Re:Ask HN: Security deposit for appointment reservation as a...
by cf141q5325 on Sunday March 27, 2022 @04:30PM
(#30823793)
Thank you for the input, especially the cancellation of CC payments (" Stop payments "). Apparently it is now 15-35$ depending on the institute.
Unfortunately from what i could tell the recurring customers arent really the problem, so they likely wont need a downpayment until they missbehave. Its more a question of how to deal with first timers who never become customers but eat up time slots. The down payments also wont make up losses in revenue (they would have to be too high) but would be more aimed at reducing the number of no-shows. So it would have to be aimed at those most incentivized to back out.
edit: The more i think about it, the more i am just describing an over complicated upfront down payment for first time customers. Thanks for pushing me to that conclusion.
Re:Ask HN: Security deposit for appointment reservation as a...
by ecesena on Sunday March 27, 2022 @08:57PM
(#30825832)
Totally - I meant it from your pov to make yours a sustainable business you prob want to look for service providers with recurring customers. With the understanding, like you said, that the main need is for the new customers.
I'm not sure the "you can cancel a cc payment" still holds, at least in my experience in the US. If I want I can certainly cancel a payment, but my cc would be blocked and a new one issued, which is a real pita for a small overcharge.
I guess as a user, I'd prefer to leave a downpayment if it's a service I use semi-regularly. For example I'm ok with a restaurant because I use opentable often, or I'd be ok if my yoga studio or alike charges me once for not showing up, because I go there weekly. For a service that I was supposed to use once, I didn't show up, and I have no plans to use again, I'd certainly try to put more effort to get my money back.
So, to your idea, I'd start exploring providers that establish a recurring rapport with their clients.