by Grace Barone
Tattoos. Your Mom's favorite topic. These permanent art pieces have been around for centuries and are becoming much more mainstream than in the past. The stereotype that only criminals have tattoos has diminished quite a bit. Yet, the idea of tattooing is still seen as somewhat barbaric to the public. Going to a clean and reputable tattoo shop is anything but barbaric, if anything, they function pretty close to a doctors office if they're following all the right procedures. One way a tattoo shop can up their game and show off just how sophisticated they really are, is by implementing tattoo software on their POS system.
Best Tattoo Scheduling Software
Tattoo shops aren't quite the first business that comes to mind when you think of POS systems. But, just like any other business, they need to accept payment. Since modern day POS systems typically offer more functions than just accepting payments. They can become a very useful tool when shop owners integrate the right tattoo software. The Clover POS systems offer a wide variety of apps that can be downloaded that will transform your POS system into much more than just a register.
But what tattoo software is necessary? Tattoo shops offer a service, so they have the same needs as any other service industry. Appointment scheduling, inventory management, customer and employee management are the basics. But, they also have specific needs that other service industries don't like, electronic waivers and age verification. When you have a Clover device, business owners have access to all of that and more.
Appointment Scheduling
There are a lot of different scheduling apps to choose from on the Clover app market. Most of them are marketed as apps for hair salons, but they are made for any business that require appointments. You almost always make an appointment at a tattoo shop. Of course sometimes there are walk-ins, especially if your shop offers piercings as well or events like Friday the 13th flash sales. But typically, there is some kind of consultation first to discuss what the customer wants to get. After that an appointment gets scheduled and sometimes a deposit is required. If you have a very sought after artist, these appointments may be made months in advanced.
The salon scheduler app is perfect for tattoo shops. It makes setting up appointments very simple as well as other features that can help a tattoo shop stay organized. With salon scheduler, shop owners can input all of their artists and their specialties along with all the services they offer. Once they are all in the system, they can easily set up appointments with their clients.
There is an option for clients to set up appointments online as well. While the chances of someone booking an appointment online for a large or specific tattoo may be low. The option to book online can be great for scheduling consultations or piercing's. Since there may be a large span of time between setting up the appointment and actually having the appointment. Clients may forget when their appointment is. With this app, you can send out appointment emails and text messages. This ensures the customer remembers and doesn't end up missing it.
Deposits and No Show Fees
The app also offers options to require a deposit and no show fees. Deposits are an extra layer of security for artists. If an artists took a month perfecting a design just for the client to not show up for their appointment, a lot of time and money gets wasted. Having a deposit also breaks up the payment of your clients. Tattoos can be quite pricey, so having part of it already paid can lighten the load. The no show fee option follows the same concept as deposits. If a client doesn't show up for an appointment, the artist just wasted a ton of time. Not to mention, tattoo appointments can be quite long. If the artists blocked out 5 hours to do a tattoo just to get stood up, it can be a heavy blow.
Inventory Management
Another great feature that salon scheduler has is inventory management. Artists are typically required to have their own tattoo machine and possibly their own ink. But supplies like gloves, paper towels, second skin, sanitizing products, jewelry, after care products, etc. are usually supplied by the shop. Having an automated inventory management system can take care of all of your inventory needs. I may be wrong but I feel like the last thing a tattoo artist wants to do is be counting how many boxes of rubber gloves the shop has in stock. Salon scheduler has great inventory capabilities, If you're interested in reading more about other inventory management systems, I wrote a blog all about just that!
More Helpful Tattoo Shop Software
Another software that is super helpful for tattoo shops are electronic waivers and age verification. Whenever you go into a tattoo shop you have to sign a waiver outlining the risks and potential problems. The waiver's particular contents will vary based on the tattoo studio, but it will generally include some or all of the following:
- Acceptance of the risks: The waiver will most likely say that you understand the dangers of obtaining a tattoo, such as infection, scars, allergic reactions, and other consequences.
- Health information: You may be requested to give health information, such as any medical conditions or medications you are taking, as well as any allergies you have.
- Aftercare instructions: The waiver may include advice on how to properly care for your tattoo following the operation, such as cleaning and dressing the inked area.
- Consent: You will be asked to provide your consent to the process, saying that you understand the risks and potential difficulties and that you are freely choosing to get a tattoo.
- Release of responsibility: The waiver may also include a release of liability. This states that you agree not to hold the tattoo artist or studio liable for any negative effects or issues that may occur as a result of getting a tattoo.
Waiver Master
Waivers are very important. If you're a shop owner and you're not requiring your clients to sign a waiver, you need to start. These waivers need to be filed and saved incase of anything happening. Having paper waivers can cause clutter and there's a lot of room for error. With Waiver Master, all of the tediousness of having waivers is eliminated! On the app, you can customize your waiver and have your customers electronically sign them. Tattoo shops also usually require customers to show their ID and have it scanned as part of the paperwork. You can scan your customers ID's and attach a copy to the waiver. No more multiple sheets of paper or blurry ID copies. This app ensures waivers never get lost and nothing is missed.
When you integrate Waiver Master with your Clover device, you get extra features too. You can instantly create customer profiles on your POS system, automatically upload a signed PDF to MINDBODY and Clubready client profile, scan IDs to verify age, and accept payments directly in the Waiver Master document.
Getting Tattoo Software for your Shop
When a tattoo shop runs efficiently, it makes a huge impact on clients. If you don't have a good appointment scheduling system, if your shop is running out of essential inventory, or your artists are fumbling around with sheets of paper and ink stained pens. It doesn't look good. You're offering a service that permanently changes someone's body, so you want to make a good impression. Tattoos can be a great form of self expression and showcase artists amazing work. Make sure your shop has all the extra tools to help it run smooth, so you can focus on what's important. Great artwork!
If you're interested in getting a Clover POS system for your tattoo shop, or have questions about any of the apps that were mentioned. Go to getvms.com, or fill out the form below!