Deposits and 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. The booking flow has no integrated card payment, PayPal, EFT or other local payment method. A booking made through the public page stays pending, and any payment happens outside the tool, for example by EFT into your account or on the spot. Check the pricing page for what each plan includes today.

• No card, PayPal, EFT or other payment method is taken through the booking page.
• The online payments switch refuses to activate on the current plans.
• Any payment is agreed with the client and received outside the tool.
• The tool issues no invoices or receipts; any document you give the client is your own responsibility.

How to ask for money in advance outside the tool

If your service justifies 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 client cancels.
• Contact the client yourself and name the payment method you accept, for example an EFT into your account or payment on the spot.
• Confirm the booking in the panel only once the money has arrived. Confirming sends the client no message, so tell them directly.
• Keep proof of payment with your records. If you prefer, leave payment for the visit and say so on your website.

Be careful with the words “deposit” and “advance payment”

In everyday language, a deposit is any amount paid before the service, but the name does not settle everything: in many countries a deposit and an advance payment on the price have different consequences if someone fails to perform. 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. For example, on a €40 service with €10 paid beforehand, “advance payment of €10” and “deposit of €10” do not mean the same thing. Pending requests hold the slot until they are resolved, and unresolved ones are cancelled automatically, without notice, so answer them in good time. General information, not legal advice; if in doubt, consult a lawyer.

Common questions