It would be fantastic if Square would integrate features that users most commonly ask for.

[spud_notdud]

It would be fantastic if Square would integrate features that users most commonly ask for. I have longed for the ability to charge a set deposit for first-time clients, NOT A FULL PAYMENT, since I became a customer 3 years ago, and from what I see on the selling community, this request has also been made several times throughout the years. I have to send an invoice, wait for them to pay it (which confuses people), approve the appointment, and manually deduct the amount from it as a workaround. I have turned on the settings to require a card on file, but I have been burned a few times by cards that didn't go through. Charging on the spot a deposit will weed out the people who will not show up for their appointments. Also, charging a total amount for my loyal clients seems extreme for my industry. Being able to automatically charge new clients and those with a history of canceling would make my life so much easier.

[Stacelyn24 · Accepted solution]

I completely understand your frustration, and I agree that having the ability to charge a set deposit for first-time clients or those with a history of canceling would make life much easier. While Square doesn't currently offer this feature, here’s a potential workaround that might help until it becomes available:

1. Request Deposits via Square Invoices or Payment Links: You can still request a deposit without waiting for clients to pay the invoice manually. Instead, you could send them a payment link or invoice for a set deposit amount right when they book. You can include clear instructions in the booking confirmation email, letting them know the deposit secures their appointment, and the remaining balance will be charged after their service. This might reduce confusion while keeping the process more automated.

2. Use Square Appointments to Hold a Card on File: Although you’ve had some issues with cards on file not going through, you can still require clients to add their card details when booking. If someone doesn’t show up or cancels late, you can charge a no-show or cancellation fee based on your policy. This might help until deposits are easier to manage.

3. Set Clear Cancellation Policies: To discourage no-shows, make sure your cancellation policy is clear and visible when clients book. You could send a reminder via text or email a few days prior, explaining that failure to show up will result in them being charged.

4. Use Deposits Only for First-Time or High-Risk Clients: If charging all clients upfront feels too extreme, you can create a separate system where first-time clients or clients with a history of canceling are required to pay a deposit. You could make a note in their profiles so your team knows who needs to pay a deposit for future bookings.

I hope these suggestions offer a smoother process for now. I encourage you to continue sharing your feedback with Square so they can see how valuable a deposit feature would be for businesses like yours!

[Da_Chief]

I completely agree with you.  Square seems to be a little slow on implementing items that their customers desire to have.  I like Square and recommend it to all the Owners of Condos that I work with, but it appears I'm going to have to start providing them an alternative CC Processor because in the Vacation Rental world, we typically place a hold on a customer's credit card 24 hours prior to their arrival (which ensures the funds are available as their Security Deposit) otherwise they don't get the code to get in the door.  

Most of my customers rent for less than the usual 7 days which a HOLD is typically done for.  Then, my cleaners go in and report to me that there is no damage or provide me with details of the damage done or excessive cleaning needed due to the guest's smoking in the unit or not following the rules or check out procedures.  That is when I then CAPTURE the necessary funds to fulfill the repairs necessary or release the hold on the funds and let the guest's know that they did an excellent job of following the rules and they will be welcome back in the future.  

I'm just not sure WHY when using Square we can't place a HOLD on funds like you can with Stripe or WaveApps or Intuit or any one of the numerous CC processors out there.  It can't be that difficult to implement.  

I called again today and customer support told me I'd have to send them an invoice and let them pay the invoice and then refund their money afterwards - but that costs me the percentage they charge and if I were to refund the entire amount of the deposit - Square isn't going to refund the costs to bill the card.  That is just an unnecessary expense on the part of the Owner.