Payment at booking: what is possible today

What exists and what is not available

The panel has screens for online payments, but the switch that turns them on is not available on the current plans and refuses to activate. A booking made through the public page stays pending, and any payment happens on the spot or by a method you agree with the customer. Check the pricing page for what each plan includes today. If a customer asks whether they can pay online, tell them that option is not available yet and say how you prefer to be paid.

• No card, bank transfer, USSD or other local payment method is taken on the booking page
• A booking request stays pending and holds the slot until your team confirms or rejects it
• Unresolved requests are cancelled automatically, without notice to the customer, about an hour after the requested time ends
• The tool issues no invoices or receipts, so any document you give the customer is your own responsibility

How to ask for money in advance outside the tool

If your service needs payment up front, you can proceed as follows, without relying on any 4appointments feature:

• Write down the terms: the amount, the deadline for payment and what happens if the customer cancels
• Contact the customer yourself and name the payment method you accept, for example bank transfer or payment on the spot
• Confirm the booking in the panel only once you have the money, and tell the customer directly, since confirming sends them no message
• Keep proof of payment with your records, and tell the customer if you prefer to take payment at the visit

Be clear about the words "deposit" and "advance payment"

In everyday language, a deposit is any amount paid before the service. In many countries, though, a deposit and an advance payment on the price have different consequences if one side does not keep their part. So pick one term, use it the same way in your terms and messages, and state in writing what happens to the money if either side does not keep to the arrangement. Example (illustrative amounts): on a €40 service with €10 paid beforehand, "advance payment of €10" and "deposit of €10" may not mean the same thing. General information, not legal advice; if in doubt, speak to a lawyer.

Common questions