# Barbershop step 4: online booking and deposits

> Share a barbershop booking link where customers pick a cut, a barber and a time, ask for a deposit if you want one, and take bookings from the Shopper app.

Source: https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/barber/step-4-online-booking/  
Last updated: 2026-10-30  
Product: SmartPOS Hub (https://smartposhub.com)

An online booking link fills quiet hours and keeps regulars loyal. This page switches it on for a barbershop, sets how far ahead and how often customers can book, and adds optional deposits. It is for the owner.

## Switch on online booking

1. Open **Services › Settings**. Under **Online booking**, tick **Online booking page is on** and **Customers can book services online**.
2. Tick **Customers can choose a staff member** if customers may pick their barber, and **Show prices on the booking page**.
3. Decide on **Confirm online bookings automatically**. Most barbershops leave it on.
4. Under **Scheduling**, set **Start times every (min)**. 15 minutes suits most cuts.
5. Under **Reminders & cancellation**, tick **Send email reminders**, set **Reminder (hours before)** (for example 2 or 24), and decide whether **Customers can cancel online**.
6. Save, then copy the link with **Copy booking link** on the overview.

To control how soon and how far ahead customers can book, open **Bookings › Settings** and set **Minimum notice (min)** and **Book up to (days ahead)**. Every option is explained on the [Bookings](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/bookings/) page.

**Tip:** 
Untick **Bookable online** on services you only do in person (for example a hair design that needs a chat first). They stay on the POS but leave the booking page.

## Optional: deposits

For long or premium services, ask for a deposit:

- Per service: enter an **Online deposit** on the service.
- For all appointments: in the **Payment to confirm — Appointment** card at the bottom of **Services › Settings**, choose **Deposit**, the **Deposit type**, and **When it is due**.

Paid deposits become the customer's advance and are taken off the bill with the **Advance** payment method at checkout. Full details: [Booking payments](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/booking-payments/) and [Salon step 4](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/salon-and-spa/step-4-online-booking-and-deposits/).

## Bookings from the Shopper app

Customers with the **SmartPOS Shopper** app ([Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.smartposhub.shopper)) can book from your store page: **New booking**, **Appointment**, a day and a time. See [Shopper app for your store](https://docs.smartposhub.com/online/shopper-app-for-your-store/) to make your shop visible.

![Shopper app New booking screen with Table and Appointment choices, a day strip and free times](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/shopper-new-booking.CFSvfDOG.png)
*New booking in the SmartPOS Shopper app.*

  - [Services module](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/services/)
  - [Next: checkout, products and tips](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/barber/step-5-checkout-products-and-tips/)

## Frequently asked questions

### Where is my booking link?

Click Copy booking link on Services › Overview, or Copy next to the link in Services › Settings. Put it in your Instagram bio, Google profile and WhatsApp status.

### Can customers pick their favourite barber?

Yes, when Customers can choose a staff member is ticked in Services › Settings and the barber has Customers can pick this person online ticked. Otherwise customers book Anyone available.

### Should I ask for a deposit on a haircut?

Most barbershops do not. Deposits make sense for long or expensive services such as a groom's package. Use the per-service Online deposit for those, or a deposit rule in Payment to confirm.

### Do online bookings block walk-ins?

They block the barber's time, so the staff calendar shows it as taken. Leave one barber with Customers can pick this person online unticked if you want to keep a chair free for walk-ins.

### Can customers book in the SmartPOS Shopper app?

Yes. Customers who follow your shop in the SmartPOS Shopper app tap New booking, choose Appointment, then a day and time.