Tattoo shop owners and tattoo artists know that misunderstandings over deposits, design changes, and appointment policies can quickly become client disputes.

In Episode 2 of Shop Talk with Adam Facenda, Adam draws from more than 20 years in tattooing to explain how clear deposit policies, documented conversations, upfront communication, and dependable tattoo shop software can protect your business.

Adam discusses a real situation involving a changing tattoo design and a disputed deposit. He explains why tattoo artists should be paid for their design work, how to handle client misunderstandings professionally, and why having proof of every conversation and transaction matters.

In this episode:

• Creating clear tattoo deposit policies
• Handling changing tattoo designs and deposit transfers
• Getting paid for tattoo design work
• Managing difficult tattoo clients professionally
• Documenting conversations and transactions
• Using specialized software to manage a tattoo shop
• Building better systems for long-term success

TATTOO AND PIERCING SHOP OWNERS:

Keep The Fees helps manage tattoo appointments, digital forms, deposits, client communication, artist payouts, inventory, POS, and shop reporting.

Learn more and schedule a demo:
https://land.keepthefees.com/anchors-and-eagles.html

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and episode overview
02:10 Using disclaimers and software to manage expectations
03:44 Changing tattoo designs and transferring deposits
05:09 Tattoo design work and payment expectations
06:08 Handling disputes over deposits and design changes
07:21 The value of proof and communication
08:12 How Keep The Fees streamlines tattoo shop management
09:20 Good management and trustworthy tattoo artists
10:09 Why the tattoo industry needs specialized software
10:46 Final thoughts and resources for tattoo shop owners

Music: “Blackwall” by David J. Barrios
Original: https://davidjbarrios.bandcamp.com/track/blackwall
Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Shop Talk with Adam Facenda is a tattoo-industry podcast about the real business, culture, and day-to-day reality of tattooing.

Adam is a second-generation tattoo artist, owner of True Love Tattoo in Fort Lauderdale, and co-founder of Keep The Fees. Drawing from more than 20 years of tattooing and tattoo shop management, Adam discusses tattoo clients, deposits, pricing, artist management, apprenticeships, shop policies, marketing, burnout, and the systems required to operate a successful tattoo studio.

This is honest, practical shop talk for tattoo artists, apprentices, tattoo shop owners, piercers, and anyone building a career in the tattoo industry.

Tattoo and piercing shop owners can learn more about Keep The Fees at:
https://land.keepthefees.com/anchors-and-eagles.html