The consult went great. They loved the idea, you loved the idea, and on the way out you said you'd send the deposit link tonight.
Three days later it's still sitting in their DMs, unpaid.
They went home and got busy, and by the time they remembered, the excitement was gone.
So close it before they leave. Walk into your next consult with your calendar and your payment link already open. The consult is done when there's a date on the calendar and the deposit's paid.
Booked months out? Take the deposit before the consult. Tell them up front that it comes off the tattoo, and what happens to it if you pass on the idea.
The design waits for the deposit too. Most experienced artists draw a day or so before the session, and never before the money's in. Skip the deposit and you're drawing for free.
Don't send the drawing early either. A client who gets it early starts asking for changes, then more changes, and by session day they're unsure about all of it. Show it on the day and make the tweaks right there.
This week: put your deposit rule in your first DM reply, where every new inquiry sees it. One line does it — the deposit holds the date, and you start drawing once it's in.
Which part of the booking mess costs you the most time right now?
Gal
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