Refund & Cancellation Policy

Why Deposits Are Non-Refundable

When you book a session, the artist blocks that time slot — turning away other clients who could have filled it. The deposit is fair compensation for that commitment, even if you can no longer attend. This is standard practice in the tattoo industry worldwide and is consistent with the South African Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA), which allows suppliers to charge a reasonable deposit to cover costs incurred in reserving goods or services.

Cancellation Timeline

Each artist sets their own cancellation policy minimum (typically 24–48 hours). The specific policy is displayed clearly before you confirm your booking. The following table shows standard outcomes:

Studio Credit — How It Works

A studio credit is issued to your account when an eligible cancellation is processed. Credits are:

• —Tied to the specific artist — they cannot be transferred to another artist
• —Valid for 6 months from the date of issue
• —Applied automatically when you book another session with the same artist
• —Not redeemable for cash under any circumstances
• —Non-transferable to another person
• —Forfeited if not used within 6 months — no exceptions

If the Artist Cancels

If an artist cancels your confirmed booking, you are entitled to one of the following — your choice:

• —A full refund to your original payment method (processed within 5–7 business days via PayFast)
• —A studio credit with the same artist (if you wish to rebook)
• —Assistance finding another available INK.D artist for the same or similar slot

If the Service Is Materially Different

If the tattoo you receive is materially different from what was agreed at booking (e.g., different design, placement, or style applied without your consent), contact us within 7 days at support@inkdeposit.com. We will mediate between you and the artist but cannot guarantee a specific outcome. INK.D is not liable for the artistic decisions of independent artists.

INKScan Estimates — Not a Guarantee

InkScan pricing and time estimates generated by our AI are indicative only. They do not constitute a quote or binding price agreement. The final cost of your tattoo is determined by the artist at your consultation and may differ from InkScan estimates. INK.D does not refund or credit based on InkScan estimate discrepancies.

How to Cancel a Booking

• —Visit your booking page at /booking/[reference] (link in your confirmation email)
• —Click "Cancel this booking" if the cancellation window is still open
• —Confirm the cancellation — your studio credit will be issued immediately upon confirmation
• —If outside the self-service window, contact the artist directly via WhatsApp as soon as possible
• —Do not contact your bank or PayFast directly to reverse a deposit without first attempting resolution through the platform

Payment Processing Timelines

• —Studio credits: issued immediately upon eligible cancellation
• —Refunds to card (artist-initiated cancellation): 5–7 business days via PayFast
• —Artist payouts: settled to the artist by PayFast under PayFast’s settlement terms — INK.D does not hold artist funds
• —Chargebacks initiated through your bank without contacting us first may result in account suspension

Disputes & Consumer Rights

If you believe your consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 have been violated, you may contact:

• —Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO): www.cgso.org.za, complaints@cgso.org.za
• —National Consumer Commission: ncc@thencc.org.za, 012 428 7000
• —The Small Claims Court (for claims under R15,000): visit your local magistrates court