> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.tipo.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.tipo.io/tipo-appointment-booking/service-setup/payment-options-overview.md).

# Payment Options Overview

Customers can book your services **with or without payment**, depending on how you configure the service. This guide explains the difference and helps you choose the right option for your business.

<figure><img src="/files/zYQ340kV7Ojr3UW2HhoP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### ℹ️ **Overview**

Tipo supports two types of services:

| **Feature**                      | **Paid Service**                                                           | **Free Service**                                                                      |
| -------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Requires Customer Payment?       | ✔️ Yes (Customer must pay online)                                          | ❌ No (Booking is free)                                                                |
| Customer Redirected to Checkout? | ✔️ Yes (Directed to cart or checkout page)                                 | ❌ No (Bypasses the checkout process)                                                  |
| Shopify Order Created?           | ✔️ Yes (A standard order is created upon purchase)                         | ✔️ Yes (An order is created for tracking, usually a "Pay later" or "Test-mode" order) |
| Customer Flow                    | Must complete the standard Shopify purchase flow                           | Completes instantly after filling out a simple free form                              |
| Useful For                       | Classes, charged services, rentals, and services requiring payment upfront | Free trials, consultations, shop visits, and informational appointments               |

***

### **💡 Two Main Payment Modes**

#### **1️⃣ Free Booking (No Payment Required)**

Customers confirm the appointment **without paying online**.

<figure><img src="/files/eDUpqDKTtxUpqyImJI5S" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Best for:**

* Consultations
* Try-before-you-buy services
* Businesses collecting payment in person
* Free community classes

**Customer experience:**

| **Step**      | **Action**                                                                       | **Outcome**                                                               |
| ------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Click Book    | Customer selects a time slot and clicks the book button.                         |                                                                           |
| Fill Form     | The customer is presented with the Free Service form (e.g., Name, Email, Phone). | No payment details are required.                                          |
| Confirm       | The customer clicks Confirm button.                                              | The booking completes instantly, directing them to a confirmation screen. |
| Order Created | no order                                                                         | no order                                                                  |

**Video**

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/Rx7F0f3ubXw?si=PhYcg0-FlWh8iXS6>" %}

***

#### **2️⃣ Paid Booking (Pay to book)**

Customers must **complete checkout** to secure their appointment.

<figure><img src="/files/HTAtg9u22scRhosA5Z9Q" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Best for:**

* Appointments with limited capacity
* Classes or workshops
* Services requiring deposits
* Prepaid sessions

**Customer experience:**

| **Step**             | **Action**                                                    | **Outcome**                                        |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| Click Book           | Customer selects a time slot and clicks the book button.      |                                                    |
| Redirect to Checkout | The customer is redirected to the cart page or checkout page. | The service product is added to their cart.        |
| Purchase             | The customer completes the payment and checkout process.      | The customer is charged for the service.           |
| Order Created        | The purchase is finalized.                                    | A standard Shopify order is created in your store. |

**Video**

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/PHdH6gW25fc>" %}

***

**🙋 Still need support?**

If you still need help, please feel free to contact us at <hi@tipo.io>. We’ll be happy to assist you further.