{"id":352492,"date":"2019-11-07T08:45:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-07T13:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/can-businesses-charge-appointment-deposits-and-cancellation-fees.html"},"modified":"2024-02-09T14:26:36","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T19:26:36","slug":"can-businesses-charge-appointment-deposits-and-cancellation-fees","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/can-businesses-charge-appointment-deposits-and-cancellation-fees.html","title":{"rendered":"Can Businesses Charge Appointment Deposits and Cancellation Fees?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can Businesses Charge Appointment Deposits and Cancellation Fees?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Businesses can legally charge appointment deposits and cancellation fees to mitigate losses from no-shows. These fees must comply with state laws, which often limit unreasonable charges. It’s crucial to review a business’s policies before booking so that you understand the fees and terms. Red flags include excessive fees or unclear policies. If a service seems suspicious, contact the business or your state’s licensing agency. A consumer protection lawyer can also help protect you from unfair practices.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Yes, a business can charge you to schedule or cancel an appointment. But the law limits these fees.<\/p>\n

Prevent these policies from catching you by surprise. Carefully read a business’s appointment scheduling and cancellation policies. If you notice something odd, like a business requiring you to pay before your reservation, you may wonder if they can legally take your money this way.<\/p>\n

Why Cancellation and Appointment Fees Exist<\/h2>\n

Getting your oil change, haircut, or teeth cleaned seemed like a great idea a few weeks ago. But the appointment is today, and you have a schedule conflict. Or you changed your mind and don’t want to go.<\/p>\n

You may be less likely to skip your appointment if you’d lose a deposit or pay a fee. But if you still do, the business can recover costs through cancellation or extra service fees. Unlike\u00a0a product return<\/a>, you might not get a refund for an unused service.<\/p>\n

Service providers like auto shops, hair salons, and dentist offices can’t make money during the timeframe they reserved for you. Often, the employees of these businesses only earn income when they serve a client. If a customer cancels, charging a fee is their only way to compensate for the loss.<\/p>\n

When Can Businesses Legally Charge Fees?<\/h2>\n

The law allows businesses to create policies, fees, and service agreements as they wish \u2014 as long as they don’t violate\u00a0the laws of your state<\/a>. You can usually find policies and fees in an advertisement disclaimer or the website’s fine print.<\/p>\n

Before you book an appointment, look for terms such as:<\/p>\n