First payment by SMS
Deposit by SMS: request payment before booking
A deposit by SMS helps you confirm a booking, visit, rental or appointment before the service. You send a secure payment link by SMS, the customer pays remotely, and you can check the received amount before preparing the service.
The live demo is available without signup. If you are ready, create your account and connect Stripe.
Customers can pay the way they prefer
One payment link, multiple options: card and compatible wallets.
Secure payments powered by Stripe.
Customers can pay the way they prefer: One payment link, multiple options: card and compatible wallets.. Secure payments powered by Stripe.
Real flow
Request a deposit
Amount
EUR 120.00
Reason
Booking deposit
Channel
SMS + email
Secure payment
After payment, you can confirm the slot under your booking terms.
Why request a deposit by SMS?
An agreed first payment gives you a received amount before you commit time, travel or supplies. You confirm the booking according to your own terms after checking payment.
SMS gives the customer a direct route to the payment page; email is also available when that suits the relationship.
See how a first payment can help make a booking commitment clearer.
Request a first payment before preparing the service
A customer who books without paying any deposit can cancel at the last minute. Result: blocked slot, idle equipment, empty tables or a lost job. An agreed first payment can make the customer commitment tangible and cover part of the preparation cost, while keeping the payment step simple.
With PayLinker, the deposit by SMS relies on a secure payment link sent by SMS: you create the link, send it in a few clicks and your customer pays the deposit from their phone. No terminal to install, no app to download.
💡 For an overview of SMS payments (deposits, balances and one-off requests), you can also visit the PayLinker homepage.
Why deposits by SMS change the game
- • Make the agreed customer commitment visible through a received payment.
- • Decide when to confirm the slot under your own booking terms.
- • Receive part of the agreed price before some preparation costs arise.
- • Stay simple for customers (one SMS, one link, one payment).
In practice, deposits by SMS complement your existing processes
- • You keep your own terms and cancellation rules.
- • PayLinker provides the payment link, Stripe processes the payment, you stay in control of the client relationship.
- • Each deposit generates a dated receipt that you can use in accounting or in case of disputes.
How do deposits by SMS work with PayLinker?
Agree on the service and first amount, send the request, then check payment before confirming the next step under your terms.
Step 1
Create your deposit link
From your PayLinker dashboard, you choose the deposit amount, reason (booking, rental, service…) and delivery channel.
Step 2
Send the link by SMS
PayLinker generates a unique SMS payment link that you send to your customer. You can also share it via email or messaging.
Step 3
Customer pays and you’re notified
The customer pays the deposit on a secure Stripe page. You receive a real‑time notification and an automatic receipt is generated for both parties.
The payment is processed by Stripe and the funds land directly in your business account.
Learn about how the payment link works.
Deposit, booking fee or security deposit: what changes?
A first payment is part of the agreed service price. You decide when to confirm the appointment after checking it has been paid.
A booking fee is useful when you want to confirm a reservation while keeping your terms and cancellation policy clearly framed. Check the booking fee by SMS to see how that flow works.
A security deposit covers risk on equipment, keys or property handover; see the online security deposit for details.
Every option runs through the payment link page built by PayLinker and Stripe.
Which professionals benefit most from deposits by SMS?
Wherever a time slot, table, piece of equipment or team is booked, deposits by SMS become a useful reflex.
- • Equipment and leisure rentals (jet‑skis, boats, bikes, rooms…).
- • Leisure activities on booking (escape game, karting, activity parks).
- • Restaurants, caterers, wine bars for large tables and events.
- • Coaches, wellness practitioners, photographers, event providers.
- • Concierges and short‑term rental managers.
Concrete examples
- Equipment or leisure rentals: Once the agreed first payment is confirmed, you can confirm the rental date under your own terms and prepare the equipment.
- Caterer or restaurant: Deposit by SMS for large tables, privatisations or weddings, balance paid before or after the event.
- Coach or practitioner: An agreed first amount is requested before a longer appointment, helping the professional plan the slot.
To go further, you can also explore our sector pages on leisure and rentals / restaurants and caterers.
PayLinker pricing
Using PayLinker doesn’t change the deposit amount. Only the transaction is subject to your PayLinker commission plus Stripe fees. Sending an SMS consumes 1 credit.
FAQ
When should I request a deposit by SMS?
As soon as you are reserving a slot, visit, rental or piece of equipment for a customer. It is especially useful before high-value appointments or any booking with cancellation risk.
Can I request a deposit without a subscription?
Yes, PayLinker works without a subscription: you only pay the transaction commission, Stripe fees and 1 credit per SMS sent, with no fixed costs.
Does the customer need an account to pay?
No, the customer taps a secure Stripe payment link and pays the deposit without creating an account.
Is the deposit refundable?
Refunds follow the agreed terms and applicable rules. PayLinker shows the collected payment; Stripe handles any later bank payout.
Can I send the deposit link by email?
Yes, email is a free channel, while sending an SMS consumes 1 credit so the link reaches the customer faster.
Are the payments secure?
Stripe processes the payment. PayLinker shows its confirmed status; Stripe handles the later payout according to the connected account.
Ready to confirm more bookings with deposits by SMS?
Create your PayLinker account, send secure payment links by SMS and start collecting deposits before each booking, rental or appointment that matters.
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