01. Appointments & Booking

All appointments begin with a booking request. Submitting a request does not automatically confirm your appointment. Each request is reviewed before approval.

• We review your tattoo idea, placement, size and preferred appointment date.
• Once approved, a R50 booking fee is required to secure your appointment.
• Your appointment is only confirmed once the booking fee has been received and acknowledged.
• The R50 booking fee is credited towards your final tattoo price when your tattoo is completed. It is not an additional charge.

02. Booking Fee & Cancellations

The booking fee contributes towards appointment administration, preparation time and reserving your appointment slot.

• Please provide at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or request a reschedule.
• If you cancel or fail to attend, the booking fee may be retained as a reasonable cancellation charge, depending on the circumstances and applicable consumer-protection laws.
• Rescheduling is subject to availability.
• If we need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we will communicate this with you and discuss the appropriate arrangements.

03. Age Requirements & Identification

Clients must meet our age, identification and consent requirements before receiving a tattoo.

• Clients aged 18 and older: Must provide a copy of a South African ID, driver's licence or another identification document accepted by the studio, and complete the required consent form.
• Clients aged 16–17: Must not request or receive a tattoo unless the studio has confirmed that the procedure is legally permitted. Where legally permitted, the required parent or legal guardian documentation and consent must be provided.
• Where applicable, documentation may include the minor's birth certificate and the parent or legal guardian's identification.
• We offer photocopying at no charge for the required documents.

04. Late Arrivals

• Please arrive on time for your appointment.
• Arrivals more than 15 minutes late may need to be rescheduled.
• If you anticipate being late, contact the studio as soon as possible.
• Rescheduling will depend on the day's schedule and availability.

05. Studio Conduct

We maintain a professional, respectful and hygienic working environment.

• Clients are expected to treat the artist, staff and studio with respect.
• Do not touch tattoo equipment, prepared workstations or sterile supplies.
• Arrive sober. Alcohol and recreational drugs are not permitted before or during your appointment.
• Clients who appear intoxicated, aggressive or unable to provide informed consent may be refused service.
• Please follow the artist's instructions throughout your session.

06. Children & Visitors

• Children under the age of 10 are not permitted inside the studio.
• Additional visitors may be restricted depending on space, safety and the nature of the appointment.
• Please arrange childcare before your appointment.

07. Health, Hygiene & Safety

Your safety is a responsibility we take seriously. Please help us maintain a clean and safe environment.

• Inform the artist about relevant allergies, skin conditions, medication or health concerns before your appointment.
• We will not tattoo over infected, irritated or otherwise unsuitable skin.
• Sterile, single-use needles and cartridges are used where applicable.
• Fresh gloves, appropriate protective barriers and cleaning procedures are used during sessions.
• The artist may postpone or refuse a tattoo if proceeding would present a safety concern.

08. Designs & Tattoo Approval

Our approach begins with understanding the meaning behind your tattoo. Designs are discussed and developed around your idea, preferences and the artist's professional judgement.

• Please review your design, spelling, size and placement carefully before tattooing begins.
• Significant design changes after the session has started may not be possible.
• We reserve the right to decline designs that are unsuitable, unsafe or outside our artistic capabilities.
• Our current tattoo offering is black and grey only.
• We do not offer colour tattoos or cover-up tattoos.

09. House Calls

House-call appointments are available by request only and must be approved by the artist in advance.

• Clients must provide their location and address when requesting a house call.
• Travel fees may apply and will be communicated before confirmation.
• A clean, suitable, well-lit and private indoor workspace is required.
• Access to electricity and suitable handwashing facilities must be available.
• Children, pets and unnecessary visitors must be kept away from the tattooing area.
• The artist may refuse to proceed if the environment does not meet hygiene or safety requirements.
• The standard booking and cancellation policies also apply.

10. Aftercare

Proper aftercare is an important part of the tattoo process. Every client receives aftercare guidance appropriate to their session.

• Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your artist.
• Keep the tattoo clean and follow the recommended care routine.
• Avoid picking, scratching or unnecessarily touching the healing tattoo.
• If you experience concerning symptoms such as spreading redness, increasing pain, unusual swelling, pus or fever, seek medical advice promptly.
• Contact the studio if you have questions about the aftercare instructions.

11. Personal Information & Privacy

We may collect personal information and identification documents for appointment administration, age verification, consent and record-keeping.

• Information is handled for legitimate studio purposes and in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
• Access to personal information should be limited to authorised persons who need it for studio operations.
• We take reasonable steps to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss or misuse.
• Clients may contact the studio with questions about their personal information.

12. Our Right to Refuse Service

The Suspicious Man Tattoos reserves the right to decline, postpone or stop a tattoo appointment where necessary, including when:

• The requested tattoo is outside the artist's capabilities or services.
• The client does not meet applicable age, consent or identification requirements.
• The client appears intoxicated or cannot provide informed consent.
• The skin or working environment is unsuitable for safe tattooing.
• Studio rules or reasonable safety instructions are not followed.