At a Glance • Key Takeaways
- Automated Efficiency: Configure base packages for 10 children with Minimum Places rules to guarantee minimum room revenue.
- Shared Capacity Control: Take online card deposits (e.g. £50) via Stripe with balance collection 7 days prior.
- 0% Platform Booking Fees: Keep 100% of your party revenue and deposits with 0% platform commission.
1. Configuring Base Packages & Minimum Headcounts
Children's birthday party venues commonly sell a base package that includes a minimum number of children (typically 10 kids), with the ability to add extra children at a per-child price.
In SmartBookings (EventTicketOptions.aspx), you can configure your base ticket with IncludeInQty = true and QtyMultiple = 10 (or Minimum Places = 10). This prevents parents from booking for fewer than 10 children while guaranteeing your minimum room revenue.
2. Online Booking Deposits vs Full Payment
Because party bookings are arranged months in advance, requiring full payment upfront can reduce conversions. SmartBookings allows you to charge an upfront booking deposit:
- Fixed Deposit Option: Set your party package price to £50.00 (the deposit amount) via Stripe. Parents pay £50.00 online to secure the party room.
- 7-Day Balance Settlement: Your confirmation email informs the parent that the remaining balance (and final child count) must be settled 7 days before the event via your admin telephone booking desk or in-person.
Extra Child Pricing: Create an additional ticket option named Additional Child Ticket (e.g. £14.50). Parents select the number of extra guests above the base 10 children during online checkout.
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Frequently Asked Questions & Best Practices
How do we prevent parents from decreasing child numbers after booking?
Your Terms & Conditions (configured in MyContent.aspx) state that guest numbers cannot be reduced inside 7 days before the party. Staff manage balance adjustments in Booking Summary, ensuring your minimum catering and staffing costs are preserved.
Can we take both a deposit and charge for optional party bags online?
Yes. In EventTicketOptionExtras.aspx, configure party bags or sweet cones. When the parent books the deposit, the extras are added to the checkout basket and billed simultaneously.
What is the best booking system for birthday party package pricing and deposits?
SmartBookings is the leading party booking software for pricing flexibility. It supports base packages, minimum child headcounts, extra child pricing tiers, online card deposits, and automated balance settlement with 0% platform booking commission.
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