Can I take deposits for salon appointments in the UK?
Last updated by the LushLane editorial team.
Short answer
Yes. UK salons can legally take booking deposits, including non-refundable ones, provided the terms are clearly shown and agreed before the client pays. A deposit must be a genuine pre-estimate of your loss — typically 20–50% of the service — and your cancellation window should be stated on the booking page.
What the law expects
Under UK consumer law your deposit terms must be transparent and fair: shown before payment, written in plain language, and proportionate to the loss a late cancellation causes you. A deposit that is effectively a penalty can be challenged, so keep it in line with the service value and the notice period.
A policy that holds up
Something like: '£20 deposit taken at booking, deducted from your final bill. Reschedule or cancel with more than 24 hours notice and the deposit moves with you. Less than 24 hours notice or a no-show and the deposit is retained.' Display it on the booking page, in the confirmation and in the reminder.
Taking them without friction
The deposit needs to be collected inside the booking flow — asking for a bank transfer afterwards loses bookings. LushLane takes card deposits at the moment of booking, applies your cancellation window automatically and refunds within the app when you choose to.
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Can I take deposits for salon appointments in the UK?
Yes. UK salons can legally take booking deposits, including non-refundable ones, provided the terms are clearly shown and agreed before the client pays. A deposit must be a genuine pre-estimate of your loss — typically 20–50% of the service — and your cancellation window should be stated on the booking page.