In this article, you will learn the difference between taking a deposit at the time of booking and using a cancellation charge instead. We’ll cover how both options work in Stampede, their pros and cons, and how to decide which option is best for your venue.
Overview
Stampede offers two main ways to secure bookings and reduce no-shows:
- Deposits – where payment is taken upfront at the time of booking.
- Cancellation Charges – where the customer provides card details and is only charged if they fail to attend.
Both options have their benefits and can be tailored to suit specific booking types, group sizes, or busy periods like the festive season.
Option 1: Taking Deposits
Deposits allow you to take full or partial payment at the point of booking.
How it works:
- Customers pay a deposit (e.g. £10 per person) when confirming a booking.
- The payment is processed through your connected Stripe account.
- On arrival, staff can deduct the deposit amount from the final bill.
- If the customer cancels in advance, the deposit can be refunded manually via Stampede.
Things to consider:
- Stripe transaction fees apply to both the payment and any refund.
- Manual refunds may require appropriate access levels (Manager/Admin).
- Deposits create commitment but add steps for staff on-site if adjustments or refunds are needed.
Option 2: Using Cancellation Charges
Cancellation charges are a flexible alternative that reduce admin while still protecting your business from no-shows.
How it works:
- Customers do not pay upfront, but provide their card details when booking.
- A cancellation fee (e.g. £10 per person) can be applied only if they fail to show up or cancel too late.
- You decide the charge amount and the conditions under which it applies.
- Stampede securely stores the card via Stripe and allows manual charging if needed.
Benefits:
- No upfront payments = easier booking experience for guests.
- No Stripe fees unless a charge is made.
- Serves as a strong deterrent against no-shows.
- Fully customisable per booking type or event.
Which Option Should You Use?
| Criteria | Deposits | Cancellation Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront commitment | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Reduced no-shows | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Admin for refunds | ⚠️ Required | ❌ Not required |
| Guest flexibility | ❌ Lower | ✅ Higher |
| Stripe fees | 💰 Charged on both payment & refund | 💰 Only charged if cancellation is actioned |
| Best for | High-value bookings, pre-paid events | Casual dining, group reservations, busy periods |
How to Set It Up
Both options can be enabled in your Stampede Bookings dashboard in Configuration.
You must have your Stripe account connected to activate either method.
You can also configure different rules for specific booking types, such as:
- Festive menus
- Large party bookings
- VIP events
Final Tips
- If you’re concerned about no-shows but want to keep the guest experience smooth, cancellation charges are a great solution.
- For events or peak periods where commitment is essential, deposits offer extra peace of mind.
- Mix and match! You can apply deposits for certain booking types and cancellation fees for others.
Need help choosing the right setup or activating this feature? Get in touch with your Account Manager or reach out to our support team.