How to set a deposit policy that doesn't lose you guests

There's a default in most operator templates: 50% deposit, balance due 60 days out. It's a fine default. It's also wrong for at least three of the operators reading this.

What a deposit is actually for

Two things: (1) it commits the guest, so they don't ghost three weeks before the trip; (2) it covers your non-refundable costs (boat charters, villa, permits) if they cancel.

If your trip is short and your costs are mostly refundable, you don't need 50%. If your trip is long and most of your costs are pre-paid permits, you might need more.

A simple framework

We see operators land between 25% and 60%. The mistake is thinking the answer is the same number for every trip.

When to flex per-guest

Returning guests, friends-of-host, late bookings — these are situations where rigid deposit % costs you. Build the flexibility in from day one. (We do.)