Tattoo Cancellation Policy in 2023 – What Is It & What Are Your Rights?

So you’re looking to book your first (or next) tattoo session and you’re filled with excitement.

If it’s your first encounter with a tattoo shop, you might be wondering what is this thing called a tattoo cancellation policy.

Do I need to sign one? What are my rights if I do sign one?

In this article, we’ll give you a quick overview of tattoo cancellation policies and what your rights are as a customer.

What Is a Tattoo Cancellation Policy?

A tattoo cancellation policy is a contract between you and the tattoo shop that outlines the conditions under which you may cancel your tattoo appointment.

Most policies will state that you must give a certain amount of notice (usually 24 hours) before your scheduled appointment time in order to avoid being charged a cancellation fee.

In most cases, the cancellation fee is your deposit – either partially or in full – which is used to book and hold your appointment slot.

What Are Your Rights When Signing a Tattoo Cancellation Policy?

When you sign a tattoo cancellation policy, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions set forth by the tattoo shop.

This means that if you cancel your appointment without giving the required notice, you may be charged a cancellation fee.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you have a legitimate reason for canceling (such as an illness or emergency), most tattoo shops will waive the fee.

Additionally, some tattoo shops may allow you to reschedule your appointment without penalty if you cancel with sufficient notice.

It’s always best to check with the tattoo shop prior to booking your appointment to find out their specific cancellation policy and what exceptions if any, apply.

Do All Parlors Have a Cancellation Policy?

No, not all tattoo shops in the United States (or abroad) have a cancellation policy. However, it is becoming increasingly common for shops to require one.

Getting the customer to sign a cancellation policy helps to protect the shop in case of last-minute cancellations or no-shows.

It also helps to ensure that customers are serious about their appointment and will not simply change their minds or back out at the last minute.

Do All Appointments Include a Cancellation Policy?

Not at all.

More often than not, these policies apply to larger appointments that require more time to complete.

For example, if you’re booking a multi-hour session or an appointment that requires the tattoo artist to travel to another location, there’s a good chance the shop will require you to sign a cancellation policy.

On the other hand, smaller appointments – such as a standard under-one-hour session – are less likely to have a cancellation policy attached.

What Happens If I Don’t Sign a Cancellation Policy?

If you choose not to sign a tattoo cancellation policy, the shop may still allow you to book your appointment.

However, they may require you to pay your deposit upfront in cash, which is non-refundable in the event of a cancellation.

So, while you may be able to book without signing a policy, it’s not advised as you run the risk of losing your deposit if you need to cancel.