’d love to hear how it goes for you! 😊

[MayaP]

I always appreciate your feedback and insights @Stacelyn24. Thank you! 😊

[FeelPretty]

This doesn’t work. The prepayment is viewed as a full payment. Even if I go in and add additional items or change the price to the full amount, the transaction is closed and won’t allow an additional payment. I’ve tried it on the app and online, phone and desktop. 

what I’ve had to do is send a payment link via Square Text Message for a $25 payment.  Then I adjust the appointment pricing, ex: drone $65 to $40 and leave a note regarding the full rate minus deposit. 

[FeelPretty]

This doesn’t work. 

[MayaP]

Hey @FeelPretty, thanks for posting some great questions. I hope @Stacelyn24 was able to assist you. If you need anything else, please let us know. ❤️

[ReeseG]

@FeelPretty   How did you set up the deposit charge in Square?  We would love to do this, but I only see an option for full prepayment.

[FeelPretty]

What I’ve had to do is send a payment link via Square Text Message for a $25 payment.  Then I adjust the appointment pricing, ex: from $65 to $40 and leave a note regarding the full rate minus deposit. 

[kristen · Accepted solution]

Hello sellers! Just stopping by this thread to announce the Deposits feature is now in open beta. 🥳

Watch this tutorial video for more information, and respond with any questions on deposits. Thanks for being a part of the community!