Service Deposits: Secure Your Bookings

You blocked out two hours for a haircut appointment. The customer never showed up. That's two hours you could have booked someone else — money you don't get back. Service deposits solve this by asking for a commitment before you even start.

How Deposits Work

When you create a service order, Keel shows a deposit section. Choose a percentage — 25%, 50%, or a custom amount — and Keel tells you exactly what to collect now and what stays as the balance. The customer pays the deposit before you begin, and the remaining balance is collected when the work is done.

Collect the Deposit Right Away

After creating the order, Keel opens the Collect screen with the deposit amount pre-filled. The customer pays with M-Pesa right there — or you can send them a payment link if they're booking remotely. Either way, the deposit is recorded against the order before work begins.

Track What's Paid

Every order card shows a green 'Deposit paid' chip or an amber 'Deposit unpaid' chip. Expanded order rows show the exact amounts — KSh 500 paid of KSh 2,000 total. When the work is finished, tap 'Collect balance' to collect the remaining amount through the same flow.

Revenue That's Honest

Deposits are recorded as 'Deposit' sales immediately, so your revenue reflects money actually received. When the balance is collected on completion, it's recorded as a separate sale — no double-counting, no confusing totals. Your P&L stays clean.

Works with Google Calendar

If you've connected Google Calendar, scheduled orders with deposits sync automatically. The customer's booking is locked in with a financial commitment, and your calendar shows exactly what's coming.

Who It's For

Any service business that takes bookings — salons, photographers, repair shops, laundries, event planners. If a no-show costs you time and money, deposits protect your schedule. Part of Keel's Pro plan.