Tattoo deposit calculator

How to pick a deposit amount

A deposit has two jobs: it pays for the drawing you do before the client sits down, and it makes a no-show cost the client something instead of costing you a whole slot. So size it to cover at least your prep time, and enough of the session that someone would rather reschedule than ghost.

• Flat by size is simple to explain: one amount for small or flash, a bigger one for a half day, another for a full day.
• A percentage scales with big custom work, where a flat amount ends up too small to matter.
• Hourly artists often ask for one hour's rate as the deposit, which is easy for clients to understand.

Whatever you pick, put it in a written booking policy the client agrees to before paying. That's what settles an argument later. Make one free with the policy generator.

Card fee on common deposit amounts

• $50 deposit
• $75 deposit
• $100 deposit
• $150 deposit
• $200 deposit
• $250 deposit
• $300 deposit
• $400 deposit
• $500 deposit

Questions

How much should a tattoo deposit be?

There's no industry standard. Most artists either charge a flat amount by size (for example a smaller amount for flash and a bigger one for a full day) or a percentage of the estimated price. What matters is that it covers your drawing time and the slot you hold if the client doesn't show.

Should the deposit come off the final price?

Most artists take it off the final price, so it works as a pre-payment, not an extra fee. Say so in your policy so nobody is surprised at the end of the session.

Who should pay the card fee on a deposit?

Either works. If you absorb it, the client sees a clean number and you take home a little less. If you pass it on, raise the price you charge so it covers the fee, rather than adding a separate surcharge line, because some US states restrict card surcharges.

Is a tattoo deposit refundable?

That's your call, and it should be in writing before the client pays. Many artists make deposits non-refundable but transferable to a new date with enough notice. Our policy generator writes that out for you.