How you take the money matters more than drivers give it credit for. The wrong method costs you either in no-shows, in fees, or in awkward doorstep conversations. Here's how the three options really stack up.

Cash

Still the backbone of the trade, and there's nothing wrong with it. It's instant, there's no fee, and the customer likes it.

The risk is the no-show and the "I've only got half on me" conversation. You've driven out, loaded up, and now you're negotiating on a doorstep. For a stranger booking a bigger move, cash alone leaves you exposed.

Card

Taking the full amount on card is clean and safe — the money's confirmed before you start, and there's a clear record for your books. The trade-off is a small processing fee, and some customers still prefer to hand over notes.

Best for bigger jobs, trade customers, and anyone you don't know.

Deposit up front, balance in cash

This is the sweet spot for a lot of drivers, and it's the one people overlook. The customer pays a deposit when they book — say half — and the rest in cash on the day.

You get the best of both: the deposit's in your account before you turn a wheel, so a no-show can't leave you completely out of pocket, and the customer still pays most of it the way they like. It also filters out time-wasters — people who won't put a deposit down were often never going to show.

So which do you use?

• Small, local, known customer → cash is fine.
• Bigger job or a stranger → deposit to secure it, balance however you agree.
• Trade or nervous about being messed about → take it in full on card.

The point is to choose per job, and to make the terms clear when you quote so there are no surprises on the doorstep. Vanzy lets you set this per job — card, deposit-plus-cash, or cash only — and shows the customer exactly what to expect before they book.