Why Online Payments Matter for Service Businesses
The days of cash-only service businesses are numbered. In Australia, 83% of consumers prefer to pay electronically, and that number is growing every year.
- Reduced no-shows (clients who pay in advance show up)
- Improved cash flow (get paid at booking, not at service)
- Professional image (modern businesses accept modern payments)
- Time savings (no cash handling, no invoicing delays)
Understanding Payment Processing Fees
The Fee Structure
- Card processing fee: 1.5-2.9% + fixed fee per transaction
- Platform commission: 0-5% (varies wildly — this is where many booking platforms take their cut)
The Hidden Cost of "Free" Booking Platforms
- Fresha: 2.19-2.79% commission on new client bookings
- Mindbody: Various fees on transactions
- GlossGenius: 2.6% processing fee
SeroBook charges 0% commission. You only pay standard Stripe processing fees (1.75% + 30c for Australian cards).
Do the Maths
- SeroBook: $175 in Stripe fees + $29-79 subscription = $204-254 total
- Fresha (new clients): $175 in processing + $219-279 commission = $394-454 total
- Mindbody: $175 in processing + $139+ subscription + fees = $314+ total
Over a year, that difference adds up to $1,000-2,400 in savings with SeroBook.
Setting Up Payments in Australia
Step 1: Choose Your Processor
- Stripe (recommended) — 1.75% + 30c for Australian cards, supports all major card types
- Square — 1.6% for tap/chip, 2.2% for online
Step 2: Configure Payment Options
- Full payment at booking: Best for reducing no-shows
- Deposit at booking: Compromise — some commitment without full upfront cost
- Pay on arrival: Lowest barrier but highest no-show risk
- Mixed: Different rules for different services
Step 3: Set Up Invoicing
- Generate professional invoices from completed bookings
- Send payment links via email
- Track outstanding payments
- Set payment terms and reminders
Security and Compliance
PCI Compliance
SeroBook and Stripe handle PCI compliance for you. Card details are never stored on your servers — they go directly to Stripe's secure infrastructure.
Refund Policies
- Define cancellation windows (24hr, 48hr, etc.)
- Specify refund amounts (full, partial, credit only)
- Communicate policies clearly on your booking page
- SeroBook automates refund processing based on your rules
The AUD Advantage
- No currency conversion fees for your clients
- Faster settlement times (typically 2 business days)
- Support for all Australian payment methods
- Compliance with Australian financial regulations
PaymentsFinanceGuide