Booking software for tattoo and piercing studios in the UK

What tattoo and piercing studios need from booking software

Tattoo sessions range from 30-minute small pieces to full-day sittings. Piercing appointments are shorter but need strict hygiene turnaround. Booking software should handle consultation slots, multi-hour sessions, and per-artist availability.

Most studios take deposits to hold design time and session slots. Online booking with built-in deposits reduces DMs, no-shows, and the admin of chasing bank transfers.

Artists, sessions, and chair time

• Consultation and tattoo session as separate bookable services.
• Half-day and full-day session blocks for larger pieces.
• Piercing appointments with accurate turnover time.
• Per-artist calendars so clients book with their chosen artist.
• Block drawing days, conventions, and guest artist visits.

Consultations, designs, and deposits

Custom work starts with a consultation — in person or online — to discuss size, placement, and design. Book consultations as short slots; confirmed sessions get longer blocks once the design is approved.

Deposits are standard in UK tattoo studios. They hold the session date and cover design time if the client ghosts. Sway deposits go through Stripe — no manual bank transfer tracking.

Deposits and session payments

Require a deposit at booking for all custom work. Many studios take 20–50% upfront with the balance on the day.

Sway supports deposits on all plans, including Free. Full prepayment is an option for smaller flash pieces with fixed pricing.

How Sway plans fit your business

Sway offers flat monthly pricing with no marketplace commission — on your own page or through Sway discovery as more businesses join. Start free with your own booking page, then upgrade when you need unlimited bookings, website embeds, or team calendars.

Growing beyond word of mouth

Many tattoo and piercing studios start with referrals and a Google listing. A booking link on your website, Instagram bio, and Google Business Profile turns interest into confirmed appointments — and as Sway grows, clients can discover you on the platform too, without marketplace commission.

Sway gives you a branded booking page from day one. Individual plans and above can embed booking on an existing website, sync to Google or Apple Calendar, and send automated reminders.