Deposits on file
Deposits are a handy way to secure bookings and cut down on no-shows.
With Barkway, you can store a deposit directly on a client’s account so it’s automatically applied to future bookings.
What is a deposit on file?
A deposit on file is money saved against a client’s account rather than a single appointment. Think of it as a credit balance you can draw from whenever they book in again.
- Saved once, used many times.
- Automatically considered when calculating booking totals.
- Works alongside your global deposit settings (fixed or percentage).
How deposits are used
When creating or editing a booking, Barkway will check:
-
Does the client have a deposit saved?
If yes, that amount is factored into the price breakdown straight away. -
How much is required for this booking?
If the saved deposit is equal or higher than required, the booking shows as covered.
If it’s lower, Barkway prompts for the remainder. -
After the groom
Deposits roll forward until consumed, refunded, or cleared — they’re not locked to one appointment.
Managing deposits
Deposits are fully managed from the Edit Client screen:
- Add or top up a deposit balance.
- Edit the saved amount.
- Refund or clear it if you need to.
Changes here affect all future bookings for that client.
Why use deposits?
- Reduce no-shows – clients are less likely to skip when they’ve already paid something.
- Simplify payments – money on file is automatically applied, no mental maths required.
- Build trust – regular clients can keep a rolling balance, avoiding repeated payments each time.
Pro tips
- For one-off bookings, use a booking-level deposit.
- For regulars, set a client deposit on file – it saves hassle long-term.
- Keep an eye on balances so you know when a client is running low.
🐾 With deposits on file, Barkway does the thinking for you – less chasing, more grooming.