If a client paid a refundable deposit and damage occurred, you can propose deducting an appropriate amount. It's a formal process that protects both sides.
How does it work in practice?
Scenario: a client rented a room and damaged a lighting tripod. The tripod costs 350 PLN. At booking, the client paid a 500 PLN deposit. Here's what to do:
- Create a damage report with a description and photos of the broken tripod (photos are crucial for credibility)
- In the report, specify the estimated damage value - e.g., 350 PLN for a new tripod
- The platform will let you send a deduction proposal to the client
- The client receives a notification with the damage description, photographic documentation, and proposed amount
- The client can accept the proposal (the amount is deducted from the deposit) or reject it
Deduction rules
- The deduction amount cannot exceed the deposit paid. If the damage is worth 800 PLN but the deposit was 500 PLN - you can deduct a maximum of 500 PLN.
- Photographic documentation is required - without photos, the proposal is much weaker and easier to dispute
- The deduction is processed through the payment platform - part of the deposit is retained, the rest automatically returns to the client
- You can see the full deduction history in Owner Panel -> Finance
What if the client disagrees?
If the client rejects the deduction proposal, you have several options:
- Contact them directly through messages on the platform and negotiate - sometimes an additional explanation is enough
- Present additional documentation (e.g., repair invoice, "before" and "after" comparison photos)
- Escalate the issue to the Booquela platform, which can help with mediation
Where can I see deduction status?
Deduction information is available in two places:
- Damage report - current proposal status (pending, accepted, rejected)
- Owner Panel -> Finance - completed deductions and their amounts
Only propose deductions in justified cases with thorough documentation. Unfair or inflated claims can lead to platform reports and negatively affect your studio's reputation. Fair treatment of clients - even in difficult situations - builds trust and encourages return visits.
Can I withdraw a proposal?
Yes, as long as the client hasn't accepted the proposal, you can withdraw it. After acceptance, the payment process is underway and any changes require contacting platform support.
A deduction requires the client's consent. If the client rejects the proposal, the studio may escalate the case for mediation by Booquela. Booquela mediates - it does not decide.
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