For service-based businesses like pet grooming, collecting deposits at the time of booking an appointment is becoming a standard practice.
Mandatory deposits are a simple yet highly effective solution to secure cash flow, while also ensuring both businesses and clients remain committed to appointments. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of collecting deposits, the many benefits they bring, and how DaySmart Pet can help streamline this process. Let us show you how collecting deposits can help run your pet grooming business more efficiently, while allowing you to focus on what matters most: caring for your VIPs (Very Important Pets).
Why are Deposits Important for Your Grooming Business?
We know how frustrating it is when a client confirms a two-hour grooming session for their dog, only to not show up. It’s then tough to fill that spot on such short notice, meaning you lose out on the revenue from that appointment.
Service-based businesses that rely on appointments often face challenges when clients fail to show up or don’t rebook. Asking for a partial deposit or full payment upfront helps protect your business from last-minute cancellations and no-shows. Typically, a standard deposit is a set rate usually around 20 – 25% of the service cost. Clients are more likely to show up for their grooming appointments, or rebook if needed, rather than lose their deposit. Collecting deposits ensures that appointments stay on track, resulting in a more predictable schedule, a consistent flow of clients, and, ultimately, growing revenue for your grooming business.
Before you start collecting deposits, it’s crucial to have the right tools to accept modern payments. For today’s consumer, credit and digital cash are king. In 2024, an estimated 86.9% of all transactions in the U.S. were cashless, according to Capital One. This means that more people are turning to digital wallet options like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay. In fact, Payments Journal found that 90% of consumers used a digital wallet payment at least once over the course of the year. So, pet owners may prefer to pay with their smartphones, rather than fumbling with their wallets or purses while managing their pooch’s leash!
Imagine what you can do with the guaranteed revenue and saved time coming your way! Deposits help you grow your bank account, expand your grooming business, hire more staff, and give your team more time to focus on grooming rather than administrative tasks. With smoother operations, you may even find time for that vacation you’ve been dreaming about but never booked!
Modern Solutions for Modern Payments
Collecting deposits for your pet grooming business can be a game changer—and the right software should make it easy. Modern pet grooming software is designed to accommodate today’s digital payment preferences, allowing you to securely collect deposits without the hassle of cash or checks.
Automating your deposit collection process saves you time and energy while reducing the risk of no-shows and last-minute cancellations. Plus, with everything handled online, your payment details are conveniently stored in one place, making it easier to track cash flow and plan for the future. Many software solutions also offer reporting features that provide valuable insights into your revenue, helping you set realistic goals and make informed decisions about your business strategies. By collecting deposits, you’re adding more payment-related data that enhances visibility into your business performance.
How Does DaySmart Pet Help You Collect Deposits?
DaySmart Pet is the leading business management software solution for pet grooming businesses looking to simplify how they schedule and manage appointments, accept payments, and communicate with clients.
Pet grooming business management software like DaySmart Pet is built to simplify every aspect of running your salon. With integrated credit card processing, you can collect deposits at the time of booking, making payment management more efficient from the start. Securely storing client payment information means faster checkouts and the flexibility to charge for no-shows when needed. Behind the scenes, automated payment reconciliation keeps your records up to date, saving time and reducing errors. Whether clients pay by swipe, tap, or chip, every transaction is processed smoothly and securely.
The ability to store customer cards on file for an easier and quicker checkout and promoting loyalty points for customers help separate Wet Paws from other pet grooming businesses in the area.
– Jason Anderson, Wet Paws Mobile Grooming, DaySmart Pet Customer
Get The Right Tools in Place for Deposits And More
No-shows and last-minute cancellations can disrupt your pet grooming business, throwing off your schedule and affecting your revenue. Requiring deposits when clients book appointments helps prevent this! The right grooming management tools can simplify payment processing and keep your operations running smoothly, making things easier for both you and your clients.
With DaySmart Pet by your side, you’ll be ready to start collecting deposits and continue growing your grooming business. See our deposit feature in action by starting a free trial today.