Why Spray Tan Artists Should Take Deposits & How to Start
As a tanning professional, no-shows and last-minute cancellations aren’t just frustrating—they’re costly. Every empty slot means lost income, wasted time, and disrupted workflows. That’s why taking deposits isn’t just a smart move—it’s a necessary one for protecting your business.
Vagaro, a leading booking and business management platform, makes deposit-taking seamless and stress-free. Whether you're just getting started or looking to streamline your current system, here's how Vagaro can help you secure your revenue and build a more professional, reliable client experience.
Why Deposits Matter in the Tanning Industry
1. Reduce No-Shows and Cancellations: Requiring a deposit encourages commitment. When clients have skin in the game (literally!), they’re much more likely to show up on time—or at least notify you if they need to reschedule. It also filters out those who may not be serious about booking in the first place.
2. Create a Professional Boundary: A clear deposit policy establishes that your time has value. It sets expectations from the start, letting clients know that your business is structured, confident, and in demand.
3. Secure Revenue in Advance: Taking deposits ensures that even if something falls through, you're not left empty-handed. It’s a simple, powerful way to add financial stability to your week—especially in peak tanning seasons when your schedule is tight.
How to Set Up Deposits with Vagaro
Vagaro makes it incredibly easy to collect deposits, whether you want to do it automatically at the time of booking or manually on the back end. Here's how both options work:
1. Front-End Deposit Collection (Client-Facing Booking Page)
This is ideal if you want a set-it-and-forget-it system:
Step 1: Log into your Vagaro account.
Step 2: Go to Settings > Online Shopping Cart > Deposits.
Step 3: Choose how much you’d like to charge (either a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of the service).
Step 4: Toggle on “Require deposit at booking” and save.
Once enabled, clients will be prompted to pay a deposit during online booking. The system will automatically record the payment and apply it to their service at checkout.
2. Back-End Deposit Collection (Appointment Notes)
Prefer a more hands-on approach or want flexibility with each client?
Book the appointment as usual.
Use Vagaro’s invoice feature to send a deposit request via email or SMS.
Include your policy in the appointment notes or confirmation message.
Track payments through the client profile or appointment screen.
This is especially helpful for custom or large group bookings where you may want a more tailored deposit structure.
Tips for Successfully Implementing Deposits:
Be Transparent: Add your deposit and cancellation policies to your website, booking page, and confirmation emails. Clear communication builds trust.
Use Vagaro’s Automation: Leverage appointment reminders and confirmations to reinforce your policies and reduce no-shows even further.
Keep It Consistent: If you choose to require deposits, make it your standard practice for every client and every service.
Here’s What NOT Taking Deposits Can Cost You:
If you’re a spray tan artist who charges $75 a week and is facing at least two no-shows a week, here’s a look at your lost revenue…all because you’re not taking deposits:
1 Week: $150
1 Month (4 weeks): $600
6 Months (26 weeks): $3,900
1 Year (52 weeks): $7,800
Ready to Take Control of Your Bookings?
If you're ready to upgrade your biz, streamline your schedule, and never answer another “when do i exfoliate?” text again—head to vagaro.com/pro/tanbible to grab your FREE month of Vagaro.
You’ll get:
✅ Seamless client intake forms
✅ Automated email + text comms
✅ Branded, SEO-friendly booking page
✅ Checkout + deposits handled
✅ AND the spray tan scheduling peace of mind you deserve