BEAUTICIANS · PAYMENT LINKS
How UK Beauticians Can Request a Deposit
A clear and practical guide on how beauticians can request deposits without feeling awkward. Learn why deposits reduce no shows, how much to charge and simple scripts you can use to request them.
Many beauticians feel unsure about requesting a deposit, even when it would genuinely protect their time and income. Some worry clients will find it rude. Others are not sure what amount is reasonable, or how to word the message without sounding strict.
The truth is simple. Deposits are normal in UK beauty businesses because appointments are time sensitive. If someone does not show up, you cannot sell that slot again. A small deposit turns a casual enquiry into a confirmed booking.
This guide explains how deposits work, what UK beauticians typically charge, and the simplest way to request a deposit in a way clients understand. You will also get copy and paste scripts you can use on WhatsApp, text and Instagram DM.
Part of the Beauticians Payment Links Guide Series
For the full system, start with the pillar page: Payment Links for Beauticians – Complete UK Guide .
Why Deposits Work for Beauticians
Deposits are not about mistrust. They are about protecting appointment time, reducing no shows, and making your diary more predictable. When clients pay a small amount upfront, they take the booking more seriously and you can plan your week with more confidence.
If no shows are already a pattern in your business, deposits work best as part of a wider strategy. See the guide on reducing cancellations for beauticians to understand how deposits, reminders and boundaries fit together.
Deposits reduce no shows and late cancellations
When a client pays a deposit, they are far less likely to disappear. It creates a small commitment and makes them more likely to reschedule properly rather than ghosting.
Deposits protect your income
A cancelled slot often means lost earnings and wasted prep time. A deposit ensures you recover some value when plans change late.
Deposits set professional boundaries
A simple deposit policy signals that your diary has structure and your time has value. Most reasonable clients respect it and many prefer clear rules.
Deposits become easy when they are link based
Payment links remove the back and forth. You send one link, they pay in a few taps, and you can confirm the booking instantly.
If you also use deposits plus a final payment, the guide on deposit and balance payment links shows how to structure both stages clearly.
Typical UK deposit ranges for beauty appointments
There is no single correct deposit amount. The goal is commitment, not punishment. Many UK beauticians use simple ranges like these:
| Booking type | Typical deposit | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Short appointment with a regular | Often no deposit, or a small fixed amount for first visit | Trust is already built, so the risk is lower |
| Standard appointment (60 to 90 minutes) | £10 to £25 | Enough to confirm commitment without feeling heavy |
| Long appointment (2+ hours) | £25 to £50 | Protects premium slots that are hard to refill |
| Bridal or high value booking | 20 to 50 percent | Covers planning, travel, and date commitment |
If you want a wider look at payment methods and what clients prefer, see how beauticians get paid in the UK .
Real Situations Where Deposits Help
Many UK beauticians deal with similar booking issues week after week. Here are a few realistic examples of when a deposit prevents stress and protects your diary.
A last minute cancellation for a peak slot
A client cancels on the day of the appointment because something came up. With no deposit in place, you lose the slot and the income. A deposit reduces this pattern and gives you some protection when it still happens.
A new client with no history
A first time client looks excited, asks lots of questions, then disappears when it is time to confirm. Many beauticians request a deposit for new clients as a simple sign of commitment before holding the slot.
A long appointment that is hard to refill
A two or three hour booking is not easy to replace if it falls through. A higher deposit makes sense here because the risk is bigger and the slot is more valuable.
A client says they will pay later and you are left waiting
If you hold slots without deposits, you end up chasing confirmations. A deposit policy removes the uncertainty. If it is not paid by a time you set, you release the slot and move on.
If you also want a calm approach for unpaid balances after appointments, the guide on chasing late payments gives a simple system and message templates.
A Simple System for Requesting Deposits
Here is a straightforward approach you can use to introduce deposits confidently and clearly, without overexplaining.
Choose a deposit rule you can repeat
Decide when deposits apply, then stick to it. A common rule is deposits for all new clients and all appointments over a certain length. If you change the rule every time, it becomes harder to enforce.
Pick an amount that fits your pricing
For standard appointments, many beauticians use a fixed deposit such as £10 to £25. For longer appointments, £25 to £50 is common. For bridal or premium bookings, many prefer a percentage deposit so the amount stays in proportion.
Explain the reason in one calm sentence
Clients respond well when the reason is simple. For example, you can say the deposit secures the slot and reduces last minute cancellations.
