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Deposits and part payments for laundries: how to get paid on time
Why deposits help
Unclaimed clothes take up space and tie up money you have already spent on washing them.
A deposit makes sure every order covers its costs, even if the customer never comes back.
How much to ask for
Half up front and half on delivery is common and easy to explain. Whatever you choose, keep it the same for everyone so it feels fair.
Regular business customers, such as hotels, may be better on an account you invoice monthly.
Collecting the balance
Ask for the balance when the clothes are ready, not after delivery, and include the exact amount and how to pay.
Card, bank transfer and USSD cover almost every customer.
How Presso helps
Presso lets you set the deposit, offer a discount for paying in full, and take card, transfer or USSD through Paystack. Business customers can be set up on account.
Questions people ask
Is it fair to ask new customers for a deposit?
Yes, when it is the same for everyone and shown before they book. Most customers are used to paying something up front.
What happens if a customer never collects their clothes?
State a collection period in your terms, keep the deposit to cover your costs, and contact the customer before that period ends.