Taking deposit and balance payments for bookings

Taking payments for self-catering accommodation has to be organised and precise. You need to know how much deposit you have received, what the balance is and when it should be paid by. 

Your guests will also want to pay you using a variety of means including cash on arrival – it’s up to you to outline the methods possible.

1. Cheque payment is potentially on the way out, some large shops already refuse cheques as payment for goods

2. Internet payment through bank transfers is increasing, plus there is also the option of payment by card.

3. Pay Pal avoids the need for a merchant account. A fee is exacted for the payment. It offers the same advantage as payment by credit card in that the money is captured at the point of transaction

Accepting card payments

A credit and debit card payment facility on your own website can be an affordable option - it all depends on your turnover. Taking payments by credit card are affordable for people letting a large cottage or house with a high rental value, or a group of cottages. 

There are several companies offering credit card processing for your own site. All of them require that you obtain a merchant account for which an annual fee is payable.

They then charge for transactions on a sliding scale depending on turnover (2-5%) or Protx.com, part of the Sage group charges a monthly fee of £20 per month, no transaction fees, no fees for multiple currencies.