What to Do When Your Tattoo Artist Leaves Your Unfinished Tattoo After Full Payment
If your tattoo artist has left your tattoo unfinished and you've paid in full, here are steps you can take to resolve the issue effectively.
1. Contact the Artist
The first step is to reach out to the tattoo artist directly. Be polite and express your concerns calmly. Ask for an explanation about the unfinished work. The artist may have valid reasons for leaving the tattoo unfinished, such as an urgent personal matter or health issues. They may also be willing to schedule a follow-up appointment to complete the work.
2. Document Everything
It's crucial to have clear evidence of the unfinished tattoo. Take candid photos of the tattoo and keep all relevant communication records. This documentation can be invaluable if you need to escalate the issue further.
3. Review the Shop's Policies
Check the tattoo shop's policies regarding unfinished work and refunds. Shops often have specific procedures for such situations. It's wise to understand your rights and obligations according to the shop's policy.
4. Request a Touch-Up or Partial Refund
If the artist is unresponsive or unwilling to complete the work, you can request a touch-up appointment at a reduced rate or a partial refund for the unfinished service. This approach shows your willingness to resolve the issue amicably and may encourage the artist to cooperate.
5. Consider a Different Artist
If the original artist is unavailable or uncooperative, you might want to consult another tattoo artist to finish the work. Be sure to discuss the design and any necessary adjustments to ensure continuity.
6. Leave a Review
If your concerns are not being addressed, consider leaving an honest review online. This can help other potential clients avoid similar experiences. However, always be respectful and constructive in your feedback.
7. Seek Legal Advice
If the situation escalates and you feel you've been treated unfairly, you might consider seeking legal advice regarding your rights as a consumer. Consider documenting all communications and keeping records of your efforts to resolve the issue before taking legal action.
Legal Considerations
When dealing with an unfinished tattoo and a full payment, it's important to understand that the tattoo is considered a service provided for a fee. It's treated like any other form of goods or services under modern law. If the tattoo artist does not complete the work, you have the right to seek a refund or compensation.
For cases involving larger sums, such as a sleeve costing between $800 and $1500, or more exotic artists who might charge significantly more, you can consider small claims court. This typically involves preparing a case and testifying. The process can take around 40 hours, but with proper preparation, you can potentially win the case quickly.
Note: It's generally not advisable to take illegal actions against the artist or try to fight with them physically. The focus should be on legal and constructive approaches.
Conclusion
Dealing with an unfinished tattoo and full payment requires a calm and professional approach. Follow the steps outlined above to ensure you address the issue effectively. Remember, the goal is to resolve the problem while maintaining a positive and constructive relationship with the artist or shop.