Is my deposit refundable if I cancel?

It depends entirely on the terms your artist has set. Not all upfront payments work the same way under French law: some are refundable, others aren't. The rule that applies to you is the one your artist told you about when you booked.

Two types of upfront payment

In the tattoo world, there are two different arrangements behind a sum paid ahead of an appointment.

• A refundable payment: if you cancel, it can be returned to you, in full or in part depending on the notice you give.
• A non-refundable payment: it stays with the artist if you cancel, regardless of the reason, unless they choose to make an exception on a case-by-case basis.

Both arrangements are legally valid, and each artist chooses which one they apply to their business. That's why there's no universal rule we can give you here: it all depends on your artist's terms, which they'll usually tell you when you book or pay.

How to find out what applies to you

Before you pay, or if you're unsure after the fact, the most reliable options are to:

• reread the email or message you received when the payment was requested, the terms are sometimes stated there,
• ask your artist directly whether they refund cancellations, and within what timeframe.

Don't hesitate to ask before you pay if this matters to you: it's much easier to clarify things upfront than after a cancellation.

What can work in your favor

Even without a guaranteed automatic refund, a few things generally help your case: letting your artist know as early as possible rather than at the last minute, offering to rebook a new slot instead of cancelling outright, and explaining your reason clearly. Many artists are more accommodating with a client who gives early, transparent notice.

How to request a refund

If you believe you're entitled to a refund, contact your artist directly to ask. They handle each case individually and can update your deposit's status. See How do I change or cancel my booking?

In short

A refund is never guaranteed by default: it depends on each artist's own terms. If in doubt, the best approach is always to ask your artist directly, whether before or after you've booked.