I’m a tattoo artist, working at an independent shop. A client came in on a really very busy Saturday with a five-year-old.
Me: Hey there, can I help you?
Client: Hello guys, I’m here for my tattoo.
Me: Do you have an appointment?
Client: Yes, of course.
After ten minutes of searching we figure out that she was booked in, but last Tuesday. She didn’t show up or message us in any way.
Client: But can you maybe transfer my appointment? I don’t want to lose my deposit.
Fair enough, I tell her that I’ll see what I can do. I’m not too keen to rebook no-shows, but I give her a second chance.
Me: No, not today I’m afraid – I’m booked for the day. The 21st is open, but I’ll have to rebook you…
She marched into the tattooing room, with her kids, while I was looking at available dates. She spotted the other tattooist who was taking a short break.
Client: But… he isn’t doing anything, he could tattoo me now.
The other tattooist had a full set up on his station – his client had just stepped out for a smoke.
Me: He’s in the middle of a session and just taking a break. I’m sorry, could you step out of here? The inner room is strictly 18+, you can’t have your kid in here.
Client: Please! It’ll be a really quick tattoo. I’ll just keep him on my lap.
Me: Absolutely not. It’s the law and also a health and safety issue. And he doesn’t have enough time to clean up, much less prepare a new set for you.
At this point, the client started addressing the “kid in the room” problem as if it was the most pressing issue.
Client: But I have nobody to look after him. I have waited a month for my appointment, and I wanna have it done now. Could you, like, look after him in the other room? You could give him some of your pencils to draw with…
Me: I’m sorry but that’s not possible. It’s not a suitable environment for a small child and I’m not a childminder. AND we are fully booked for the day.
Client: Okay, then give my deposit back, I’m going somewhere else. What awful customer service.
Me: I’m sorry, but I have already spent five hours designing custom work for you, and a two hour canceled space you didn’t warn me about. Deposits are a thing so we don’t end up doing free work for no-shows.
Client: But I paid you!
Me: You paid me a deposit, and were given terms for that deposit.
Client: Can I talk to your manager? Who is in charge here?
Me: All of us. We all are self-employed.
Client: This is such a scam.
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