Send the deposit request with a payment link
Payment links make this easy. The client taps to pay and you get a clear confirmation. This avoids sharing bank details or waiting for screenshots.
Confirm the booking once the deposit is paid
A quick confirmation message reassures the client and locks the booking in. It also reduces back and forth because they know it is sorted.
If you want deposits and balances to work together, the guide on deposit and balance payment links shows a simple two stage payment flow that clients understand.
Simple Deposit Request Message Templates
Here are examples beauticians use when requesting a deposit. Adjust amounts and timing to match your business.
Template 1: New client deposit
Hi [Name], thanks for booking [Service] on [Date] at [Time]. To secure the slot I take a deposit of £[Deposit]. Here is your payment link: [Payment Link]. Once it is paid I will confirm everything for you. Thank you.
Template 2: Long appointment deposit
Hi [Name], for your [Service] on [Date], the total is £[Total]. As it is a longer appointment I take a deposit of £[Deposit] to secure the time. Here is your link to pay: [Payment Link]. The remaining balance is due on the day. Thank you.
Template 3: Bridal or premium booking deposit
Hi [Name], thank you for choosing me for [Booking]. To secure your date I take a deposit of [X percent] which is £[Deposit]. Here is your payment link: [Payment Link]. The remaining balance is due by [Date]. Thank you and I will confirm everything once the deposit is paid.
Template 4: Gentle deposit reminder
Hi [Name], just a quick reminder about the deposit for your booking on [Date] at [Time]. The deposit is £[Deposit]. Here is the link again: [Payment Link]. Once it is paid, your appointment is confirmed. Thank you.
Template 5: Releasing the slot if deposit is unpaid
Hi [Name], I have not received the deposit for your booking on [Date] at [Time] yet, so I will need to release the slot today. If you would still like it, you can secure it using this link: [Payment Link]. Thank you.
If you want more templates for reminders and overdue payments, see payment reminder templates for beauticians .
If you want the follow up to be automatic, the guide on automatic payment reminders for beauticians shows simple reminder timing that feels friendly.
The Big Wins
Once beauticians start using deposits consistently, they often notice:
- Fewer no shows
Clients are less likely to disappear when they have already paid a small amount to confirm the slot.
- More reliable bookings
Deposits reduce diary uncertainty and stop you holding prime time slots for people who are not committed.
- Less chasing and less stress
When the booking is only confirmed after payment, you stop following up endlessly and your week feels calmer.
- A more professional client experience
Clear deposit rules make your business feel organised and premium, which builds trust with new clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much deposit should a beautician charge in the UK?
Many UK beauticians use £10 to £25 for standard appointments, £25 to £50 for longer bookings, and 20 to 50 percent for bridal or premium work. The best deposit is one that confirms commitment without feeling excessive for your market.
Do clients usually accept deposits for beauty appointments?
Yes. Deposits are common in the beauty industry. Most clients accept them when you explain the deposit secures the slot and helps prevent last minute cancellations.
Should I request a deposit from every client?
Not always. Many beauticians use deposits for new clients, long appointments, premium slots, and anyone with a history of cancellations. Trusted regulars often stay on a simpler process.
What is the easiest way to request a deposit?
A payment link is usually the simplest method. The client can pay by card or wallet in a few taps and you get a clear confirmation without waiting for transfers or screenshots.
What should I do if the deposit is not paid?
Set a clear time limit and then release the slot. You can send one reminder, then let the client know you will need to open the slot back up if it is still unpaid. This keeps it calm and fair.
Do deposits work better with reminders?
Yes. A light reminder pattern prevents deposits being forgotten, especially when clients are busy. Automatic reminders also reduce the need for manual follow up and keep your messages consistent.
Related Guides
Continue learning with these related guides:
Payment Links for Beauticians — Complete UK Guide
The complete UK guide to payment links for beauticians. Learn how to take deposits securely, reduce cancellations, and get paid on time for appointments.
Read guideHow Beauticians Get Paid — UK Methods Explained
A breakdown of the common ways UK beauticians accept payments for appointments, treatments and packages.
Read guideDeposit and Balance Payments for Beauticians
How to take deposits upfront and collect balances professionally as a beautician.
Read guideHow Beauticians Can Reduce Cancellations
A practical guide to reducing cancellations and no-shows for UK beauticians using clear policies and deposits.
Read guideStart Taking Deposits the Simple Way
Deposits help reduce no shows and make your diary more predictable. With Simply Link you can send deposit payment links in seconds and let friendly reminders handle the follow up. Create your free account and set up your first deposit link today.
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