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How to Reschedule a Tattoo Appointment in Brooklyn

Brooklyn tattoo studio chair ready for rescheduled appointment.

Your relationship with your tattoo artist is a special one, often lasting across multiple pieces and many years. How you handle logistical details, like rescheduling, plays a big part in building that foundation of trust and respect. When you communicate clearly and follow the shop’s policies, you’re showing your artist that you value their time and their craft. This simple act of consideration goes a long way. Learning how to reschedule tattoo appointment Brooklyn artists see as respectful sets the stage for a great partnership, making every future session that much better. It ensures you’re always a client they’re excited to welcome back.

Key Takeaways

  • Give 48 Hours’ Notice to Protect Your Deposit: Rescheduling is fine, but providing at least two days’ notice is the most important step. This respects your artist’s schedule and ensures your deposit is transferred to your new appointment.
  • Understand Your Deposit’s Purpose: Your deposit isn’t an extra fee; it’s a commitment that secures your appointment and covers the artist’s initial design work. It’s applied to the final cost of your tattoo, making it a standard and fair part of the process.
  • Communicate Directly for a Smooth Process: When you need to reschedule, contact the shop through its official channels with your name, artist, and original appointment time. Prompt and clear communication makes the entire process easier for everyone.

Brooklyn Tattoo Policies: What to Expect

Navigating tattoo shop policies can feel a little intimidating, but they exist for a good reason: to make sure everything runs smoothly for both you and your artist. Think of them as the ground rules that ensure everyone has a great experience. While the specifics can vary between studios, most professional shops in Brooklyn follow a similar set of standards when it comes to appointments, deposits, and cancellations. Understanding these ahead of time makes the whole process, including rescheduling, completely stress-free.

Notice Requirements

When you book a tattoo, your artist sets aside a significant block of time just for you. If you need to move your appointment, giving them a heads-up is essential. Most reputable shops, including ours, require at least 48 hours’ notice to reschedule. This gives your artist a fair chance to offer the spot to another client. At Wild Heart, our artists are happy to find a new time for you within their next booking period, as long as you provide that 48-hour notice. Anything less than that, and you risk forfeiting your deposit.

How Deposits Work

Deposits are a standard part of the tattoo world. When you put down a deposit, you’re not just paying a fee—you’re securing your appointment and showing you’re committed to the tattoo. It also compensates the artist for the time they spend drawing and preparing your design before you even sit in the chair. Here at Wild Heart, we require a $100 non-refundable deposit for all appointments, which is then applied to the final cost of your tattoo. It’s a simple way to lock in your spot and get the process started.

Handling Emergencies

Life happens, and we totally get that. A sudden illness or an unexpected emergency can throw a wrench in your plans. If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t make your appointment, the most important thing you can do is communicate. As soon as you know you have a problem, contact the shop. While policies are in place for a reason, being upfront and respectful goes a long way. A no-call, no-show is the quickest way to lose your deposit and damage your relationship with an artist. A quick, honest message is always the best approach.

How to Reschedule Your Appointment at Wild Heart

Life happens, and sometimes you need to move your tattoo appointment. We totally get it. At Wild Heart, we want the process to be as smooth and stress-free as possible so you can focus on getting excited for your new ink. Rescheduling is a pretty normal part of getting tattooed, and our policies are designed to be fair to you while also respecting the valuable time and preparation our artists put into every single piece. Think of it as a partnership built on mutual respect.

Long before you sit in the chair, your artist is already working on your design, drawing, and getting everything ready for your session. This creative prep time is a crucial part of the tattoo process and is blocked out specifically for you. That’s why clear communication and advance notice are so important. When you give us a heads-up, it allows us to adjust our schedules and potentially offer that time to another client who is eagerly waiting. Following these simple steps ensures that your deposit stays safe, your artist’s schedule stays intact, and you can get back in the chair at the next best time for everyone. It’s all about working together to make sure your tattoo experience is a great one from start to finish.

Our Rescheduling Process

We know that plans can change. If you need to reschedule, our artists are happy to work with you to find a new time. All we ask is that you give us at least 48 hours’ notice. This heads-up allows our artists to offer the newly opened slot to another client. When you reschedule with proper notice, we’ll move your appointment to the next available opening in your artist’s booking period. Just keep in mind that our artists are often booked in advance, so the new date might be a little further out than you expect. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility!

