How to take deposits as a small business

Why take a deposit

A deposit turns “maybe” into a booking. It protects your time, covers materials you buy in advance, and cuts no-shows. Clients who pay something up front almost always show up.

How much to ask for

There’s no single rule, but these are common starting points:

• 20 to 30% for most services and events
• 50% for custom orders where you buy materials first, like cakes or flowers
• A flat amount, like $50, for short appointments such as nails, lashes or tattoos
• Ask more for dates that are hard to fill if someone cancels

Write a clear deposit policy

Say it once, plainly, before they pay. For example: “A $50 deposit secures your appointment and comes off your total. It’s non-refundable if you cancel within 48 hours, and can be moved once with 48 hours’ notice.”

Clear policies mean fewer awkward conversations later. Put it on your page and in the deposit request.

Ways to take a deposit

Most small businesses in Canada use one or more of these:

• Interac e-Transfer: no fees for most people, but you have to match payments by hand
• Card payments through Stripe: easy for clients, small fee per payment
• PayPal: familiar to many clients, with its own fees
• Cash on the day: no protection if they don’t show

How deposits work in Byrah

With Byrah you send one deposit link. Your client picks how to pay: card, Interac e-Transfer, or PayPal. The money goes straight to you, never through Byrah. You and the client both see when it’s paid, so there’s no “did it go through?” back and forth.

Questions

Can a deposit be non-refundable?

Often, yes, if you state it clearly before the client pays. Rules vary by province and situation, so keep your policy simple and fair, and check local consumer rules if you’re unsure.

Does Byrah hold my money?

No. Card payments go to your own Stripe account, and Interac and PayPal go straight to you.

Is it free to send deposit links?

Yes. Byrah is free to start. Stripe and PayPal charge their usual fees on payments made through them.

Should the deposit come off the final price?

Usually yes. Say so in your policy, for example: “Your deposit comes off your total.”