For our business, we require an initial cleaning deposit upfront before the first appointment. That allows us to verify the payment method before we invest time and labor into the job. After that initial service, we keep the client’s card securely on file and simply charge it after each recurring cleaning.
I think the right payment policy depends on your business model. For one-time projects or first-time customers, collecting a deposit or verifying payment before starting the work can help avoid awkward situations later. It’s much easier to resolve a payment issue before the job than after you’ve already completed it.
Has anyone else changed their payment policies over the years? I’d be interested to hear what has worked well for other service businesses.
