Studio terms of service

Request deposits, full payments or remaining balances when online payments are enabled for your studio and your Stripe account is ready. If payment requests are switched off, keep your existing payment arrangements.

These Studio terms of service govern your access to and use of the InkWell platform as a tattoo artist or studio.

InkWell is operated by InkWell Group Limited, a company registered in England and Wales under company number 16998198 (“InkWell”, “we”, “us” or “our”).

By creating a studio account or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Definitions

In these Terms:

“Platform” means the InkWell website, software and related services.

“Studio” means the tattoo artist or studio using the Platform.

“Client” means an individual submitting a booking request or making a payment through the Platform.

“Booking” means a booking request, quote, or confirmed appointment made through the Platform.

“Stripe” means the Stripe entity providing the applicable payment services under your Stripe agreement.

“Merchant of Record” means the entity legally responsible for the sale transaction.

“Fees” means the platform transaction fee charged by InkWell and any applicable subscription fees.

2. Platform Role and Relationship

2.1 InkWell provides a technology platform enabling Studios to manage their public profiles, receive enquiries, exchange private client messages, share quotes and booking terms, and manage appointments. Client payments and merchandise checkout are available where offered in your workspace and supported by your plan.

Before publishing or collecting new customer payments, save accurate legal seller and public contact details, complete Stripe business verification and resolve any InkWell seller review shown in Studio. Seller verification does not assess tattoo qualifications, premises safety or service quality.

2.2 InkWell does not:

• Provide tattoo services
• Perform body modification or any artistic procedures
• Control how services are delivered
• Employ Studio staff

2.3 You remain an independent contractor.

2.4 Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, agency or joint venture.

3. Merchant of Record and Payments

3.1 You are the Merchant of Record for all Bookings and payments.

3.2 Where client payments through InkWell are available, payments are processed through Stripe Connect.

3.3 Deposit and payment funds are paid directly into your Stripe account.

3.4 InkWell does not hold, control or safeguard client funds.

3.5 You are responsible for compliance with Stripe’s terms.

3.6 You authorise InkWell to deduct its platform transaction fee where Stripe supports the deduction.

3.7 Subscription fees are payable in advance and are non-refundable unless otherwise stated.

4. Fees and Charges

4.1 InkWell charges:

• Solo: £29 per month for up to 1 active artist at one location. Every plan includes all features and non-artist staff.
• Small Studio: £59 per month for up to 5 active artists at one location. Every plan includes all features and non-artist staff.
• Studio: £99 per month for up to 10 active artists at one location. Every plan includes all features and non-artist staff.

4.2 Stripe processing fees apply separately to client payments through InkWell. InkWell charges no payment commission on deposits, full payments, balances or merchandise. Review the subscription total before you pay. See Pricing for plan details.

4.3 InkWell may change Fees on reasonable notice.

4.4 Failure to pay Fees may result in suspension.

5. Studio Responsibilities

You are solely responsible for:

• Providing tattoo services to a professional standard
• Health and safety compliance, including hygiene and sterilisation
• Holding a valid local authority tattoo licence
• Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Accurate service descriptions and pricing
• VAT registration and tax compliance
• Client care and aftercare guidance
• Insurance

InkWell does not verify compliance.

6. Health, Safety and Licensing

6.1 You warrant that you hold all licences, registrations, and approvals required to provide tattoo services in your jurisdiction.

6.2 You accept full responsibility for hygiene, sterilisation, and infection control practices.

6.3 You indemnify InkWell against any claim arising from health and safety failures or licensing breaches.

7. Insurance

7.1 You must maintain appropriate public liability and professional indemnity insurance suitable for your business activities in the United Kingdom.

7.2 InkWell may request proof of insurance at any time.

7.3 Failure to maintain insurance may result in suspension or termination.

8. Bookings and Appointments

8.1 You are responsible for reviewing and responding to booking requests.

8.2 You must honour confirmed appointments in accordance with the quoted terms.

8.3 You are responsible for refund decisions regarding deposits.

8.4 Chargebacks and disputes are processed through your Stripe account.

8.5 A quote, client message, booking agreement, calendar hold and received payment are separate from an appointment. Confirm the agreed artist, price and time in Studio. Staff preparation checks do not collect medical answers or replace your age checks and consent to tattooing.

8.6 For merchandise, you provide the seller details, customer prices, delivery or collection arrangements and returns policies. You handle fulfilment, returns and customer support. Existing orders retain their recorded details when you change your merchandise settings.

9. Data Protection

9.1 You receive client data solely for the purpose of fulfilling Bookings and providing client care.

9.2 You act as an independent data controller.

9.3 You must comply with UK GDPR and data protection laws.

9.4 You must not sell or misuse client data.

10. Suspension and Termination

InkWell may suspend or terminate your account immediately if you:

• Breach these Terms
• Breach health and safety regulations
• Engage in unlawful conduct
• Fail to maintain insurance or licensing
• Damage the reputation of the Platform
• Fail to pay Fees

You may terminate your subscription in accordance with your billing terms.

11. Intellectual Property

11.1 InkWell retains all rights in the Platform.

11.2 You retain all rights in your portfolio images and artistic works.

11.3 You grant InkWell a non-exclusive licence to display your profile, portfolio, and service listings for the purpose of operating the Platform.

12. Platform Availability

12.1 The Platform is provided on an as available basis.

12.2 InkWell does not guarantee uninterrupted service.

12.3 InkWell may update or modify functionality at any time.

13. Limitation of Liability

13.1 Nothing excludes liability which cannot legally be excluded.

13.2 To the fullest extent permitted by law, InkWell shall not be liable for:

• Loss of profits
• Loss of revenue
• Business interruption
• Reputational damage
• Regulatory fines
• Health and safety claims
• Client injury or infection
• Chargebacks
• Indirect or consequential loss

13.3 InkWell’s total aggregate liability shall not exceed the total Fees paid by you in the preceding 12 months.

14. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless InkWell Group Limited and its directors, officers and employees from any claim, loss, liability, damage or expense arising from:

• Health and safety breaches
• Client injury, infection, or allergic reactions
• Regulatory non-compliance
• Tax or VAT issues
• Client claims
• Misrepresentation
• Negligence or misconduct

This indemnity survives termination.

15. Confidentiality

You must not disclose confidential information relating to the Platform.

16. Changes to These Terms

InkWell may update these Terms on reasonable notice.

Continued use constitutes acceptance.

17. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.