Why do a lot of tattoo parlours only accept cash?

Question

I mean, tattoos are expensive, couldn't they accept credit and debit

Answer 1

Having a tattoo studio myself, I have a problem with that. A lot of times, people don't even know how much a tattoo will cost them until they are there for the quote and they don't bring a lot of cash.

It would be more of an embarrassment to our good clients to be short on cash and NOT have the opportunity to charge the service.

I have no problems with bad cards - at times they are declined but the clients always seem to produce another. Often they mix between cash and a card.

Yes, the expenses are rising to run the cards but we are in business. The bank fees are deductible. I don't know of another legitimate industry that has a cash only policy.

You might look at another side of town.

Answer 2

It's difficult and expensive to be able to accept credit cards. A lot of studios just don't want to bother with the expense. It also takes time to get the money, when cash is right there in your hand.

Many times the artists working at a studio don't get paid by the studio. When you pay for your tattoo, a percentage of the money goes to the owner of the studio, the artist sort of 'rents' the space.

I only accept cash, because I can't be bothered worrying about credit cards, it's just not worth the hassle and expense for me. Very few clients complain. There's a bank machine near by for them to use. My tattoo artist (works at a different studio) only accepts cash as well. (I think the bit about cards being declined is a bit of BS myself. A client could just as easily not have any cash on them, which is part of why copies of IDs and signed waivers are important)

Answer 3

Merchants also pay a fee to the credit card company for the privilege of accepting cards. Its a service and it ain't free. 5 to 8% of the total transaction I think. So there is always that explanation as well above and beyond the more cynical views. Besides, I judge a tattoo parlor more on its cleanliness/sterility and artists than I do its payment policies.

Answer 4

They probably don't want to take the chance of having your card declined. I mean it's not like they can just take back the tattoo if you don't have the funds in your account or on your credit card. Making you pay before hand would just be a hassle if you couldn't go through with the whole tattoo cause then they'd have to give refunds.

Answer 5

the tattoo shop i go to does NOT accept cards because the trust issue with some people who pretty much will get a FREE tattoo if they dont have the funds in the account and will never repay them. these people have family at home to support too and therefore they accept cash only. just like many other people said... you can not give back a tattoo.

Answer 6

I have never gone to a studio that didn't accept credit cards, and I never would. To me, it sounds like they don't want their customers to be tied to them in a paper trail, as someone else mentioned, and that sounds like shady business.

I call bullsh*t on the idea that fear of checks bouncing or cards declining is the reason these studios don't accept credit. I apprenticed, then worked as a professional piercer for three years at a reputable studio. Yes, cards to occassionally decline after the work is done. What happens? On our waiver for the work, you've already agreed to pay for our services. We get your name, address and information and invoice you. If this was a legit worry, the artists would charge you for your time before you sit in the chair.

Answer 7

Sorry, but to me that's a pretty silly question.
Just imagine, sitting there, maybe for hours trying like hell to do a good job and then someone gives you a check that bounces. How would you feel?
I even take a chance waiting til the tattoo is over to ask for the money............I should get it right away. It hasn't happened yet
and I hope it doesn't.
All it is, is to be on the safe side.

Answer 8

i asked my tattoo artist why she doesnt accept debit or checks and only cash... and she said it was because too many people have screwed her and bounced checks to her.... i guess the way she sees it is if u have a debit or credit card then u can go to an ATM and get the money out.... she has a sign on her door that says.... CASH ONLY BECAUSE OF ALL THE A**HOLES.... U CAN THANK THEM FOR CASH ONLY POLICY..... although i do agree with u.... if they had debit or credit card machine it would make it a whole lot easier.... at least for the customer...♥

Answer 9

everywhere i've walked into or been at with friends has taken cards. Perhaps it just depends on how long the establishment has been in business. It isn't worth the fees of having visa machines if business isn't doing well, or they're just starting out.

Answer 10

Well, it's kind of protection. Once you have the tattoo, it can't be returned, exchanged, repossessed... checks can bounce or be stopped, credit cards can be declined... these people have small businesses, they can't afford to be screwed over.