Two cancellations, 1 disrespectful block and one “I can’t make it, the traffic is bad” later, and I am livid. I am thinking of implementing a small deposit to protect my time but I have heard my clients (a couple of them) say they’ll never pay a deposit. I wonder why some of these men think we’ll steal their £20/£30.

I practically dress up for every appointment; full set lingerie, face make up and hair done so it always annoys me when an appointment is cancelled or I am ghosted. Another thing that annoys me though not frequent is the audacity of the looks and gos that even have the effrontery to request an outfit. Yeah! I’ve dressed up as a sexy secretary for a look&go before.

Why is paying a deposit such a big deal to some of these men or is it my target market that is flawed? I’ve had guys book me on other platforms eg tryst and haven’t had a problem with paying a deposit. But these adultwork men…OMG! Does anyone take a deposit for appointments and how do you do it? Has it affected the volume of clients you receive? I’ll like to know before I draft a deposit policy for my profile cause I do not want to deal with this

When I brought in a deposit requirement it took a while to work through those who just will not, but at the same time I had also moved to outcall only which also slashed/changed my customer base. My deposit policy is very clear, stated on all my adverts and I wish I had brought it in sooner. I also learned to increase it because I will still receiving cancels, and also made it non-transferrable. Prior to taking deposits 75% of first time bookings cancelled, didn't confirm, no showed or chopped and changed. My old diaries are heartbreaking to look at, even second bookings 50% would not go ahead. Taking deposits I actually found I needed to apply it to the second booking, after a few truly stood me up. Of the few times I have transferred it without asking for another, 50% have reneged on the rearranged booking. Over time yes I still have enquirers who don't or won't pay a deposit but I have enough regulars, and those who will pay a deposit - infact more than enough. Do bear in mind I am low volume, but I usually turn away 2 or 3 people for each booking I do accept. What can be interesting are those who pay a significant deposit but still do not remember to confirm on time, confirm late, or confirm at the last minute (I give a window).

Also be aware some will claim to have sent the deposit but it never arrives, also some will disappear promising to send. I advise if there is any delay in paying they must check I am still available, deposit is required to secure the booking.

Going back to the initial problem I suspect the problem is some want option to back out, know they are unreliable or have unreliable lives, also there are scammers if I was on a scam surely I would accept all the bookings, however there will be people doing this I am sure. Quite a few enquirers tell me they have been scammed before, I tell them they have the choice my policy is clear.

I think one of the reasons some clients do not want to pay a deposit, certainly new ones who haven't built up any trust, is because they are worried it is a scam.

I suppose setting up a deposit policy is like swings and roundabouts - whereas this offers some security that bookings will go ahead once a deposit has been paid, it will put some people off from making a booking altogether.

Miranda x

Yes lots of places need deposits many beauty therapists get them

Yes but men don't see us that way. They be like oh she's just a "whatever words they use" and why should I pay a deposit.  She will scam me. They don't think about this job as we think about it.

Yes lots of places need deposits many beauty therapists get them

That's a completely different client booking service  altogether though . It's usually a % of women who wouldn't mess around  and not turn up for  their massage ,facials etc
Unlike many of the men we have to deal with

It’s up to you really. My deposits are 20% most of the time, but occasionally, I will round it up/down so the outstanding payment will end in a zero (as cash machines rarely dispense five pound notes).

It's a set amount started at £20, went to £40, £50, now more than that.

If the booking requires a lot of travel and the travel supplements is higher than the deposit, then the travel supplement becomes the desposit. For example if I charge £100 extra for a particular location the deposit is £100.

Thank you.

I use CashApp for deposits and your identity is hidden (though CashApp may ask you to verify your identity after a while, which I understand if you send/receive a lot of payments).

I know people can raise disputes over payments ([link removed) though this has never happened to me so far.