
GRIM Tattoo Studios 196 Parkdale Ave N, Hamilton ON 905-544-1222 | info@grimstudios.ca
Deposit Policies
Updated Dec 2025
Deposit Amounts
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All tattoos require a minimum non-refundable deposit of $100.
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Larger-scale tattoos require a deposit equal to 40% of the estimated tattoo cost, calculated using the artist’s hourly rate and estimated session time.
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Example:
Portrait tattoo by Artist Name at $140/hour
Estimated time: 6 hours
Total estimate: $840
Required deposit (40%): $336
Appointment Confirmation
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Appointments are not confirmed without a deposit.
Without a deposit, availability cannot be guaranteed and you may be treated as a walk-in.
Deposit Cards
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Clients are responsible for retaining their deposit card.
Lost, damaged, or misplaced deposit cards cannot be redeemed without the card present.
Cancellations & Rescheduling
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Tattoo appointments:
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Minimum 48 hours’ notice required to reschedule without forfeiting the deposit.
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Piercing appointments:
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Minimum 24 hours’ notice required to reschedule without forfeiting the deposit.
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Deposits may be transferred once for a single reschedule if notice is provided within the required timeframe.
Deposit Forfeiture
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Deposits will be forfeited if:
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You cancel or reschedule outside the required notice period
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You do not show up for your appointment
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You reschedule a second appointment, even with proper notice
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You arrive late beyond the allowed grace period
Late Arrivals
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Piercings or tattoos under 3 hours:
Deposit is forfeited after 15 minutes late. -
Tattoos over 3 hours:
Deposit is forfeited after 30 minutes late. -
Late arrivals may also result in reduced service time or cancellation.
Custom Artwork & Design Time
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Tattoos requiring custom artwork or extensive design preparation may require a minimum $300 deposit.
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If additional drawing time, major revisions, or redesigns are requested:
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Additional charges may apply at 40% of the artist’s hourly rate per hour of design time
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Deposits may be applied toward design time at the artist’s discretion
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Once a deposit is used for design time, a new deposit may be required to continue
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Artists reserve the right to decline further work if deposits are exhausted.
Multiple Sessions
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For tattoos requiring multiple sessions:
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Deposits are carried over between sessions
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The deposit is applied to the final session only
Deposit Limitations
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Deposits:
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Apply only to the agreed-upon design, placement, and client
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Are non-transferable without prior approval from management or the artist
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Cannot be used to pre-pay for tattoos (except via Afterpay, where applicable)
Payment Methods
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Deposits are accepted:
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In studio: Cash or Credit Card
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Online: PayPal or E-Transfer
Chargebacks
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Initiating a chargeback after agreeing to these policies may result in refusal of future services. All disputes should be addressed directly with the studio.
Agreement
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By signing a service waiver or submitting a deposit, you acknowledge and agree to all terms outlined in this policy.
Final Note
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All services, jewelry, gift cards, and deposits are non-refundable.
Afterpay Payment Policy
Updated Dec 2025
Afterpay Payments
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Afterpay payments are subject to a 7% service fee, added to the total service price.
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Afterpay payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
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Standard deposit policies apply. Full policies are available at:
www.grimstudios.ca/policy
Afterpay Payment Structure
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Afterpay payments must be made upfront, up to a maximum of $2,000.
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If the total tattoo cost exceeds $2,000:
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The remaining balance will be paid per session, following standard booking and deposit procedures.
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Deposits are still required for individual sessions.
Appointment Confirmation
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The service date listed on this invoice represents a tentative appointment date.
Appointments are not confirmed until payment is received.
Cancellations & Rescheduling (Afterpay Appointments)
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If you cancel or reschedule a tattoo appointment within 48 hours, the session will be charged in accordance with our deposit policy.
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Example:
A $2,000 Afterpay tattoo booked over two sessions
Artist rate: $1,000 per day
Late reschedule of one session
Penalty: 40% of the day rate ($400) -
This amount must be paid before the missed appointment can be rescheduled.
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A second reschedule may result in increased penalties, up to the full session rate.
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Future appointments will not be confirmed until all outstanding balances are paid.
Backup Payment Method
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Clients using Afterpay must have a backup payment method available in case of payment issues.