Protecting Your Deposit

Every tattoo appointment requires a $100 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. This deposit comes off the final price of your tattoo and shows you’re committed to the appointment. To make sure your deposit is transferred to your new appointment date, you must provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to reschedule or cancel. If a change is made with less than 48 hours’ notice, you will unfortunately forfeit the deposit. This policy helps protect our artists, who put time into drawing and preparing for your session long before you even walk through the door.

How to Contact Us

Ready to make a change? The best way to get in touch is by reaching out through our website’s contact page or by sending a direct message to our shop’s Instagram. When you reach out, please include your full name, your artist’s name, and the original date and time of your appointment. Providing this information upfront helps us quickly pull up your booking and sort out a new time for you. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can to confirm the change and find a new date that works.

What Happens When You Change Your Appointment

Life happens, and sometimes you need to move your tattoo appointment. We get it. But changing an appointment isn’t like rescheduling a coffee date, since your artist has already set aside time and may have started drawing your design. That’s why shops have policies—to protect everyone’s time and make the process fair for you and the artist. Understanding what happens when you change your appointment can save you from surprises with your deposit. At Wild Heart, we aim to be flexible while respecting our artists’ commitment. Here’s a breakdown of our policies so you know what to expect.

Giving Less Than 48-Hour Notice

When you book an appointment, your artist carves out a spot in their schedule just for you. If you need to change that, giving us a heads-up is key. We require at least 48 hours’ notice for any rescheduling or cancellation. This gives us a fair chance to offer the time to another client who might be on a waitlist or looking for a last-minute opening. If you let us know less than 48 hours before your appointment, you will unfortunately forfeit your deposit. The best way to avoid this is to contact us as soon as you know you need to make a change.

Rescheduling More Than Once

We know that plans can be unpredictable. Our policy allows you to reschedule your appointment up to two times, as long as you provide the required 48-hour notice each time. However, if you need to reschedule a third time, your original deposit will be forfeited. To book a new date after that, you’ll need to put down a new deposit. This policy helps ensure that appointment slots are reserved for clients who are ready to commit, which is respectful to our artists and other clients who are eager to get tattooed.

Your Deposit’s Status

Your deposit secures your spot and confirms your commitment to the appointment. It also compensates the artist for the initial design work they do before you even sit in the chair. All appointments require a non-refundable deposit, which is usually $100 but can be more for larger pieces. The good news is this isn’t an extra fee—it gets applied to the final price of your tattoo. As long as you follow the rescheduling guidelines, your deposit simply rolls over to your new appointment date. You can find more details on our shop policies on our info page.

Steps for a Smooth Reschedule

Life happens, and sometimes you need to move your tattoo appointment. Don’t worry—rescheduling is usually a straightforward process when you know the right steps to take. Following a few simple guidelines ensures that you, your artist, and the shop are all on the same page. It helps us accommodate your needs while respecting our artists’ schedules, which are often planned weeks or months in advance. By communicating clearly and promptly, you can secure a new spot for your tattoo session without any stress and, most importantly, without losing your deposit. Here’s how to handle rescheduling your appointment smoothly.

Check the Studio Policy

Before you pick up the phone, your first move should be to check the studio’s rescheduling policy. Every shop has its own set of rules, and knowing them upfront will save you a lot of hassle. You can typically find this information on the shop’s website. For example, here at Wild Heart, we ask for at least 48 hours’ notice to move an appointment. This gives our artists a fair chance to fill the empty slot. Familiarizing yourself with the shop’s info and policies is the best way to protect your deposit and start the rescheduling process on the right foot.

Contact the Shop Directly

Once you know the policy, it’s time to reach out. The best way to do this is to contact the shop directly by phone or email. The sooner you get in touch, the better. Giving us as much notice as possible is not only courteous but is also often required to ensure your deposit is transferred to your new appointment date. Sending a message on social media might get missed, so sticking to the official channels is always your safest bet. Clear and direct communication is key to making the process seamless for everyone involved.

Provide the Right Information

To help us reschedule you quickly, please have a few key details ready when you get in touch. We’ll need your full name, the original date and time of your appointment, and the name of your artist. It’s also helpful if you have a general idea of when you’d like to reschedule. This information allows us to pull up your booking and find a new opening that works for both you and your artist without a lot of back-and-forth. Having these details on hand makes the entire process much more efficient.

Confirm Your New Appointment

After you’ve spoken with us and settled on a new date and time, make sure you get a confirmation. We’ll typically send you an email or text message to lock in your new appointment details. This confirmation is your peace of mind—it’s proof that your new spot is officially on the books and that your deposit has been successfully moved. If you don’t receive a confirmation within a day or so, don’t hesitate to follow up. We want to make sure you’re all set for your new session.

