BEAUTICIANS · PAYMENT LINKS
How Beauticians Get Paid in the UK
A detailed breakdown of the most common payment methods used by UK beauticians, including cash, bank transfers, card readers and modern payment links. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of each method so you can choose what works best for your beauty business.
Every beautician in the UK gets paid slightly differently. Some clients bring cash. Others bank transfer once they remember. Some salons use card terminals. Mobile beauticians might take card reader payments at the client’s home. And more recently, many beauty professionals have started using payment links because they make the whole process simpler.
Each method comes with benefits and frustrations. What works well for one beautician can create problems for another. Understanding the full range of payment methods gives you the confidence to set up a system that suits your clients and protects your diary.
This guide breaks down the most common ways beauticians get paid in the UK and the pros and cons of each. It also explains how these methods fit into a wider payment system that keeps your income predictable and reduces awkward chasing.
Part of the Beauticians Payment Links Guide Series.
If you want the complete overview, start at the pillar page: Payment Links for Beauticians – Complete UK Guide .
The Most Common Ways Beauticians Get Paid Today
There are five common payment methods used by UK beauticians. Each method works, but each has challenges that can affect cashflow, no shows, and how smooth your day feels.
1. Cash
Cash is still common for some beauty services, especially with regulars and small local salons. It feels simple when the client is present and the routine is predictable.
Pros
- Immediate payment on the day
- No apps or logins for clients
- Simple for clients who prefer traditional payments
Cons
- Not useful for deposits or payment in advance
- Harder to track and reconcile
- Handling and storing cash can be stressful
2. Bank transfer
Many beauticians use bank transfers for deposits, packages, or clients who like paying from their banking app. It can work well, but it often creates delays if the client says they will do it later.
Pros
- Goes straight into your account
- No hardware needed
- Works well for clients who pay in advance
Cons
- Clients often say “I will do it later”
- Messy references make tracking harder
- Manual chasing when payments are late
3. Card readers and card terminals
Many salons and some mobile beauticians use card readers like SumUp or Zettle. Clients tap or chip and pin on the spot.
Pros
- Professional payment experience
- Fast when the client is present
- Good for higher value appointments
Cons
- Requires the client to be there in person
- Signal and battery issues can happen
- Fees add up and you manage another device
4. Payment apps
Some beauticians use apps like PayPal, Revolut, or general invoicing tools. These can work, but they often add extra steps and can feel less smooth for appointment based businesses.
- Extra steps or logins for clients
- Can feel inconsistent across different clients
- Not designed around deposits, balances and reminder flows
5. Payment links
Payment links are becoming a preferred option for many beauticians because they work for deposits, balances and late payments. You send a link, the client taps to pay by card or wallet, and the payment shows up in one place.
These can be sent through:
Payment links also allow you to take deposits, collect balances, and send friendly reminders without repeatedly typing messages. Each part of that system is covered in the other guides in this silo.
Real Payment Situations Beauticians Face
Here are a few examples of how different payment methods play out in real life. These scenarios reflect common patterns beauticians deal with across the UK.
You need a deposit to confirm a premium slot
A new client wants a long appointment at a peak time. If you rely on cash or bank transfer later, you are holding the slot on trust.
A deposit payment link sent immediately makes the booking real. If the deposit is not paid, you can release the slot confidently.
Messy bank references make packages harder to track
One client uses their surname, another uses “lashes”, another leaves it blank. Matching payments to sessions becomes a headache, especially if you sell packages.
Structured payment links reduce this because each link relates to a specific booking or balance.
Regular late payers
Some clients always forget. They are lovely people but you end up sending the same reminder message after appointments.
Automatic reminders solve this without awkward conversations. See Automatic Payment Reminders for Beauticians for examples.
Mobile work where you want payment sorted before you travel
If you travel to clients, the risk is higher. Travel time and fuel costs mean a no show hits harder.
Many mobile beauticians use deposits or payment in advance and send payment links the day before to confirm everything is sorted.
A Simple Way to Decide Which Payment Method Works Best
You do not need to choose only one payment method. Most beauty businesses use a mix. Here is a simple system to help you decide what fits each type of booking.
Decide how important deposits are for your diary
If no shows or late cancellations are a problem, deposits matter more than anything else. Cash and card readers do not solve this. A payment link deposit does.
Plan ahead for how you want to be paid on the day
If you want instant payment at the end of the appointment, card readers work when clients are present. Payment links can do the same, but also work if the client needs to pay later that day.
Use balances and reminders for longer bookings
For long appointments and premium bookings, deposit and balance flows keep things clear. See Deposit and Balance Payment Links for Beauticians for a practical structure.
Use payment links where consistency matters most
Payment links bring everything into one place. They are useful for deposits, late payers, mobile work, and clients who pay from their phone on WhatsApp or Instagram.
Example Messages for Each Payment Method
Here are simple message examples beauticians use when requesting payment through different methods.
Cash example
Thank you for today. If cash is easiest, you can pay at the end of the appointment as usual.
Bank transfer example
Thanks again for today. When you get a moment, please transfer £[Amount] to the account ending [1234]. Thank you.
Payment link example
Thank you for today. Here is your payment link for £[Amount]. Tap to pay securely when you are ready. If there are any issues, just let me know.
Deposit link example
Hi [Name], to secure your booking on [Date] at [Time], the deposit is £[Deposit]. Here is your link to pay: [Payment Link]. Once paid, your appointment is confirmed. Thank you.
If you want more copy and paste options for deposits, reminders and overdue payments, the templates guide in this silo is designed for that: Payment Reminder Templates for Beauticians .
The Big Wins
Choosing the right mix of payment methods helps beauticians gain:
- More predictable income
Faster payments mean fewer gaps in weekly and monthly cashflow.
- Less chasing
Clear systems reduce how often you need to remind clients.
- Fewer awkward conversations
Deposits, payment links and reminders protect your boundaries without drama.
- A more professional client experience
Smooth payments signal that you run a serious business, not a hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common way beauticians get paid in the UK?
Many beauticians use a mix of card payments and bank transfers, with some still taking cash. Payment links are becoming more popular because they work for deposits, balances and clients who pay on their phone.
Are payment links safe for beauty clients?
Yes. Payment links use secure online checkout pages and allow clients to pay by card or wallet. Clients do not need an account or app to pay.
Do I have to choose one payment method only?
Not at all. Most beauticians use two or three methods depending on the client, the service and whether a deposit is needed.
Can payment methods reduce no shows or late payments?
Yes. Deposits reduce no shows, and payment links with reminders reduce late payments because clients can pay in a few taps and get a gentle nudge if they forget.
Related Guides
Continue learning with these related guides:
Payment Links for Beauticians — Complete UK Guide
The complete UK guide to payment links for beauticians. Learn how to take deposits securely, reduce cancellations, and get paid on time for appointments.
Read guideHow Beauticians Can Request a Deposit Professionally
A professional UK guide for beauticians on requesting deposits using payment links.
Read guideHow Beauticians Can Reduce Cancellations
A practical guide to reducing cancellations and no-shows for UK beauticians using clear policies and deposits.
Read guideHow to Send Payment Links as a Beautician
A simple guide for UK beauticians on how to send payment links by text, WhatsApp and email.
Read guideCreate a Simple Payment System for Your Beauty Business
If you are ready to reduce chasing, take deposits upfront and get paid faster, Simply Link helps you send payment links in seconds with friendly automatic reminders. Create your free account and send your first payment link today.
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