Non-Payment
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Failure to complete payment obligations may result in:
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Cancellation of future appointments
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Refusal of future services
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Recovery efforts through appropriate legal or collection processes
Chargebacks
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Initiating a chargeback after agreeing to these terms may result in refusal of future services. Payment disputes should be addressed directly with the studio.
Agreement
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By paying this invoice or signing a service waiver, you acknowledge and agree to all terms outlined on this page and in our studio policies.
Pricing Policy
Updated October 2023
Shop Minimum
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There is a $100 + HST studio minimum for all tattoo services.
No exceptions.
Hourly Rates
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Tattoo rates start at $150 per hour
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Some artists have higher hourly minimums based on experience, demand, or project type
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Artists reserve the right to price tattoos by the piece or by the hour, depending on the project.
Custom Artwork & Drawing Time
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Drawing and design time is not included in the tattoo price for large-scale custom work or projects requiring multiple revisions.
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For tattoos requiring custom artwork:
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A minimum $300 deposit is required
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Significant design changes, redesigns, or additional drawing time may require additional deposits
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Additional design time may be charged at 40% of the artist’s hourly rate per hour
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If minor changes are requested and the tattoo proceeds, the deposit may be applied to the final cost of the tattoo at the artist’s discretion.
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If a deposit is used toward drawing or revision time, it may be forfeited and a new deposit may be required to continue the project. Artists reserve the right to discontinue work if deposits are exhausted.
Billing & Session Time
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Tattoo sessions are billed for:
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Tattooing time
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Setup and breakdown
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Breaks, including lunch for long sessions
Consultations
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Consultations are complimentary and may be required for large-scale, custom, or complex tattoo projects.
Accepted Payment Methods
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We accept:
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Cash
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Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard)
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Please note:
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Debit and Visa Debit are not accepted
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Prepaid credit cards may not function reliably with our payment system
Chargebacks & Payment Disputes
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Initiating a chargeback after agreeing to studio policies may result in refusal of future services. Payment concerns should be addressed directly with the studio.
Agreement
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By signing a service waiver or submitting payment, you acknowledge and agree to all terms outlined on this page and within our studio policies.
Touch Up Policy
Updated Dec 2025
Complimentary Touch-Ups
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All tattoos completed at GRIM Studios include one complimentary touch-up within 90 days, at the artist’s discretion.
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Touch-ups are intended for minor healing-related issues and are not guaranteed.
Artist Availability
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Touch-ups are performed by appointment only
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Touch-ups are not offered on weekends
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Touch-ups are subject to artist availability and discretion
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If a tattoo was completed at GRIM Studios by an artist who is no longer with the studio, we will honour the complimentary touch-up policy.
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If a client had a prior touch-up agreement with an artist currently working at GRIM Studios that differs from this policy, the artist may honour the original agreement at their discretion.
Healing Expectations
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Tattoo healing is not uniform, and minor fading or discolouration is normal as part of the natural healing process.
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Clients who do not follow provided aftercare instructions may be refused a complimentary touch-up.
Areas Not Eligible for Complimentary Touch-Ups
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Complimentary touch-ups are not offered for tattoos on:
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Hands or fingers
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Feet or toes
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Elbows
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Knees
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Other high-friction or high-movement areas
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These areas are known for unpredictable healing and increased ink loss.
Cancellations & No-Shows
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Complimentary touch-ups are forfeited if:
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The appointment is cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours
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The client does not attend the appointment
Paid Touch-Ups
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Touch-ups that fall outside the complimentary policy may be offered at a rate of $80 + HST, subject to artist approval.
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Paid touch-ups apply only to tattoos originally completed at GRIM Studios.
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This includes:
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Touch-ups requested after 90 days
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Additional touch-ups beyond the complimentary one
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Tattoos that do not qualify for a free touch-up
Agreement
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By signing a service waiver or booking a touch-up appointment, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this policy.
Wait List Policy
Updated Dec 2025
Appointment Availability
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As appointments become available, they are offered first to ongoing tattoo projects and then to new clients. This allows artists to complete existing work in a timely and consistent manner.
Cancellation List
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Cancellations are offered on a first come, first served basis.
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Clients who wish to be considered for cancellations must join the artist-specific cancellation list available on each artist’s page. Cancellation availability is not guaranteed.
Design Changes
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Significant changes to the agreed-upon tattoo design may require rescheduling to the next available appointment.
