Connect Stripe to take deposits
Ask for a card deposit when a customer books, so the slot is secured and no-shows cost the customer, not you. Payments go directly to your own Stripe account.
What it does
Deposits let you collect a card payment at the moment a customer books. You connect your own Stripe account, so the money goes straight to you. TradeBooked does not take a commission on bookings or payments.
A customer sees your cancellation policy, pays the deposit, and the booking is confirmed. If they do not show, the deposit is yours to keep under the policy you set.
Why it is worth setting up
A booking with money attached is a booking people keep. Deposits cut no-shows on the jobs that cost you most to lose, like a morning blocked out for a bathroom fit, and they filter out time-wasters before they reach your diary.
Before you start
You will need:
- A TradeBooked account on the Pro or Autopilot plan
- A verified email address (you cannot connect Stripe until your email is verified)
- A Stripe account, or a few minutes to create one during the connect flow
- A short cancellation policy you are happy to stand behind
Setup steps are in your dashboard
This is a Pro feature. Sign in on a Pro plan to see the step-by-step setup for your number.
Common questions
Does TradeBooked take a cut of my payments?
No. You connect your own Stripe account and payments go directly to you. TradeBooked charges a flat monthly subscription and takes no commission on bookings or deposits.
Do I need an existing Stripe account?
No. If you do not have one, you can create it during the connect flow. It only takes a few minutes.
Where does the deposit money go?
Straight into your own Stripe account. Stripe then pays out to your bank on its normal schedule.
Can I keep a deposit if someone does not show?
That is set by your cancellation policy, which the customer sees and agrees to before paying. You are responsible for honouring the policy you write.
How much deposit should I ask for?
For most domestic jobs, 10% to 25% of the quote covers your materials and the slot. Lean toward the higher end for materials-heavy work (bathrooms, EICR, boiler swaps) and the lower end for short call-outs. Whatever you pick, set it the same way for every job so it feels standard, not negotiated.
Is it normal to ask for a deposit before starting?
Yes. Customers are used to paying a deposit for tradespeople doing materials-led work, and for any job that blocks a half-day or more. A short cancellation policy explains why it is non-refundable in the run-up to the appointment, which is fair to both sides.
What if the customer refuses to pay a deposit?
For materials-heavy work, hold the line: no deposit, no booking. For small jobs you would have done anyway, you can offer a "pay on the day" alternative, or use the urgent-booking surcharge instead. It is your call per job.
Are deposits refundable?
Up to you. Your cancellation policy is shown before they pay; you write it, you honour it. Refunds are processed in your Stripe dashboard since the deposit went straight there. See "Cancellation policy and deposit refunds" for the full setup.
When does the deposit reach my bank?
On Stripe's standard payout schedule for your account. New Stripe accounts default to a 7-day rolling payout, settling into faster schedules over time. Check Payouts in your Stripe dashboard for your current cadence.
What plan do I need?
Deposits are available on the Pro and Autopilot plans.
Related guides
Related searches
- taking deposits tradesman
- how much deposit should a tradesman ask for
- stripe deposit link tradesman
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References
This is general guidance, not legal, tax or financial advice. For your own circumstances, speak to a qualified professional.
Still stuck? Email support@tradebooked.co.uk.