In this article, you will find everything you need to know about Custom Deposit Amount: what it is, how to use it, and how it works for you and your guests.
Summary
What is Custom Deposit Amount and why use it?
Where can I use it and which flows are available?
Troubleshooting & FAQs
💡 What you need to know
Custom Deposit Amount lets you request exactly the deposit amount you want — instead of a system-calculated figure based on cover count. It's available on standard reservations and on reservations under option, at creation or on an existing reservation.
1. What is Custom Deposit Amount and why use it?
You choose the deposit amount — not the system.
Custom Deposit Amount gives restaurants full flexibility over the deposit they request. It's particularly useful for group bookings, where a fixed per-cover amount may not reflect the actual value of the reservation. You set the amount, the guest pays, and everything else — payouts, settlement, your Adyen integration — stays exactly the same.
2. Where can I use it and which flows are available?
Available on two types of reservations:
Standard reservations — confirmed or pending confirmation
Reservations under option
Three flows are supported:
Flow 1 — Add a custom deposit on an existing reservation
The reservation already exists (confirmed or awaiting confirmation). You add a deposit request directly from the reservation, entering the amount of your choice. An email is sent to the guest with the payment link.
Flow 2 — Add a custom deposit at manual reservation creation
When creating a new manual reservation, the deposit field is available directly in the creation form. The amount is pre-filled from your shift configuration and freely editable before sending.
Flow 3 — Create a reservation under option, then add a custom deposit
You first place the reservation under option. You can then attach a deposit request immediately (simultaneous flow — one email to the guest) or add it later. If the deposit is attached simultaneously, the guest receives a single email with the option details and a payment link — paying confirms the reservation automatically.
In all cases, if the option deadline and a payment deadline coexist, the option deadline always takes precedence.
3. Troubleshooting & FAQs
Common issues:
I can't increase the deposit amount after sending — Once a deposit request has been sent, the amount cannot be increased. Cancel the existing request and send a new one. Message shown: "The deposit amount can't be increased once the request is sent. Cancel it and send a new one if needed."
The guest's payment link no longer works — If the option expired before the guest paid, the page shows: "This reservation is no longer available — the option has expired." The reservation is Expired and the deposit request is closed.
I want to modify a sent deposit request — No field can be modified (amount, deadline, etc.). Cancel it and send a new one.
FAQ:
What if the payment deadline is after the option deadline? — The option deadline always wins. A warning is shown when you set a payment deadline beyond the option expiry.
Can I add an option to an existing reservation? — No. Options are creation-only, not available on the edit form.
What if the guest tries to confirm the option without paying? — If a deposit is attached, the guest is automatically redirected to the payment page. They cannot confirm without paying.
Is this available in the Booking Widget? — Not yet. Widget support is coming in a follow-up release.
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