Payment policies - upfront, deposit, deferred payment

Booquela gives you three ways to collect payments for bookings. Each has its advantages - choose the one that fits your business model.

Upfront

The client pays the full amount immediately when booking.

This is the most commonly chosen model and recommended for starting out. You know the money is there before the client arrives. Zero surprises.

Example: A session costs 400 PLN. The client books and immediately pays 400 PLN. On session day, there are no more formalities.

Deposit

The client pays a portion at booking (e.g., 30%), the rest before the booking.

Useful for more expensive sessions - the client doesn't need to pay a large amount upfront, but their commitment is secured.

Example: A session costs 1200 PLN, deposit is 30%. The client pays 360 PLN at booking, and 840 PLN is charged later.

Deferred payment

The client books without paying. Money is automatically charged to their card 6 hours before the booking.

This model works well for regular, trusted clients or bookings made far in advance. The client doesn't have to pay weeks before the booking.

Example: A client books a visit 3 weeks from now. They pay nothing now. 6 hours before the booking, the system automatically charges the full amount.

How to configure

1. Go to Owner Panel -> Studio -> Edit.
2. In the Payment Policy section, select the model.
3. For deposit, set the percentage (e.g., 30%).
4. Save changes.

What if the payment fails?

With upfront payment - the booking isn't confirmed and expires after 30 minutes. With deferred payment - if the card can't be charged 6 hours before the booking, the booking is automatically cancelled and you receive a notification.