Tattoo Deposit Policy Template (Copy and Use for Free)

You blocked off a prime Saturday slot.

Weeks of DMs. Reference photos. Back and forth on sizing.

Then they went quiet. No deposit was ever collected, so nothing stopped them from disappearing.

A deposit policy prevents this. Here’s one you can use today.

The Template

Swap out anything in [brackets] with your own details, then paste the rest as is.

How to Fill It In

• Deposit amount: $50 to $150 flat is the most common range. Go higher for large custom pieces (sleeves, backs, multi-session work). Flat amounts are easier to collect and harder to dispute than percentages.
• Notice window: Stick with 72/48 unless you have a reason to change it. Tighter windows (48/24) work if you book far out and have a steady waitlist. Looser windows invite last-minute cancellations.
• Payment method: Link directly to a payment page, not a Venmo username. A link that goes straight to checkout converts much better than payment instructions. FlashBooker generates a per-booking deposit link automatically.

Where to Put It

Three places, in order of importance:

1. Your booking form – directly above the submit button. Clients must scroll past it to send the inquiry.
2. Your deposit request email – link to the full policy when you send the payment link. That way there’s a paper trail.
3. Your confirmation email – a short reminder: “Cancellations within 48 hours forfeit the deposit. Full policy here.”

When Clients Push Back

“I didn’t see the policy before I booked.”
This is why it lives on the booking form and in the deposit email. Your response: “The policy is listed on the booking form and was included in the deposit request email. The deposit is non-refundable per the terms you agreed to at booking.” Point to where it was shown. You don’t need to argue.

“Can you make an exception just this once?”
You can, but a refund once means the policy stops meaning anything for that client. Try: “I’m not able to refund the deposit, but I’m happy to transfer it to a future booking if you rebook within 30 days.” Transferring isn’t the same as refunding, and it keeps them as a client.

“I had an emergency.”
The policy already accounts for this. One free reschedule with enough notice is standard. If they contacted you before the appointment, you have room to be flexible. If it was the morning of, the policy applies. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for enforcing a policy they agreed to.

More Free Templates for Tattoo Artists

• Tattoo Cancellation Policy Template
• Tattoo Deposit Request Email Template
• Tattoo Intake Form Template
• Tattoo Booking Confirmation Email Template

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I charge for a tattoo deposit?

Most tattoo artists charge a flat $50 to $150 deposit, or 20 to 30% of the estimated total for larger pieces. Flat amounts are easier to collect and harder for clients to dispute than percentage-based deposits.

Are tattoo deposits refundable?

No. Tattoo deposits are almost always non-refundable, since they compensate you for holding a time slot. Most policies do allow the deposit to transfer to a new date if the client reschedules with enough notice.

What happens if a client cancels after paying a deposit?

If they cancel with enough notice (typically 48 to 72 hours), they forfeit the deposit but can rebook with a new one. Cancellations with little or no notice usually forfeit the deposit with no immediate rebooking discount.

How do I collect tattoo deposits online?

Use a payment link that goes straight to checkout, through a tool like Stripe, Square, or a booking platform like FlashBooker. Avoid asking clients to manually send a Venmo or Cash App payment, since that adds friction and slows down collection.