Ask what the deposit is for
Some tattoo artists use a deposit to reserve appointment time or cover part of the preparation involved in a booking. Policies vary, so do not assume that every artist uses deposits in the same way.
Before sending money, ask what the payment covers and whether it will be deducted from the final tattoo price. Confirm the amount and the balance you should expect to pay, based on the agreed design and session.
A clear answer helps both sides understand what has been agreed. If any part of the arrangement is unclear, ask for clarification before paying.
Understand cancellation and rescheduling terms
Ask what happens if you need to cancel or move the appointment. Find out how much notice is required, whether the deposit can be transferred to another date and what happens if you arrive late or cannot attend.
Do not assume a deposit is refundable, non-refundable or automatically transferable. The actual policy should be explained by the artist before you pay, and you should keep a record of the terms you agree to.
If your work schedule, travel or other commitments may change, mention that before confirming the date. It is better to understand the options early than to rely on an assumption later.
Confirm what happens if the design changes
A change to the design, size, placement or level of detail can affect the work required and the appointment plan. Ask how changes are handled after the booking has been made.
If you are still deciding between different concepts, explain that during the initial discussion. Confirm when the design should be finalised and whether a substantial change could affect the price or appointment time.
Before the tattoo begins, review the final design, spelling where relevant, size and placement. Raise important differences before giving the go-ahead.
Get clarity on the quote and final balance
Ask whether the quoted price covers the design and tattooing you have discussed, and whether changes or additional work could alter the total. The answer depends on the actual agreement, so request a quote based on your reference images, size and placement.
Inking Tattoos has a general starting price of KSh 1,000. This is a starting price, not a fixed quote for every tattoo. The final price depends on the design, size, detail, placement and work involved.
Keep the deposit amount, quoted price and any agreed changes in your booking conversation. A written record helps you refer back to the arrangement if you need to check a detail.
Make sure the appointment details are clear
Confirm the date, time, location and how to contact the artist if something changes. If you are booking a mobile session, clarify the agreed location and any travel arrangements before sending a deposit.
Jay is based in Limuru. Mobile appointment availability depends on location and arrangement, so share your location and confirm that the proposed session can be accommodated before making plans.
Do not treat a payment alone as proof that every detail has been settled. Make sure you receive a clear confirmation of the appointment and the agreed terms.
Keep a record of your payment
Use a payment method that gives you a record, and keep the transaction confirmation together with the booking conversation. Confirm that the payment has been received by the intended person.
Avoid sending money while key questions about the appointment, price or cancellation terms remain unanswered. Take time to verify the details rather than feeling pressured to pay immediately.
If something changes after payment, refer to the terms you were given and contact the artist to discuss the situation calmly and directly.
A quick checklist before paying
Before sending a deposit, make sure you know what it covers, whether it is deducted from the final price, what the cancellation and rescheduling rules are, and how design changes are handled.
Also confirm the date, time, location, expected balance and how the booking will be acknowledged. If a mobile appointment is involved, confirm the location arrangement as well.
If you cannot get clear answers, it is reasonable to pause and ask again before committing money. Clear expectations are part of a well-planned tattoo appointment.
Booking with Inking Tattoos
When contacting Inking Tattoos, share your design idea, approximate size and preferred placement so the work and price can be discussed. Ask for the booking terms that apply to your appointment before making a payment.
Confirm the final date and any deposit arrangement directly with Jay rather than assuming that general advice about deposits represents the studio's specific policy.
If you are interested in a mobile session, include your location and confirm availability and arrangements before paying or travelling.