A deposit does two jobs: it commits the guest, so they're far less likely to no-show, and it protects you against last-minute cancellations on trips with limited capacity. For higher-value or equipment-heavy activities, it also covers your upfront costs if plans change.
You don't need a website checkout. With Retveno you generate a Stripe checkout link in one click from any booking and send it to the guest in the same chat they booked in. They pay on their phone, and the booking flips to "deposit paid" automatically — no chasing, no manual reconciliation. The money lands in your own Stripe account; Retveno takes no cut.
A part-deposit (often 20–30%) is the sweet spot for most operators: enough to secure the booking without front-loading the whole cost. You can also send a link for the full amount when it suits — for example for last-minute bookings or small group add-ons. Collect the balance on the day however you already do.
Frequently asked questions
What fees apply to deposits?
Only Stripe's standard card processing fee. Retveno is commission-free and takes no cut of the deposits or payments you collect.
Can I refund a deposit?
Yes — refunds are handled in your own Stripe account, so you stay in full control of your cancellation policy.
More guides
How to take bookings on WhatsAppHow to reduce no-shows for toursHow to take deposits for tour bookingsHow to price your toursHow to get more direct bookingsSetting up WhatsApp Business for bookingsHow to write a tour cancellation policy