I have been a customer of Ben's for years and trusted him enough to complete my sleeve. I always paid for my appointments, tipped generously, and recommended him to many friends and family.
Unfortunately, today's experience completely changed my opinion.
Ben had to cancel our appointment because the shop was having HVAC issues, which I completely understood. I wasn't upset about the cancellation at all. I simply called afterward to ask if there was another appointment available later that day because my daughter is leaving tomorrow morning and we were hoping we could still get our tattoos.
Instead of simply saying there wasn't another available time, I was met with a rude and confrontational attitude. He immediately brought up past rescheduled appointments and spoke to me as though I had done something wrong just for asking if another time was available. The tone of the conversation was completely unnecessary and unprofessional.
Afterward, he sent me text messages claiming I had canceled "8 or 9 times" over the past year, which I strongly disagree with. I apologized for any inconvenience my past reschedules may have caused and explained that I wasn't calling to complain--I was only asking if there was another available appointment.
When I asked about the $100 deposit I had left with him, he told me he intended to keep it because of those alleged cancellations. We had never agreed that my deposit would be forfeited under those circumstances. Rather than continue arguing, I simply replied, "Keep it with you. No problem."
What disappointed me wasn't the $100. It was being spoken to with disrespect after years of being a loyal customer. I had trusted Ben with my sleeve, always paid my appointments, tipped well, and recommended him to many people. Despite that history, he ended our conversation by telling me to "have the day you deserve," followed by "Having a great day so far ."
Ben is a talented artist, but professionalism and respect matter just as much as talent. Sadly, after today's experience, I will not be returning, and I can no longer recommend his business. read more