It depends on what treatment they want to book and i normally ask for 50% up front. What i ususally do and its more so for men (sorry guys) then for women, when they ring i ask for their name and adresss and telephone number, if they are reluctant i then ask for full payment up front via paypal..... geuine clients wont mind giving booking details or a one of payment via paypal when subsequent payments can be cash on the day. Those seeking a thrill or timewasters will refuse or just hang up!
If they give their booking details freely i know they arent some guy who wants their visit to be kept a secret with no paper trail..... so i just take a 50% payment via paypal.
As i said regular clients pay in cash on the day.
I also explain its non refundable!
I guess you have to value your time and make it known that you run a professional business and clients will respect your values and that they are lucky to be able to book time with you.
Thats my opinion and it works for me xx
I take deposits for colonics and nutrition consultations.
Rarely have a problem. As Isis said, if they are serious clients then it isn't a problem.
If anyone has had a problem they usually say something like "oh, I don't have my card just now, can I phone back with it". We then say we can only hold it provisionally for a few hours. Genuine people usually call back in a very short space of time.
I use a POS machine tho due to the volume of transactions we do. Paypal would be too expensive as the POS is 48p for a debit card and 2.8% for a credit card as opposed to the Paypal charge.
Patchouli