Tattoo shop booking questions, answered

What is the best booking software for tattoo shops?

The best tattoo booking software handles the whole client flow: online booking, a signed consent and release form before the session, and clear texts so clients know where they stand. Tattoo-specific tools fit consults and custom pieces better than salon software. FTA Booking is built only for tattoo shops and covers per-artist booking, e-sign forms, client records and confirmation texts today. Deposits at booking and reminder texts are coming soon.

What’s a good Vagaro alternative for tattoo shops?

Vagaro serves salons, spas and many other business types, and some tattoo shops want a tool built only around artists, consults and signed releases. FTA Booking is a tattoo-only alternative with per-artist booking pages, e-sign consent forms and flat Studio pricing of $200/mo for unlimited artists. Assisted Vagaro migration is coming soon: we’ll help move your client list over. If you rely on online deposits today, note that FTA Booking’s deposits are coming soon.

What software do tattoo artists use to take deposits?

Most tattoo booking tools collect deposits through Stripe or a built-in payment processor when the client books or through a payment link. FTA Booking’s deposits at booking are coming soon: clients will pay through Stripe into your shop’s own Stripe account, and payouts follow Stripe’s schedule. Until then, keep your current deposit method and use FTA Booking for booking, signed forms and client records.

Can tattoo consent forms be signed digitally?

Yes. Many US shops use e-signed consent and release forms, and e-signatures are generally valid under the federal ESIGN Act; state and local health rules decide what the form must include and how long you keep it, so check your state’s requirements. FTA Booking sends consent, medical, minor/guardian, photo, aftercare and future-contact forms by email and text before the visit and saves signed copies as PDFs. It does not store medical data.

How do tattoo shops reduce no-shows?

Shops cut no-shows with a clear deposit and cancellation policy, reminder texts before the appointment, and an easy way to confirm or reschedule. FTA Booking sends confirmation and cancellation texts in English and Spanish today. Reminder texts, deposits at booking, a cancel window and a manual no-show deposit forfeit are coming soon.

How do I switch from Vagaro without losing clients?

Export your client list from Vagaro, bring it into the new system, set up your forms, and run both systems side by side before you change your booking links. Assisted Vagaro migration from FTA Booking is coming soon: we’ll help move your client list over.

How much does FTA Booking cost?

Studio is $200/mo flat with unlimited artists, and Solo is $75/mo for independent artists. There’s no setup fee and no contract, website hosting is included, and Stripe processing is passed through at Stripe’s rates with no markup. A custom website is an optional $400 one-time add-on.

Can I sign up myself today?

Not yet. Book a demo and we’ll set your shop up with you.

Does FTA Booking work in Spanish?

Yes. Booking pages, forms and client texts are available in English and Spanish.

Does it handle commission and booth-rent shops?

Yes. Each shop can run on a commission, booth-rent or solo payout model, with owner and artist roles and invite links for artists.

Can I keep my current POS?

Keep-your-POS mode is coming soon: FTA Booking will take only the deposit, and you check out the balance on the system you already use.

Can I get my data out?

Yes. You can export your client records to CSV any time.