How to take a deposit before the job

A deposit does two jobs. It tells you the customer is serious, and it covers what you spend before the work starts: materials, travel, the time you blocked out. Braiders, bakers, detailers and photographers all use them, and so can you.

How much to ask

There is no rule. Three common choices:

• A flat amount that covers your materials.
• A share of the price, often a quarter to a half.
• The cost of your time if they do not show up.

Pick one and use it for everyone. A deposit that changes from customer to customer starts arguments.

Take it with a pay link

1. In Pavo, type the deposit amount.
2. Choose to charge by link.
3. In the note, write what it is: “Box braids deposit, Saturday 10 am”.
4. Send the link. The booking is confirmed when Pavo shows it as paid.

The note matters. It is what your customer sees on the payment page and the record you both have later.

What it costs

A deposit by link costs 3.3% + 30¢ on the Free plan. On a $60.00 deposit the fee is $2.28 and you get $57.72.

Collect the rest on the day

When the job is done, take the balance in person with a tap. A tap costs less than a link: 2.9% + 15¢. On a $140.00 balance the fee is $4.21 and you get $135.79.

Say your terms before they pay

Write down three things and send them with the link:

• What the deposit is for.
• Whether it comes off the final price. It usually does.
• What happens if they cancel, and how much notice you need.

Two plain sentences are enough. A customer who knew the terms before paying has less to argue about after.

If you need to give it back

You can refund a sale from Pavo, all of it or part of it. Pavo does not return its fee when you refund a sale.

Deposit or full payment up front?

For small jobs, many sellers skip the deposit and ask for the whole amount before they start. For larger jobs, a deposit is easier for a customer to say yes to. A simple rule: if losing the booking would cost you money you have already spent, take a deposit.

No-shows

A deposit does not stop every no-show, but it changes who carries the cost. Without one, a missed appointment is your loss. With one, your materials and your blocked time are at least partly covered.

Keep the record

Pavo lists the deposit and the final payment as two sales, each with its note. If a customer later asks what they paid and when, you can show them both. You can also export your payments if you want them in a spreadsheet.

A message you can copy

“To hold your Saturday 10 am slot I take a $60 deposit, which comes off the total. Here is the link. If you need to cancel, tell me by Thursday and I will refund it.” Change the numbers and the days to suit your work.