Deposits are completely normal — the risk is only in how they're held. Paid directly, a deposit relies on trust. Held in escrow, the same deposit is committed but protected. Here's the difference.
| Feature | Escrow (CASHBOX) | Traditional deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Where the money sits | In a dedicated NZD trust account, committed to the job. | In the tradesperson's own account, spendable immediately. |
| Protection if the job falls through | Funds are paused and resolved through dispute resolution. | Getting it back can be difficult and may need legal action. |
| Proof the money is real | The seller sees the deposit is genuinely funded before starting. | The seller has the cash, but the buyer loses visibility of it. |
| Familiarity | Newer idea; some customers need a quick explanation. | Universally understood. |
| Cost | Flat 2% per payment, GST-inclusive. | Free. |
A deposit and escrow aren't opposites — escrow is just a safer way to hold a deposit. For small, trusted jobs a direct deposit is fine. For new clients or larger sums, holding the deposit in escrow protects both sides for a flat 2%.
Create a payment link in about a minute. No monthly fees, no lock-in — a flat 2% per protected payment.
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