How to take tattoo deposits online

A payment link cannot fix an unclear deposit policy. Before choosing a payment method, write terms short enough for a client to read and send them when the appointment is accepted.

Write the policy first

Keep the policy short enough to read easily, but include the details a client needs before paying:

• How much, and whether it is a flat amount or a share of the quote.
• When payment is due, with a clear deadline after you accept the request.
• Which appointment it holds and how it applies to the final session price.
• Your terms for cancellations, rescheduling and no-shows.

Decide whether a reschedule moves the deposit to a new date or forfeits it, and state that clearly. Also set the number of reschedules the deposit covers. Without a limit, the same deposit can hold your calendar open indefinitely.

Deposit and refund rules vary by location. Check the rules that apply to your business before publishing the policy, particularly the terms for keeping a deposit.

How much

The amount should cover some of the time you may lose if the client cancels late, while still being reasonable for the appointment. Common practice is a flat minimum for small work and a percentage of the quote for a longer session.

For custom work, charge for drawing time separately or explain that it is included in the deposit. Make sure the amount reflects the work completed before the appointment.

Then pick how the money moves

Choose a payment method that works for you and make the instructions clear to the client.

• A card payment link can let the client pay during booking. Check the processing fee and whether any platform fee applies to the deposit or the full booking.
• A payment app or bank transfer lets you use a method you already know. Check its fees and payment timing, and explain the separate payment step to the client.
• Cash during an earlier visit can work for regular clients. It requires an in-person visit, so it may not suit someone booking online.

Collecting payment through booking software can save you checking it separately. If you prefer direct payment, you still need a record of whether the deposit arrived and how long you are holding the appointment.

How this works in tats.to

tats.to sends your payment instructions and tracks the deposit. The client pays you directly using the method you choose.

• You set a default amount and your instructions once, in your own words. Every plan has this, including the free one.
• When you accept a booking request with a deposit on it, the booking is created as awaiting deposit rather than confirmed. The client gets your instructions in the acceptance email, and no confirmation email goes out until the deposit is in.
• You confirm the deposit from a link in your own email or from the dashboard. If you get it wrong you can undo it within 24 hours.
• On the Pro plan the slot is held while you wait, for a window you choose between 1 and 168 hours. When the deadline passes, the hold is released automatically and both of you are emailed. The time then returns to your public calendar.

We do not process the payment or take a percentage. If you prefer to discuss all pricing with clients, you can turn off deposit settings and prices in your account and public page.

The mistakes worth avoiding

• Asking for a deposit before you have agreed the piece. Take the request, decide you want to do it, then ask.
• Leaving the due date open. Without a deadline, the slot can remain unavailable indefinitely.
• Leaving the policy only in your Instagram bio. Send it with the booking so the client can find the terms they agreed to.
• Applying the published policy inconsistently. If you make an exception, decide how you will handle similar cases later.