Why deposits matter for mobile detailers
A shop can fill a no-show slot with a walk-in. A mobile detailer can't. You have already loaded the van, bought product and driven across town, and a client who isn't home costs you the whole block of time. A deposit turns a casual "sure, Saturday works" into a real commitment, and it filters out people who were never going to book.
How much to ask for
Most detailers land between 20% and 50%. A good default is 30%: high enough that people show up, low enough that it doesn't scare off a first-time client. For big jobs like paint correction or ceramic coating, where you may buy product for that car, a higher deposit or a fixed amount is fair.
- Maintenance wash or interior refresh: 30%, or a flat $25 to $40.
- Full detail: 30%.
- Ceramic coating or correction: 30% to 50%, stated up front.
When to take it
At the moment of booking, not the night before. The client is most motivated right after they pick a time. Hold the slot for a short window (30 minutes to a few hours) and release it if the deposit doesn't arrive.
How to collect it
You don't need a merchant account to start. A payment link from Square, PayPal, Venmo Business or Cash App, or plain Zelle instructions, works fine. What matters is that the client sees it right after they book, with the exact amount, so there is nothing to work out.
In Beadup, you add your payment link or instructions once in Settings. Every booking then shows the 30% deposit and a "Pay deposit" button straight to your link. The money goes to you directly, and Beadup takes no cut. When it arrives, you tap "Deposit received" on the job.
What to say to clients
Keep it short and confident. People accept deposits when they sound normal, not apologetic:
"A 30% deposit holds your time. It comes off your total, and it's refundable if you cancel at least 24 hours before."
Your cancellation policy
Write it once and use it everywhere: your booking page, your Instagram highlights and your replies.
- Cancel or reschedule 24+ hours before: full refund or move the deposit to the new date.
- Less than 24 hours, or not home: the deposit is kept.
- Weather on an outdoor job: you reschedule, and the deposit carries over.