Booking a tattoo involves a little more than picking a date. Here's how deposits, rescheduling and touch-ups work at Mantle, so there are no surprises between your first message and your healed tattoo.
Why we take a deposit
When you book, your artist blocks out one-on-one time for you, time they can't offer anyone else. They also prepare your design ahead of the appointment. Even if you bring an exact reference, it still needs to be drawn up, sized and prepared for tattooing.
A deposit holds that time and covers that preparation.
How the deposit works
- It's $100, paid when you set your appointment.
- It goes toward your tattoo. It isn't an extra fee; it comes off your final price.
- It's non-refundable and non-transferable. It's tied to your appointment, so it can't be refunded or passed to someone else.
Our shop minimum is $150, so even the smallest tattoo is at least $150, including the deposit. See how our pricing works.
Rescheduling without losing your deposit
Life happens, and we'll be as reasonable as we can. To move your appointment and keep your deposit:
- Give at least one full business day's notice. A same-day or last-minute change isn't enough notice.
- Text or call us at 323.395.0049 and we'll find a new time.
With that notice, we'll reschedule without asking for a new deposit.
Cancellations and no-shows
- Cancelling an appointment may forfeit your deposit. If you think you might need to cancel, ask about moving it instead; with reasonable notice, we can usually find another day or time.
- No-call, no-show appointments forfeit the deposit, and a new deposit is needed to book again.
We send text and email confirmations when you book, plus text and email reminders before your appointment, so it's hard to miss one by accident.
Touch-ups: free for the first year
Healing isn't always perfect. Sometimes a spot heals lighter than intended, or a little ink falls out as the skin recovers. That's normal, and it isn't a sign anything went wrong.
That's why every tattoo comes with a free touch-up within the first year. A few things to know:
- Wait until it's fully healed. Healing usually takes two to four weeks; a healed tattoo is no longer shiny. Touching up skin that's still healing does more harm than good.
- Text us at 323.395.0049 to set up your touch-up. A photo of the healed tattoo in good light helps.
- The touch-up is free, although artists always appreciate a tip.
Following our aftercare instructions gives your tattoo the best chance of healing evenly the first time.
Paying for your tattoo
We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal and Cash App. The deposit comes off your total, and you pay the balance at your appointment.
Deposits and touch-ups FAQ
Can I get my deposit back if I cancel?
No. Deposits are non-refundable. With at least one full business day's notice, though, we'll move your appointment without asking for a new deposit.
Can a friend use my deposit?
No. Deposits are non-transferable, because they're tied to your appointment and your design.
How long do I have to use my free touch-up?
Touch-ups are free within the first year after your tattoo. Wait until it has fully healed, then text us to set it up.
Does the deposit count toward the price?
Yes. The $100 deposit comes off the final cost of your tattoo.
Ready to book? Send an appointment request or text 323.395.0049. You can also start with a free virtual consultation.