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For some artists, particularly during busy seasons, this may result in wait times of 4–6 months or longer.
Non-Transferable Appointments
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Appointments are non-transferable.
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Clients may not give, sell, or transfer their appointment time to another person under any circumstances.
Multiple-Session Tattoos
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For tattoos requiring multiple sessions, we strongly recommend booking multiple appointments in advance. This helps avoid extended wait times between sessions and ensures continuity of the project.
Agreement
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By signing a service waiver or booking an appointment, you acknowledge and agree to all terms outlined on this page and within our studio policies.
General Shop Policy
Updated Dec 2025
Age & Identification Requirements
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Valid government-issued photo ID is required for all services. No exceptions.
Piercing Age Requirements
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18+ only for:
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Genital piercings
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Nipple piercings
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Advanced piercings
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Surface piercings
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Microdermals
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Parental consent is not accepted.
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14–15 years old:
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Basic piercings with parent or legal guardian consent and ID
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16+:
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Basic piercings with valid ID
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Tattoo Age Requirements
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18+ with valid ID
OR -
16–17 years old with parent or legal guardian consent and valid ID
Children & Earlobe Piercings
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We do not pierce children under the age of six under any circumstances.
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Children’s earlobes will only be pierced if the child:
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Personally requests the piercing
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Understands what the piercing involves
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Can understand and follow aftercare instructions
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Can clearly communicate discomfort or concerns
Tattoo Content & Placement Restrictions
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We reserve the right to refuse tattoo designs or placements, including but not limited to:
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Hands, necks, or faces on clients who are not heavily tattooed, do not work in the industry, or do not have pre-existing tattoos in these areas
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Drug-related imagery
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Gang or criminal affiliations
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Names of significant others
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Racist, homophobic, transphobic, discriminatory, or hateful imagery
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Designs that target religions, minorities, or protected groups
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Any imagery deemed inappropriate or offensive by studio staff
Gang Affiliation & Symbols
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Clients wearing visible gang colours, patches, or symbols will be asked to:
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Remove the items or
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Leave the studio
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This includes, but is not limited to, biker organization patches, 1% identifiers, or hate-associated symbols.
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We do not provide services to individuals visibly affiliated with gangs or criminal organizations.
Studio Conduct & Safety
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Harassment, racism, homophobia, transphobia, or discriminatory language will not be tolerated
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GRIM Studios is a safe and inclusive space for all people
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Anyone threatening that safety will be asked to leave immediately
Photography & Surveillance
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GRIM Studios photographs completed tattoos and retains the rights to these images for promotional and portfolio use
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Clients may request anonymity, blurring, or removal of images by contacting the studio
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Clients may refuse photography
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Security cameras are in use throughout the studio, except in private service rooms (piercing rooms, cosmetic tattoo room, private tattoo rooms).
Guests & Studio Access
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One guest may be permitted during tattoo appointments at the artist’s discretion
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Artists may ask guests to leave or wait in the front area for any reason
Accessibility & Facilities
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Gender-neutral washrooms are available
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The studio is wheelchair accessible
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Laser tattoo removal is not wheelchair accessible
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Clients with accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the studio in advance so accommodations can be arranged when possible
Health & Responsibility
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GRIM Studios is not responsible for misspellings, incorrect dates, or translation errors in tattoos
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Clients are encouraged to review all designs carefully before tattooing
Children & Pets
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No children under 14 without adult supervision
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Families are welcome, but the studio is not responsible for child safety
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No pets permitted
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Registered service animals are welcome
Hygiene & Safety Rule
Clients must not touch fresh tattoos or piercings, open wounds, scabs, bandages, or sterile equipment.
If assistance is needed, please ask a staff member.
Tours & Questions
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Studio tours may be available depending on management availability. Please call ahead to confirm.
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Clients are encouraged to ask questions about procedures, aftercare, sterilization practices, materials, or services at any time.
Refund Policy
All services, jewelry, gift cards, and deposits are non-refundable.
Right to Refuse Service
GRIM Studios reserves the right to refuse service or ask anyone to leave at any time to protect safety, professionalism, and community standards.
Agreement
By signing a service waiver or receiving services at GRIM Studios, you acknowledge and agree to all terms outlined in this policy.




