Policies & FAQ
How do I make an appointment?
Call the shop to set up a personal consultation with the artist of your choice to discuss your ideas, design and placement. We then would ask you to read a Tattoo appointment
policy.
Darkwater Tattoo Appointment Policy
If you would like to make an appointment we require everyone to put down a NON-Refundable minimum deposit of $50 to $100 depending on the size of the tattoo That deposit will go towards the final price of your tattoo (final session appointment slot). Gift certificates can also be used as deposits for appointments. We do not hold appointment slots without a deposit. Price of the deposit depends on the price of your tattoo. I accept deposits in person with Cash Only/ gift certificate. If you have a budget for the appointment, make sure to let me know while scheduling you so that there aren’t any miscommunications.
If you cancel/reschedule your appointment less than 48 hours in advance, show up late 30 minutes or more, or don’t show at all, your deposit non-refundable deposit is no longer valid. Once I get the deposit, we can go ahead and make the appointment. If you drastically change your design from one design to another that will affect the scheduled time, I reserve the right to charge you a $100 Drawing fee on top of what will be charged for the new design (there is a 48 hour minimum notice to drastically change your design, small changes and tweaks to the design are okay.)
Please make sure that you are prepared to be tattooed for the time you have scheduled (i.e. on time, do not leave early, have the appropriate amount of money as agreed upon or the hourly rate for the hours
Our Artist’s may charge different hourly rates Estimates may not be the exact price. For example, if the tattoo takes longer or less time, the price will change accordingly. Our shop requires everyone to provide a driver’s license, passport or military ID at the time of their tattoo appointment. Do not forget to bring it. If you do not have the proper ID with you, the appointment will be cancelled and your deposit will no longer be valid.
If I feel like you don’t respect my time or value my services, I have the right to discontinue our work relationship. Please understand that these rules might seem harsh, but I am a part of a very small business and you and I will be working one on one. Please consider that your cancellation may cause someone a day of work unpaid. I understand that there are occasionally emergencies and legitimate reasons, but I will do out absolute best to be there and ready to work, and I ask that you will too.
How much does a Tattoo cost?
Our hourly rate is different with each artist and we have a minimum charge of $80. Beyond that, we cannot give you any kind of accurate estimation on the price of your tattoo until you come in and meet personally with one of the artist, Even then your estimate may be in a large ballpark. The cost of your tattoo depends on a number of factors including size, placement, skin type, and color vs. black and gray. For smaller tattoos, we will generally quote you a price up-front. For larger tattoos, your artist may opt to quote you an hourly rate. There are simply too many factors involved in the execution of a tattoo to estimate the overall cost of something from an email or phone call.
Can I get a Tattoo if my Parents signs for me?
No, New York state law requires that you must be 18 years of age and have ID to get a tattoo. There are no exceptions! Furthermore, we believe that you will inevitably regret a tattoo that you receive at such a young age since you are still growing physically and mentally.
Do you take walk-ins or Do I need an appointment?
Right now The main artist's prefer an appointment only!! You can call and see if there if an artist is available for walk ins. You may not get a certain artist you are asking for.
Are Tattoo's safe?
We can’t speak for every tattoo studio, but here at Darkwater Tattoo your health and safety is our highest priority. In addition to providing new needles for every client, we also adhere to strict procedures to avoid cross-contamination. You can expect to see disposable ink holders, disposable razors, and barriers on everything that must be touched during the tattoo process. We work closely with the Schenectady County Department of Health to ensure that our methods comply with the most current guidelines.