How to take deposits as a nail tech (Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Cash, Chime)
Why deposits stop no-shows, how much to charge, what to write in your deposit policy, and how to collect deposit proof automatically without chasing clients.
By the Bekbook team · Updated · 2 min read
The simplest way to take deposits as a home-based nail tech is to ask clients to send a fixed amount to your Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Cash or Chime when they book, and require a screenshot as proof before the appointment is confirmed. It costs you nothing in fees and it dramatically cuts no-shows.
Why deposits matter
A no-show on a two-hour full set isn’t just lost income — it’s an empty chair you could have filled. A deposit makes clients commit, and it compensates you when they don’t show.
How much to charge
- Flat deposit: $15–$30 is common for manicures and fills.
- Percentage: 20–30% of the service price for full sets and art-heavy sets.
- Higher for new clients: some techs only require deposits from first-time clients.
What to put in your deposit policy
A $20 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your appointment. It goes toward your service total. Reschedules with 24+ hours’ notice keep the deposit; late cancellations and no-shows forfeit it.
Put it in your booking policy so clients have to accept it before they book.
Collecting deposits with Bekbook
- Add your payment methods (Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Cash, Chime…) with instructions.
- Clients see them right before confirming their booking.
- The client uploads a screenshot of the payment — it appears inside the booking.
On Bekbook Pro you can make proof mandatory: the client has 10 minutes to upload it, otherwise the booking is cancelled automatically and the slot opens up again. No more chasing.
Read more about deposits in Bekbook.