CLEANERS · PAYMENT LINKS
How UK Cleaners Can Request a Deposit
A clear and practical guide on how domestic cleaners can request deposits without feeling awkward. Learn why deposits reduce cancellations, how much to charge and the simplest way to send deposit requests.
Many cleaners feel unsure about requesting a deposit, even when it would genuinely protect their time and income. Some worry clients will find it rude. Others simply do not know what amount is reasonable or how to word the message. Yet deposits are one of the most effective ways to reduce cancellations and keep your schedule reliable.
A small deposit shows commitment from the client and gives you more confidence when booking new jobs. It also helps avoid last minute issues that can lead to lost income. This guide explains how deposits work, what UK cleaners typically charge and simple scripts you can use to request them.
Part of the Cleaners Payment Links Guide Series
For the full system, start with the pillar page: Payment Links for Cleaners – Complete UK Guide .
Why Deposits Work for Cleaners
Deposits are not about mistrust. They are about creating a clear agreement that protects both the cleaner and the client. Many service based industries already use deposits because they reduce last minute cancellations and make bookings more predictable.
If cancellations are a regular issue for you, it may help to review how cleaners reduce them more broadly. See the guide on preventing cancellations as a cleaner to understand how deposits fit into a wider booking strategy.
Deposits reduce cancellations
When a client pays a small deposit, they are far less likely to cancel without notice. It confirms the booking and sets clear expectations.
Deposits protect your income
A cancelled job often means lost earnings. A deposit ensures you recover some of your time in the event of a last minute change.
Deposits set professional boundaries
Requesting a deposit signals that your time and service have structure and value. Many clients appreciate this clarity.
Real Situations Where Deposits Help
Many UK cleaners deal with similar booking issues week after week. Here are a few examples of when a deposit prevents stress and protects your schedule.
Last minute cancellations
A client cancels the morning of the clean due to unexpected plans. With no deposit in place, you lose the slot and income. A deposit helps reduce this pattern.
New clients with no history
Many cleaners request a small deposit for first time clients as a sign of commitment before booking them into the schedule.
Risky jobs or high value cleans
End of tenancy or deep cleans take more time and often involve larger payments. A deposit gives cleaner protection and ensures the client is fully committed.
A Simple System for Requesting Deposits
Here is a straightforward approach you can use to introduce deposits confidently and clearly.
Choose the deposit amount
UK cleaners typically charge between £10 and £30 for regular jobs or 20 to 30 percent for high value cleans. The goal is to set an amount that shows commitment without feeling heavy.
Explain the reason in one sentence
Clients respond well when the explanation is simple. For example, you can say the deposit helps reduce cancellations or secures the booking.
Send the deposit request through a link
Payment links make this step simple. The client taps to pay and the deposit is logged clearly. This avoids awkward conversations or chasing for bank transfers.
If you want a clearer breakdown of how payment links work for cleaners, the dedicated guide on sending payment links covers best practices and common client behaviours.
Confirm the booking once the deposit is paid
A quick confirmation message helps build trust and reassures the client that the booking is secured.
Simple Deposit Request Message Templates
Here are some examples cleaners use when requesting a deposit. Adjust the amounts and wording to match your business.
For a new client
Thank you for your booking. To secure the slot, I take a small deposit of £15. Here is your payment link. Once paid I will confirm everything for you.
For a high value clean
As this is a longer job, I take a 25 percent deposit to secure the booking. Here is your link to pay. Let me know if you need anything else.
For recurring clients
To help reduce cancellations, I take a small deposit for this job. Here is your link to pay. Once it is done your booking is confirmed.
If you often need to nudge clients for payments, you may also find the guide on automatic payment reminders useful. It explains how reminders support deposit requests and reduce follow up messages.
The Big Wins
Once cleaners start using deposits, they often notice:
- Fewer cancellations
Clients are less likely to cancel when they have already paid a small deposit.
- More reliable bookings
Deposits give you a more secure schedule and reduce last minute issues.
- Reduced stress
When clients understand the policy, your day becomes smoother and more predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much deposit should a cleaner charge?
Many UK cleaners charge between £10 and £30 for standard jobs or 20 to 30 percent for high value cleans. The goal is to choose an amount that feels fair and confirms the booking.
Do clients usually accept deposits?
Yes. Most clients understand that deposits help reduce cancellations and protect your time. Clear communication makes it easier.
Should I request a deposit from every client?
Not always. Many cleaners use deposits for new clients, risky jobs or high value jobs, while keeping regular weekly cleans simple.
What is the easiest way to request a deposit?
Sending a payment link is the simplest method. The client taps to pay and you receive a clear confirmation without needing to chase.
Related Guides
Continue learning with these related guides:
Payment Links for Cleaners — Complete UK Guide
The complete UK guide to payment links for cleaners. Learn how to take deposits securely, reduce cancellations, and get paid faster.
Read guideHow Cleaners Get Paid — UK Methods Explained
A breakdown of the common ways UK cleaners accept payments for domestic and commercial work.
Read guideDeposit and Balance Payments for Cleaners
How to take deposits upfront and collect balances professionally as a cleaner.
Read guideHow Cleaners Can Reduce Cancellations
A practical guide to reducing cancellations and no-shows as a UK cleaner.
Read guideStart Taking Deposits the Simple Way
Deposits help reduce cancellations and make your schedule more predictable. With Simply Link you can send deposit links in seconds and let reminders handle the rest. Create your free account and set up your first deposit link today.
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