Deposit Policy

Why I take a deposit

Your deposit secures your date and time, and covers the work I put in before you even sit in the chair: drawing up your design, preparing your stencil, and setting time aside just for you. It also means that if someone cancels last minute, I’ve had a fair chance to fill the gap. It’s a sign that we’re both committed to your appointment.

How much is the deposit?

The deposit is £50. Because £50 is also my minimum charge, a tattoo that takes an hour or less is covered in full by the deposit, with nothing further to pay.

Your deposit isn’t an extra charge. It comes off the price of your tattoo, so it’s deducted from the amount you pay on the day. If your tattoo needs more than one session, a separate deposit is required for each session, and each deposit is taken off the cost of that session.

Paying your deposit and confirming your booking

Your appointment is only held once your deposit has been received. Until then, the date and time stay open to other clients. Once your deposit is in, your slot is confirmed and it’s all yours.

Deposits are non-refundable

Deposits are non-refundable, except where you give me enough notice to cancel or reschedule (see the section below). This is because once your slot is booked, I’ve turned away other clients for that time and started preparing for your tattoo.

Cancelling or rescheduling (the 4 working day rule)

To protect your deposit, I need at least 4 working days’ notice before your original appointment date. What that means in practice:

• 4 or more working days’ notice: your deposit is protected. If you cancel, I’ll refund it; if you’d rather reschedule, your deposit moves across to your new appointment.
• Less than 4 working days’ notice: your deposit is forfeited, and a new deposit is required to book another slot.

By “working days” I mean Monday to Friday, not counting weekends or UK bank holidays. For example, if your appointment is on a Saturday, I’d need to hear from you by the Monday before at the latest.

You’re welcome to move your appointment while keeping the same deposit, as long as you give at least 4 working days’ notice each time. Repeated rescheduling may require a fresh deposit.

No-shows

If you don’t turn up to your appointment and haven’t been in touch, this counts as a no-show. In this case your deposit is fully forfeited, and a new deposit will be needed to book again.

Running late

Please arrive on time so we have the full slot to work with. If you’re running late, let me know as soon as you can. If you arrive so late that there isn’t enough time to tattoo you safely and properly, we may have to rebook (as this falls under short-notice changes, your deposit may be forfeited).

If I need to cancel or reschedule

Life happens on my side too. If I ever need to cancel or move your appointment, your deposit is fully protected: I’ll either move it to a new date that suits you at no extra cost, or refund it in full if you’d prefer not to rebook.

Changing your design

Small tweaks are completely normal and expected. However, if you completely change your idea after I’ve already designed your tattoo, the extra drawing time may mean a new deposit or an additional design fee, since the original preparation can no longer be used.

Refunds

Where a refund is due under this policy, I’ll return your deposit using the same method you paid with, normally within 14 days.

Your statutory rights

Nothing in this policy affects your statutory rights as a consumer under UK law.

Questions?

If anything here isn’t clear, please just ask before you book. I’m always happy to explain.