Tattoo Rescheduling Etiquette

Life happens, and sometimes, rescheduling your tattoo appointment is unavoidable. How you handle it can make all the difference, not just for your deposit, but for your relationship with your artist. Think of it less as a transaction and more as a partnership. Good etiquette ensures a smooth process and shows respect for the artist’s craft and time, setting the stage for a positive experience from start to finish. When you treat your artist with consideration, you’re helping build a connection that can last for many tattoos to come.

Communicating Clearly with Your Artist

The moment you know you can’t make your appointment, reach out. Clear and early communication is everything. Most studios, including ours, require at least 48 hours’ notice to reschedule without forfeiting your deposit. This isn’t just a random rule; it gives your artist a fair chance to fill their now-empty time slot. A quick, polite email or phone call explaining the situation is all it takes. Being upfront and honest is always the best policy and shows you value the professional relationship you have with your artist. It’s a simple step that goes a long way in maintaining a good rapport.

Respecting Everyone’s Time

Remember that your tattoo artist is running a business. Their time is their inventory, and a last-minute cancellation or no-show means a direct loss of income. Beyond just the time for the tattoo itself, they’ve likely spent hours drawing your design, preparing their station, and turning down other work to hold your spot. Your deposit is a commitment that protects this investment of their time and creativity. Following the studio’s rescheduling policy is the clearest way to show you respect their profession. It’s a two-way street, and this mutual respect is what keeps the tattoo community strong and supportive.

Building a Great Relationship with Your Artist

Tattooing is a uniquely personal service, and the connection you have with your artist matters. When you communicate well and respect their time, you’re not just being a good client—you’re building a foundation of trust. This positive relationship makes the entire process, from design consultation to the final session, more collaborative and enjoyable. Artists remember clients who are considerate and easy to work with, which can make booking future pieces a breeze. A little bit of courtesy ensures you’re always welcomed back with open arms. For more details on our specific policies, you can always check our info page.

Prepping for Your New Appointment

Once your new tattoo appointment is officially on the calendar, the excitement really starts to build. A little preparation can make a huge difference in your experience, ensuring you’re comfortable, relaxed, and ready for a great session. Think of it as setting the stage for your new art. It’s not just about showing up; it’s about making sure your body is ready, your logistics are sorted, and your day is planned for a smooth, stress-free experience.

Taking care of these details beforehand allows you to fully enjoy the process and helps your artist do their best work. From what to eat to what to wear, a few simple steps can help you manage pain, sit more comfortably, and even support the healing process afterward. We’ll walk through everything you need to know to prepare for your appointment, so when the day comes, all you have to focus on is the thrill of getting your new tattoo.

Your Pre-Appointment Checklist

Let’s get the logistics out of the way so you can focus on the fun part. First, remember that all tattoo appointments require a $100 non-refundable deposit to lock in your time with one of our incredible artists. For larger or multi-session pieces, a higher deposit might be needed, but your artist will discuss that with you beforehand. Make sure you have your government-issued ID with you—we can’t tattoo you without it. It’s also a good idea to double-check that you and your artist are on the same page about the final design and placement. A quick confirmation email a week or so before your new date can put your mind at ease.

Planning Your Trip to the Shop

Getting to our Greenpoint studio should be the easiest part of your day. Plan your route ahead of time, whether you’re driving, taking the subway, or grabbing a ride. Give yourself a little extra buffer time for unexpected delays—arriving calm is always better than arriving flustered. You can find our address and location details on our contact page. While you’re planning, keep our 48-hour reschedule policy in mind. Life happens, but knowing the timeline for making changes helps you and our artists keep things running smoothly. Arrive on time, but not too early, as our waiting area is cozy and we want to give every client their dedicated space.

Health and Wellness Prep

How you treat your body before your appointment directly impacts your tattoo experience. For at least 24 hours prior, please avoid drinking alcohol, as it can thin your blood and affect the tattooing and healing process. The night before, prioritize getting a full night of sleep. On the day of your appointment, eat a substantial meal a couple of hours before you come in and drink plenty of water. A well-fed and hydrated body handles pain much better. Also, dress for success! Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. Think less about fashion and more about comfort for a long sit.

