Tattoo artist taking my money and refusing a refund.

TashakamenX

Hey, so basically a while back I had paid for a tattoo to be done! It seemed legit as he drew up my tattoo, told me the date and address where to go and when to get it done. He had then turned around a few days before I was suppose to get the tattoo done and had then said he wasn’t able to, I was fine with this and said let me know when we can reschedule for. He had then done this over and over again and in the end I asked for my money back which was £120 in total as he asked for the deposit of £60 and then another £60 for the equipment to do my tattoo! He’s refused to then give me my money back and blocked me on every social media, is there any legal action I can take to get my money back? I have looked online but all I’ve seen is that the worth has to be over £5000 and you can take them to court. I know it isn’t a lot of money I’m owed but I’m 18 years old and don’t earn very much for myself so I’m devistated that this has happened. Any advice really would be great!

London50

In England and Wales you will need to pay an issue fee to start a small claims court action. The lowest amount this could be is £25 for claims up to £300 that are issued online. To work out issue fees for your particular claim, visit the official government website about justice in the UK.

So LBA {letter before action} then go ahead with the claim if the money is not forthcoming

elsien

You can make a small claims case using money claim on line. Do you have any evidence to back up your case?

https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome

You need to read the link to the claimaint user guide which explains the process. The first stage is to send a letter before action - I presume you have an address for them? There is a fee of £25 if you start the claim online but that would be added to the amount they owe you if you win the case.

The main thing to check is whether the person is still in business and is able to pay you - there's little point chasing him if he's gone bust.

Aylesbury_Duck

Nothing about this "seems legit". I'm afraid it's a tough lesson but an important one. No reputable tattooist needs money upfront to buy equipment. I'm afraid you've been had. What contact details do you have for him? If it's only social media you've very little chance of seeing your money again.

Seriously, think very carefully about having a tattoo done. It's an easy thing to decide on very quickly but you'll have it for a lifetime. If you do go ahead, look for a reputable studio who you pay after the service has been provided, not to what sounds like a backstreet con-artist who probably isn't even a tattooist.

marcarm

Aylesbury_Duck wrote: »

Nothing about this "seems legit". I'm afraid it's a tough lesson but an important one. No reputable tattooist needs money upfront to buy equipment. I'm afraid you've been had. What contact details do you have for him? If it's only social media you've very little chance of seeing your money again.

Seriously, think very carefully about having a tattoo done. It's an easy thing to decide on very quickly but you'll have it for a lifetime. If you do go ahead, look for a reputable studio who you pay after the service has been provided, not to what sounds like a backstreet con-artist who probably isn't even a tattooist.

Agree with this, how did you find this person?

Did you research him? See examples of his previous work? Speak to any previous customers? Look on social media for artists in your area and do lots of research.

Remember the saying as well "a good tattoo isn't cheap, and a cheap tattoo isn't good"

It may have been worth £120 to have this person NOT tattoo you for life, as the cover up may well be more expensive.

perfectspiral

My personal advice would be to take the loss and learn the lesson.


I have 3 very large tattoos, and the shop where they were all done had this sign at the front desk:


"Good tattoos are not cheap and cheap tattoos are not good".


Go to a reputable shop, meet the artist and discuss what you need in person. A cash deposit is reasonable with the rest charged at an hourly rate - £80 to £120 per hour depending on your artists experience and demand, etc.


For your own wellbeing never goto anyone who does tattooing at home or requests money for the equipment from you.

perfectspiral

marcarm wrote: »

Remember the saying as well "a good tattoo isn't cheap, and a cheap tattoo isn't good"

.

I did not see this before replying, but the saying is a good one.

Rosemary7391

TashakamenX wrote: »

Hey, so basically a while back I had paid for a tattoo to be done! It seemed legit as he drew up my tattoo, told me the date and address where to go and when to get it done.

Did you meet him at this address or see any ID? I mean, are you sure that address is associated with him? If you are you might have a chance with the small claims court, but if you've not met him there then I fear that would be throwing good money after bad. You can take him to court and get a CCJ issued but that won't get you the money unless you can find him.

hollydays

Finding this post hard to believe