If a client books online a maximum of $1.50 is taken from their debit/credit card to secure the booking. Their card details are also securely stored for future bookings and to protect you against no-shows. 

When the client arrives for their appointment, Phorest automatically deducts this deposit from the appointment so only the remaining balance is left to pay. If the client is a no-show or cancels at the last minute, then you can charge the client the remaining balance through the credit card details that have been securely stored. 

This online booking deposit is retained by Phorest for processing this payment and securing the credit card details. It is not paid to you. Phorest use a 3rd party payment provider, Stripe, to provide this service.

A full FAQ regarding the deposits can be found HERE.