What Is a Deposit?

A deposit is a small payment taken at the time of booking to secure an appointment. It helps safeguard your time, cover the cost of any products used, and reduce the impact of no-shows. Deposits can be:

• Bank Transfer

• Via secure online booking systems

• Cash

Deposits are typically deducted from the total treatment cost and can be refundable or non-refundable.

Why Should You Introduce Deposits?

1. Protect Your Valuable Time

Time is money in an aesthetics business. Even if a patient doesn’t show up, you receive a portion of the treatment cost as compensation for your time and expertise.

2. Reduce No-Shows and Late Cancellations

Patients are far more likely to attend appointments when a deposit is required. A small upfront payment encourages commitment and reduces lost income.

3. Discourage Time-Wasters

Deposits naturally filter out patients who may cancel or fail to show, ensuring your appointment slots are used by committed clients.

4. Support Cash Flow

Deposits provide advance funds to cover the cost of products or treatments, reducing financial risk for your business and helping patients spread payments for higher-cost procedures.

Common Concerns About Charging Deposits

“Will it put patients off?”
Most patients are familiar with deposits from hotels or other services. A reasonable, clearly explained deposit is unlikely to deter committed clients and can actually attract more serious patients.

“Will it create more admin work?”
Manual deposit collection can be cumbersome. Using a secure online booking system, such as Aesthetic Nurse Software, automates the process, reducing admin and avoiding awkward conversations.

How Much Should You Charge?

Deposits can be:

• A fixed amount (e.g., £30)

• A percentage of the treatment cost (e.g., 20%)

You may choose to charge deposits only for high-value treatments, while keeping consultations free to attract new patients. Deposits can also be transferable if an appointment is rescheduled.

Implementing Deposits in Your Clinic

With Aesthetic Nurse Software, you can:

• Take deposits automatically through online booking

• Set fixed or percentage-based amounts for different treatments

• Refund deposits easily if cancellations are outside your policy

• Transfer deposits when patients reschedule

This system ensures deposits are simple to manage, protecting your income and your time while maintaining a professional experience for patients.

Conclusion

Charging deposits in aesthetics is an effective way to:

• Reduce cancellations and no-shows

• Protect your time and income

• Support cash flow

• Attract committed patients

While it may feel daunting initially, deposits are becoming an expected part of professional practice. With the right system in place, such as Aesthetic Nurse Software, you can implement deposits efficiently and focus on delivering excellent patient care.

Start your free trial today and see how ANS can help you manage deposits and streamline your appointments.