Most service businesses chase the same revenue model: complete a service, receive payment, repeat. The problem is that this model means your revenue is always dependent on what happens next week. A credit wallet flips the model — customers pay you now for services they'll use over the next several months.
It's not a new idea. Airlines sell frequent flyer miles. Coffee shops sell punch cards. Fitness studios sell class packs. For service businesses, a prepaid credit wallet is the cleanest version of this concept.
What a credit wallet actually does for your business
Revenue certainty
When a customer loads $200 onto their credit wallet, you have $200 in your account today — regardless of what happens next month. Even if they use it slowly over six months, the cash is already yours. This provides meaningful cash flow stability, especially during slow seasons.
Increased commitment
Customers with credits on account don't shop around. They have a financial reason to return to your business specifically. Switching to a competitor means leaving money behind. The psychology of loss aversion works strongly in your favour here.
Reduced no-shows
Customers who have pre-paid are significantly more likely to show up. They're not spending "new" money on the day of their appointment — they're spending money they already committed to spending. The show-up rate for pre-paid customers is measurably higher.
Higher average spend
Customers spending credits often feel they're spending "house money" and are more likely to add on services, try something new, or book more frequently. The psychological distance from the original payment reduces spending friction.
How to structure your credit packages
Two approaches work well:
Any-amount top-ups
Customers can load any amount they choose. This is flexible and removes friction. The downside is that there's no nudge toward a particular amount.
Fixed packages
You define preset top-up amounts (e.g. $50, $100, $200, $500). This makes the decision easier and allows you to add subtle incentives: the $200 package could include a small bonus or unlock a tier benefit. Fixed packages tend to result in higher average top-up amounts because you're anchoring customers to your preferred price points.
How to set it up
- Go to Settings → Credits
- Choose "Any amount" or "Fixed packages"
- If using fixed packages, add your amounts
- Set a credit expiry (or leave it as no expiry for maximum customer-friendliness)
- Click Save
To top up a customer's wallet manually, go to their profile in Customers and click Top up. At checkout, a "Credits" payment option appears automatically if the customer has a balance.
The conversation that sells credits
The best time to introduce credits is at the end of a first visit when the customer is at peak satisfaction. The framing matters:
"We have a credit wallet programme — it works like a prepaid account for all your visits. A lot of our regulars use it because it means they never have to think about payment and they build up to our Gold tier over time. Would you like to add some credits today?"
This framing emphasises convenience and loyalty benefits rather than "please give us money now."
The best time to invest in a credit wallet is during a customer's happiest moment — right after a service they loved. That's when they most want to lock in more of the same.