Minimums and deposits are not about being strict. They make small pieces worth booking and protect the hours you spend drawing.
A tiny tattoo still needs a full setup: barrier film, needles, ink caps, and sterilization. A minimum makes sure that work pays.
Take your setup supplies plus at least 30 minutes of your rate. At $120/hour with about $15 in supplies, overhead, and margin, the minimum comes out around $115.
A non-refundable deposit that comes off the final price is standard for custom work. It filters out casual bookings and pays for the drawing if the client disappears.
Put the minimum and deposit terms on your price sheet and booking page so nobody is surprised.
Use the free tattoo calculator to price every service from your costs and make a professional price list in minutes.
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