What is a deposit? / What's your deposit policy?
A deposit is a portion of my consideration paid in advance to guarantee my time is reserved exclusively for you. It’s just like other reservation-based systems.
I require a deposit to confirm all dates. Until I receive a deposit, dates are marked tentative in my (very busy) calendar.
My deposit policy is clearly published on the same page as my rates, and is reprinted here:
I accept deposits via dozens of cryptocurrencies (e.g., ZEC or XMR preferred, BTC or ETH accepted), major debit or credit cards, some gift cards, or select privacy-preserving payment apps. (Which ones?)
- One-fifth (20%) of the total booking cost while in my hometown(s).
- One-third (33%) of the total booking cost while touring.
Deposits are non-refundable, except in the rare case I must cancel our date, but they can be transferred to another date should you need to reschedule. (See my cancellation policy for details.) Our time together is confirmed only after I receive your deposit.
Why do you require deposits?
When I commit myself to being with you, whether in person or remotely, I necessarily turn down other invitations and (re)arrange my life to ensure that I show up for you at my absolute best and most attentive.
If I am hosting us, it may also mean I am spending additional time, and doing additional labor, to ensure we have a clean, calm, well-prepared physical space to spend our time together. If I am traveling to you, it means I am researching logistical details, booking air, rail, or other passage, and so on.
Deposits cover the financial and other costs of these details and enable me to show up gracefully and at peace, ready to enjoy our time together.
