How much should a deposit be? (free calculator)
A good deposit is big enough that skipping costs the client something, and small enough that booking still feels easy. Enter your session price and how often clients miss, and the calculator suggests a starting amount. Most solo pros land between 20% and 50% of the price, or a flat $10–$50.
- Due at the session
- $65
- Currently lost to missed sessions
- $270 a month
- Kept with this deposit
- $75 a month
A $25 deposit secures your appointment and comes off the price of your session. Cancel or reschedule more than 24 hours before and you’ll get it back in full. Cancellations within 24 hours and missed appointments forfeit the deposit.
How the suggestion works
The calculator starts from your session price. Cheaper sessions get a flat amount rounded to $5, because “$15” is easier to accept than “22%”. Pricier sessions get a percentage that rises with the price, since a missed long session costs you more. If more than 1 in 10 of your bookings end in a no-show or late cancellation, it nudges the deposit up. Results are rounded to the nearest $5 and capped at half the price.
Treat the number as a starting point. Raise it for new clients or your longest services; lower it or drop it for regulars who always turn up.
Typical deposits by profession
| Profession | Typical session | Common deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Tutor | 60 min, $40–$80 | Flat $10–$20 |
| Coach | 60 min, $100–$250 | 25–50% |
| Personal trainer | 45–60 min, $50–$100 | Flat $15–$25, or prepaid packs |
| Massage therapist | 60–90 min, $80–$150 | Flat $20–$35, or 25% |
| Beauty and nails | 60–180 min, $50–$250 | 20–50% |
Flat amount or percentage?
Use a flat amount when your services are similar in price, because it's simple to explain. Use a percentage when prices vary a lot, so a 3-hour session gets a bigger deposit than a 30-minute one. Either way, deduct it from the price so the client pays nothing extra.
Once you've picked a number
- Write down what happens to the deposit: when it's refunded and when it's kept. Our cancellation policy template has wording you can copy.
- Collect it at the moment of booking, not afterwards. See how to take deposits for appointments.
- Decide what happens on a no-show beyond the deposit, if anything. See how to charge a no-show fee.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage should a deposit be for a service?
Most solo service providers ask for 20–50% of the price. Use the lower end for short, cheaper sessions and the higher end for long or expensive ones.
Is a flat deposit better than a percentage?
A flat amount is simpler when your prices are similar. A percentage scales better when they vary a lot.
Should the deposit come off the final price?
Yes, in most cases. The client then pays the same total, and the deposit only costs them something if they miss.
What if a client says the deposit is too high?
Offer a lower deposit for their first booking, or explain that it comes off the price and is refunded if they cancel in time. If many clients push back, lower it.