Deposits that stop no-shows
PayDash takes a deposit when a client books, so a no-show costs them, not you. Set a fixed amount or a percentage for each service; the client pays by card to confirm, the slot is held for 15 minutes while they pay, and it's released automatically if they don't. The deposit is recorded on the booking, so you know what's been paid when you invoice the rest.
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How deposits work in PayDash
Per service
A fixed amount or a percentage, only on the services where a no-show hurts.
Paid to confirm
The client pays by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay as the last step of booking.
Holds that clear themselves
The time is held while they pay. If they abandon checkout, it frees up after 15 minutes.
Your policy, shown up front
Your cancellation policy appears at booking, and your notice periods control when clients can cancel or reschedule.
Collect it in person
Unpaid deposit on a phone booking? Take it on your card reader from the booking.
Reminders on top
Text and email reminders cut the no-shows a deposit doesn't.
Set up deposits in three steps
- 1
Connect payments
Card payments are processed by Stripe; connect from Settings → Payments.
- 2
Turn on a deposit per service
Choose a fixed amount or a percentage for each service that needs one.
- 3
Write your policy
Set your cancellation notice and the wording clients see before they pay.
How much should a deposit be?
Enough that skipping the appointment costs something, but not so much it scares off a first-time client. Many service businesses land between 20% and 50% of the price, or a flat amount that covers the time you'd lose. Put deposits on long or high-value services first; small, quick services often don't need one.
Say plainly in your policy that the deposit counts toward the final bill, and what happens to it if a client cancels inside your notice window.
The full deposit playbook, with policy wordingDeposit questions
Can I charge a no-show fee in Canada?
Generally yes, if the client agreed to it before booking — which is what a deposit taken at booking with your policy shown up front does. Consumer protection rules vary by province, so keep your policy clear and fair. This isn't legal advice.
What happens if a client never finishes paying the deposit?
The time is held for 15 minutes while they pay. If they don't, the hold is released automatically and the slot opens up again.
Can I take deposits on some services and not others?
Yes. Deposits are set per service, as a fixed amount or a percentage.
How much does PayDash cost?
Plans start at $19 CAD a month, and every new account gets all features free for 30 days with no credit card. Every plan includes every feature; plans differ by limits such as clients, invoices and texts per month. Your business website stays free even without a plan.
Also part of PayDash
Make your next no-show pay for itself
Turn on deposits for the services that matter and share your booking link.