Scheduling for Success

A great tattoo experience extends beyond the time you spend in the chair. When you pick your new appointment date, try to choose a day when you don’t have major commitments afterward. You’ll want time to go home and relax, not rush off to another event. It’s also wise to avoid scheduling your tattoo right before a sunny vacation or activities that involve swimming, as you’ll need to protect your new ink from the sun and keep it out of the water. Remember, most deposits allow for one reschedule. To avoid any issues, pick a new date that you’re confident works for your schedule to ensure you don’t forfeit your deposit.

What Happens to Your Deposit?

When you book a tattoo, you’ll almost always be asked for a deposit. Think of it as a two-way street: it secures your spot on the artist’s calendar and shows you’re committed to the appointment. It also protects our artists’ time, as they often spend hours drawing and preparing for your session long before you sit in the chair. Understanding how your deposit works, especially if you need to reschedule, is key to a stress-free experience. It’s a standard part of the tattoo process that ensures everything runs smoothly for both you and your artist.

Our Deposit Transfer Policy

Life happens, and sometimes you need to move an appointment. We get it. That’s why we have a straightforward transfer policy. If you give us at least 48 hours’ notice, our artists are happy to move your deposit to your new appointment time. This gives us a fair chance to fill the original spot. However, any cancellations or reschedules made with less than 48 hours’ notice will forfeit the deposit. This policy ensures our artists are compensated for the time they set aside for you. You can find more details about our shop policies on our info page.

Required Documentation

To lock in your tattoo appointment, we require a $100 non-refundable deposit. This isn’t an extra fee—it goes directly toward the final price of your tattoo. The deposit is your way of saying, “I’m in!” and it allows our artists to start working on your design with confidence. Because the deposit holds your appointment and covers the initial design work, it is non-refundable. It’s a standard practice that helps keep the scheduling process fair for both clients and artists, ensuring everyone is on the same page from the start.

Payment and Confirmation Process

Once you’ve discussed your idea with one of our talented artists and are ready to book, paying the deposit is the final step to confirm your spot. For larger, multi-session pieces that require more extensive design work, a higher deposit may be needed, but your artist will discuss this with you beforehand. After your deposit is paid, your appointment is officially on the books! You’ll have peace of mind knowing your time is secured. If you have any specific questions about the payment for your piece, feel free to get in touch with us directly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my deposit non-refundable? Think of your deposit as the official start of your tattoo process. It’s not just holding a time slot; it compensates your artist for the creative work they do before you even walk in the door, like drawing and preparing your design. Because that time and effort are spent regardless of whether the appointment happens, the deposit is non-refundable. However, it does get applied to the final cost of your tattoo.

What if I have a genuine emergency and can’t give 48 hours’ notice? We understand that unexpected things happen in life. The most important thing you can do in an emergency is to communicate with us as soon as you possibly can. While our policy is in place to protect our artists’ time, being upfront and respectful goes a long way. A no-call, no-show is the surest way to forfeit your deposit, so a quick and honest message is always the best approach.

If I reschedule properly, does my deposit automatically move to the new date? Yes, absolutely. As long as you give us at least 48 hours’ notice, your deposit will be transferred to your new appointment date without any issue. It will simply roll over and be applied to the final cost of your tattoo when you come in for your rescheduled session. The 48-hour window is the key to ensuring your deposit stays secure.

How far out will my new appointment be if I need to reschedule? The timing for your new appointment depends entirely on your artist’s availability. Our artists are often booked several weeks or even months in advance, so the next available opening might be further out than you anticipate. We will always do our best to find a new spot for you as soon as we can and appreciate your flexibility.

I need to change my appointment. What is the very first thing I should do? Your first step should be to contact the shop directly through our website’s contact page. When you reach out, please provide your full name, your artist’s name, and the original date of your appointment. Having this information ready helps us find your booking quickly and makes the process of finding a new time for you much more efficient.

About Seagh Mulligan

View all posts by Seagh Mulligan

Seagh mulligan is from Knoxville TN, and has been tattooing since 2012. He worked for many years tattooing in busy street shops making walk-ins. Seagh moved to NYC in 2016 and loves tattooing. He enjoys working in a variety of styles. Seagh only insist that whatever he tattoos, they will be made to last. Seagh opened up Wild Heart Tattoo Shop as a place where all tattoo collectors can have fun and feel at home. Cleanliness, quality and hospitality is the core of Wild Heart’s mission. Seagh also offers high quality laser tattoo removal. He is generally at the shop Friday-Monday 12-8pm and available by appointment.