How much should a tattoo deposit be?
Updated October 21, 2026
There's no single industry number. A good tattoo deposit covers the time you spend drawing before the appointment, and is big enough that a client would rather reschedule than not show up. Most artists set it one of three ways: a flat amount by size, a percentage of the estimate, or one hour of their rate.
Three common ways to set it
Flat amount by size
One amount for small pieces and flash, a bigger one for a half day, a bigger one again for a full day. It's the easiest to explain and the easiest for clients to compare. The downside is that a big custom project can end up with a deposit that's small next to the work involved.
A percentage of the estimate
The deposit scales with the job, so large custom work is properly covered. You need an estimate before you can quote it, which is usually fine because you're quoting anyway.
One hour of your rate
Popular with hourly artists. Clients understand it straight away, and it roughly covers a missed hour of your day.
What the deposit has to cover
- Drawing time. Custom designs take hours before the client ever sits down.
- The slot. A no-show on a full day is a full day you can't sell at short notice.
- The card fee. If you take cards, a few percent goes to the processor. Decide whether you or the client covers it.
Make it count toward the final price
Most artists take the deposit off the final price, so to the client it's a pre-payment, not an extra charge. Say so in writing, along with whether it's refundable, before they pay.
Run the numbers
The tattoo deposit calculator shows the deposit, the card fee and what you actually take home for any price, percentage or hourly rate.