Deposit calculator
Add your services, your no-show and late-cancel rate and a deposit rule, and get a suggested deposit for each one.
| Service | Price | Deposit | On the day |
|---|
Use this tool free
Tell us who you are and the tool opens straight away, along with every other free tool and template on this device. We'll email you when we add new ones.
How it works
Add each service and what you charge for it.
Bookings that were missed or cancelled too late to fill, as a share of all bookings.
Let the calculator scale the deposit to your no-show rate, or set your own percentage or amount.
The maths
deposit = price × percentage, or your fixed amount- Raised to your minimum, rounded up to the step you chose, and never more than the price.
on the day = price − deposit
"Based on my no-show rate" is our rule of thumb: 10% of the price below a 3% rate, 20% below 8%, 30% below 15%, and 50% from 15% up.
Questions
How much deposit should I charge?
Enough that a client thinks twice before missing the booking, and enough to cover part of what you lose if they do. A percentage of the price keeps it fair across cheap and expensive services. Many businesses also set a minimum so small services still have a deposit worth taking.
Where does "based on my no-show rate" come from?
It is our rule of thumb, not an industry standard: 10% of the price if under 3% of bookings are missed, 20% under 8%, 30% under 15%, and 50% at 15% or more. Change it to a set percentage if it does not fit your business.
Should the deposit come off the final bill?
Usually, yes. Clients see a deposit as part payment, and it keeps your prices simple. Say so in your booking policy.
What happens to the deposit if the client cancels?
That is up to your policy. A common approach: refund or move it if they cancel with enough notice, keep it if they cancel late or do not turn up. The booking policy writer on this site can draft that for you.
Fewer no-shows, less chasing.
Clients book from your link, can pay a deposit when they book, and get a reminder email before they arrive.
