Choose a simple deposit rule
Use a fixed amount or another rule you can explain in one sentence. Avoid a policy that changes so often customers cannot tell what they are agreeing to.
Deposits and booking policies
How to use deposits and cancellation rules for braiding appointments.
Deposits are most effective when they are part of a clear booking policy rather than a surprise at checkout. Customers should understand what the deposit does, whether it is deducted from the final price and what happens if plans change.
Short answer
A useful deposit policy should say how much is due, when the booking becomes confirmed, what happens after cancellation or rescheduling, and when a new deposit is required.
Step by step
Six steps to a clear braiding deposit policy
State when the appointment is confirmed
Make it clear whether the slot is only secured after the deposit is paid. This avoids two people assuming the same appointment time is theirs.
Explain cancellations and rescheduling
Tell customers how much notice you need, whether the deposit can move to a new date and when a fresh deposit is required.
Keep the policy visible before payment
Show the important terms during the booking journey and link to fuller booking terms where needed. Do not rely on a policy that only appears after payment.
Repeat the key rule in confirmation messages
Include the appointment date, service, deposit status and the most important cancellation or rescheduling instruction in the confirmation email.
Apply the rule consistently
A policy is easier for customers to trust when the same rule is applied consistently instead of changing case by case.
Show the deposit and remaining balance clearly
For a £120 appointment with a £30 deposit, the customer pays £30 at booking and £90 remains to pay: £120 − £30 = £90.
Explain when the balance is due before the customer books. Appointment deposits are separate from the Braider Booking AI subscription. Learn about booking deposits →
Cover the common cancellation scenarios
Customer cancels or reschedules
State the notice deadline, how to request a change, and how deposits or balances are handled under fair, agreed terms.
Late cancellation or no-show
Explain any proposed charge and assess it fairly in light of reasonable losses, costs saved and whether the slot was filled.
The business cancels
Contact the customer promptly and offer the refund they are entitled to, or an alternative date if they agree.
Keep your policy fair
A “non-refundable” label does not override UK consumer rights. Charges must be fair and proportionate, and additional cancellation rights may apply to some distance bookings. Check current guidance before publishing your terms.
Braider Booking AI helps manage booking cutoffs and changes; it does not determine whether a charge is lawful or automatically refund cancelled appointments.
Quick checklist
Your deposit and cancellation policy checklist
- Deposit amount or rule is easy to understand
- Customers know when the slot becomes confirmed
- Cancellation notice period is stated
- Rescheduling conditions are stated
- The policy appears before payment
- Confirmation messages repeat the important terms
- Exceptions are handled consistently
- The remaining appointment balance is explained
- Business cancellations and refund requests have a clear contact route
- Terms respect consumer rights and do not impose unfair cancellation charges
Use this workflow in practice
Connect your bookings and deposit collection.
Put services, real availability and customer deposits into one booking workspace.
Eligible new businesses: 7 days free, then £14.99/month unless cancelled before the trial ends. The trial starts after Stripe subscription checkout, not at account creation. Customer booking deposits remain separate.
Common questions
Answers to the questions that usually come next.
How much should a braider charge as a deposit?
There is no single correct amount. Choose a rule that reflects your service value and business risk, then explain it clearly before checkout.
Should the deposit come off the final appointment price?
Many businesses treat the deposit as part-payment, but your policy should state exactly how your business handles it.
Can a customer move a deposit to another date?
That depends on your rescheduling policy. State the notice period and whether a deposit can be transferred before the customer books.
Where should I show my cancellation policy?
Show the important terms during booking, link to the full terms before confirmation, and repeat the key rule in the confirmation message.