Non-refundable deposit or refundable deposit: which one should I use?

French law recognizes two different kinds of deposit: if the client cancels, a non-refundable deposit (called "arrhes") stays with the studio, while a refundable deposit ("acompte") must be given back. This is a legal distinction, not just wording, so the option you choose protects your business differently depending on the case.

The difference in one line

• Non-refundable deposit (arrhes): paid at booking, it stays with the studio if the client cancels. It covers the blocked time slot and any prep work already done (drawing, stencil).
• Refundable deposit (acompte): paid at booking, it must be refunded to the client if the appointment doesn't happen, unless otherwise agreed.

In both cases, the amount paid is later deducted from the final price of the service. The difference only matters in case of cancellation.

Why it matters for you

A last-minute cancellation means a lost slot you can't fill anymore, and often prep time already spent (a custom drawing, a stencil ready to go). A non-refundable deposit covers that risk. A refundable deposit reassures the client more, but doesn't protect you against a no-show or a late cancellation.

The choice depends on your studio's policy: some artists apply a non-refundable deposit systematically on custom projects that require heavy prep work, and a more flexible refundable deposit on flash or smaller services.

How to set it up on the dashboard

The dashboard doesn't run two separate flows at checkout: you configure the cancellation behavior in your service policy, then apply the matching rule when the client cancels.

• Set the amount or rate of your deposit policy per service type under Finance > Deposit policy. See How do I set my deposit policy per service? for details.
• Collecting the deposit itself then works like any other payment, through the usual checkout tunnel. See How to collect a deposit.
• If the appointment is cancelled, it's up to you to decide whether the amount is refunded (acompte) or kept (arrhes) based on what you told the client, then apply the matching status on the deposit's record.

What to tell the client

Whatever your policy, inform the client before checkout about the nature of the amount you're asking for: non-refundable deposit or refundable deposit. It's a matter of trust as much as of law, and it avoids a disagreement if a cancellation happens.

Edge cases

The client cancels and you'd announced a non-refundable deposit (arrhes). The amount stays with you: no refund, no credit note to issue.

The client cancels and you'd announced a refundable deposit (acompte). The amount must be refunded. See How do I refund a client or issue a credit note? for the steps, and What happens when a client cancels? for the cancellation flow.

You're not sure which one to use for a given service. For projects that require heavy prep work (custom pieces, multi-session work), a non-refundable deposit better protects your time. For shorter services, a refundable deposit is often enough.