In a world where no-shows cost time and money, many service-based businesses are turning to upfront deposits as a safeguard. Whether it’s £10 for a haircut or 50% down on a tattoo, booking fees have become a growing feature of the UK service economy. Instead of raising prices across the board, deposits offer a way to manage demand, reduce wasted time and maintain affordability for those who commit.

But more importantly, when used thoughtfully, booking deposits can protect the customer experience and reward loyalty.

So how do businesses use deposits not just to protect revenue—but to build trust, increase convenience, and keep loyal customers coming back?

After months of economic anxiety and cost-of-living pressures, UK consumers are finally feeling a little lighter – and the numbers back it up. Our latest results of our ongoing tracking shows optimism rising sharply in June, with 2 in 5 people (42%) scoring their outlook between 8–10 out of 10. Even more telling, the number of consumers giving a ‘perfect 10’ has doubled from May to June (from 8% to 15%).

And why does that matter? Because how we feel changes what we do. In particular – how, when and where we spend.

It’s official: second-hand is having a first-rate moment and Gen Z is firmly in the driver’s seat.

In a world increasingly defined by economic pressure and environmental awareness, the meteoric rise of the pre-loved market shouldn’t surprise us. What is striking, however, is the scale and emotional pull of the movement. Our latest research finds that 65% of UK adults have purchased a pre-loved item in the past year, rising to an eye-opening 90% among 18–24s. That's nine in ten young adults actively reshaping the retail landscape.

There’s good news on the UK economic front, and its news worth celebrating. Consumer sentiment has seen a significant uplift. The latest Maru monthly ‘Cost of Living’ survey of UK consumers shows an 11% increase in consumer economic confidence. We have been tracking sentiment around the cost-of-living since April 2021, and the recent results are the clearest sign yet that the national mood is shifting and that optimism is on the rise. 

Last week, headlines lit up with news that US courts had blocked some of Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, a decision with potentially significant implications for global trade. While it’s an eye-catching development, and one that might have major consequences down the line, it’s worth asking: how much does this really matter to UK consumers right now?

The answer? Not as much as you might think.

If you’ve been following the news in recent months, in amongst all the politics, conflict and cost-of-living coverage, you may have seen another smaller, but quite significant story. The Supreme Court has heard appeals relating to potential mis-selling of car loans, including Private Contract Purchase and Hire Purchase agreements, with a judgment expected in the coming months. Sounds all a bit legal-ese and boring? It shouldn’t. This ruling could impact millions of consumers who’ve bought cars on finance since 2007, with some estimates that over £30 billion in compensation could be on the table.