Short answer: a good reply does three things: it answers what the client asked, shows you actually read their idea, and ends with one clear next step. Below are copy-ready messages in natural US English for every stage: first response, missing information, explaining a quote, offering dates, asking for the deposit, rescheduling, and saying no. Change the first line every time, and the rest can stay the same.
Inkkore, which publishes this guide, collects structured tattoo requests and keeps the conversation in one place. It doesn't write or send these messages for you.
Four rules that make any template sound like you
- Name one real detail. "A snake around a dagger on your calf, love it" takes five seconds and proves you read it.
- One message, everything in it. Ask for all the missing pieces at once, not one per day.
- End with the next step. What you need from them, what you'll send, and when.
- Write the way you talk. Swap any word you'd never say out loud. Short sentences are fine.
Why structured requests make replies easier
Compare two first messages.
Unstructured DM: "hey how much for a rose"
You can't answer that without three questions, and the conversation starts with you chasing details.
Structured request: "Rose with stem and two leaves · outer forearm · about 4 inches · black and grey · 2 reference photos · budget $300–$400 · free weekday afternoons."
You can answer in one message: an opinion on the idea, a range, and dates. Every template below gets shorter when the request already contains the brief. That's the whole point of a consultation form.
1. First response
When the request is complete:
Hi [name]! Thanks for sending this, [one detail: "a rose with that leaf placement on your forearm is going to look great"]. I've got everything I need. I'll send you a price range and some dates by [day].When they only ask "how much?":
Hey [name], thanks for reaching out! Price depends on size, placement and detail, so I don't want to guess. Can you send me:
- your idea in a few sentences
- where on your body and roughly how big (inches or "palm-sized")
- a reference photo if you have one
Or fill out my request form, it takes two minutes: [link]When your books are closed:
Thanks so much for thinking of me, [name]! My books are closed right now. I reopen in [month] and I'll announce it on my stories first. I'd love to see your idea then.2. Asking for missing information
General:
Thanks [name], this sounds like a fun one! Before I can quote, I need two things:
1. Where on your body?
2. Roughly how big (inches, or "palm-sized" / "half sleeve")? A reference photo helps too if you have one.Cover-up or rework:
I'm happy to look at a cover-up! Can you send me a clear photo of the current tattoo in daylight, its size in inches, and roughly how old it is? Heads up: cover-ups usually need to be bigger and darker than the original, so I'll suggest a design that can actually hide it.Lettering:
Love it. Can you type out the exact text you want, spelled exactly as it should appear, and send a font you like? I'll match the spelling letter for letter, so please double-check it.3. Explaining a quote
Standard quote, as a range:
Here's what I'm thinking: [your approach in one sentence, e.g. "a 4-inch black and grey rose with soft shading, stem following the curve of your arm"].
For this size and placement, I'd estimate $[X]–$[Y], about [hours] in one session. The final price depends on [how much shading we add / final size]. If that works for you, I'll send you some dates.Multi-session piece:
This one is a multi-session piece: I'd plan [number] sessions of about [hours] each, spaced [weeks] apart so it heals in between. I charge $[rate] per session, so expect around $[total] overall. We can book the first session now and set the next ones after.When their budget is lower than the estimate:
Thanks for sharing your budget, that really helps. At $[budget], the full design as described would be a stretch. A few options:
- go a bit smaller (around [size])
- simplify the background / shading
- or pick one of my flash designs in that range: [link]
Happy to go with whichever you prefer.4. Offering time slots
I can do:
- [Day, date] at [time]
- [Day, date] at [time]
- [Day, date] at [time]
Which works best? I'll hold these until [day/time]. Once you pick, I'll send the deposit details to lock it in.If none of the dates work:
No problem! What days and times usually work for you? I'll look for something close. My next openings after these are around [month].5. Asking for the deposit
The request:
You're booked in for [day, date] at [time], pending your deposit:
- Amount: $[amount] (it comes off your final price)
- Pay by: [method, e.g. Venmo @handle, PayPal goods and services]
- Reference: [your name / booking reference]
I'm holding your date until [day/time]. My deposit policy is here: [link].One gentle reminder (only one):
Hi [name], just checking you saw the deposit details for [date]. I'm holding the spot until [day]; after that I'll offer it to someone on my waitlist. No worries either way, just let me know!Deposit received:
Got your deposit, thank you! You're all set for [day, date] at [time]. Before then: [prep tips, e.g. eat beforehand, moisturize the area, no sunburn]. See you soon!How much to ask, and what happens on cancellations, belongs in your written policy: see how to write a tattoo deposit policy.
6. Rescheduling
The client asks with enough notice:
No problem at all! Your deposit moves with you. Here are my next openings: [date A], [date B], [date C]. Which one works?The client asks late (inside your notice window):
Thanks for letting me know, I hope everything's okay. Since it's less than [72 hours] before your appointment, my policy treats this as a late cancellation, so the deposit doesn't carry over. [If you make exceptions: "I can move it this one time."] If you'd like a new date, I'm happy to book you in with a new deposit.You have to reschedule:
Hi [name], I'm really sorry, but I have to move your appointment on [date] because [reason, e.g. "I'm sick and won't tattoo you like this"]. You choose: I can move your deposit to [date A] or [date B], or refund it in full. Again, I'm sorry for the change.7. Saying no
Not your style:
Thank you for thinking of me for this! [Style] isn't my specialty, and I'd rather you get the best version of your idea. I'd look for an artist who focuses on [style]. Good luck with it, it's a great idea.Too small or too detailed for the placement:
I love the idea, but at [size] on [placement], that much detail would blur together as it heals and ages. I'd suggest going bigger (around [size]) or simplifying it. Happy to quote either version if you'd like.A copy of another artist's tattoo:
Thanks for sending this! This looks like [artist]'s original piece, so I won't copy it, but I'd love to draw you something in that spirit, with my own take on [element they like]. Want me to quote a custom design?Content you don't tattoo:
Thanks for reaching out. This isn't something I tattoo, so I'll pass on this one. I wish you the best finding the right artist.Closing a request that went quiet:
Hi [name], I haven't heard back, so I'll close this request for now so I can keep my list moving. If you want to pick it back up later, just reply here. I'd be happy to.Keep your templates one tap away
- Text replacement on your phone: on iPhone, you can set a shortcut (for example
;dates) that expands into a full template (Apple Support: "Set up shorthand for frequently used text"). Android keyboards offer similar shortcuts. - A pinned note with all your templates, grouped by step.
- Your form's confirmation message can carry the first response, so every client gets an answer even before you reply.
Whatever you use, change the first line every time. Organizing the requests themselves (statuses, reply days, one place for everything) is covered in how to organize tattoo inquiries.
Where Inkkore fits
Inkkore makes most of these replies shorter, because requests arrive structured and the logistics live in the same thread:
- Requests arrive with the brief: project type, placement, optional budget, description, up to five reference photos and availability.
- You reply in a private client page with a chat, no client account needed, and the client is emailed when you reply.
- Quotes are sent as quotes the client can accept or decline, and you offer 1 to 3 time slots held for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
- When the client accepts your quote, the deposit request goes out automatically with your payment methods and a unique reference; the client gets a reminder email the day before the session.
Inkkore doesn't write, suggest or send the messages above: you do. It doesn't connect to Instagram or WhatsApp either; you share your link there, and the conversation continues on the client's page.