Hourglass Ink Tattoo Studio

I have been getting tattoo work done at this business for the past two months. I had another appointment on Sunday April X XXXX at 1pm. Before my appointment I had heard that the artist I had put my deposit down on had left the shop to work elsewhere. SO on April X XXXX I went to get my deposit back and was told by the owner of the shop that I can not get my deposit back and I was out of luck. I could use it towards a new artist or gift it to a friend. Basically telling me it is acceptable to take my money and provide no services if they feel the need. Offering me to use the money with another artist is forcing me to spend the money one way or the other as long as it stays in your establishment. I pt my money down on an artist I wanted to do my work, if that artist was not there when I initially started started looking for a shop I would not have put my money down.Product_Or_Service: Tattoo work Desired Settlement I would like a refund on my $70 deposit as I do not plan to go back to this shop, or have one of their other talented artist do my work.Business Response It is clearly posted on the wall next to the cash register in plain site and is explained to every client that deposits are non-refundable and that if they need to change the appointment date and/or time that we require 48hrs notice or the deposit is forfeited. All artists are independent contractors and the deposit is left as a deposit for the establishment, not the artist. The client knew this in advance and the owner was actually his first pick in artists on this tattoo that was started at another parlor to begin with. The owner had a longer wait time and had one of the other artists work on him instead at his approval. We did offer to have someone else work on him or transfer the deposit to a friend even though we do not usually allow deposit transfers especially with less than the stated 48hrs notice. This client was hostile and went online to write bad reviews and slander the company name. Bottom line is that it is clearly posted that all deposits are non-refundable. This is common practice with most tattoo parlors and in accordance with MA state laws.Consumer Response (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)I went into the shop, I was not hostile at all. I am actually a very calm person. The No refund policy was never explained to me as they stated in their response. In the facebook posts the owner had said if I wanted my money back I can get it from my artist. If the down payment goes to the establishment then why would I be searching for her for my refund? I spoke with a few tattoo shops in the area and they all have a no refund policy as well, but said that if the artist who is working on you leaves then that is a different story. I did tell them to keep the money on facebook, but at the time did not know about my rights as a consumer and felt I was fighting a losing battle. One little sign in a shop saying no refunds should not be enough. We as consumers should have some type of protection when it comes to our money, and not be forced to spend our money at a place we wish not to. I never signed anything stating I could not get my money back. I do not want to escalate this further, but upon review of the situation with outside help this can and will be pushed forward. I am hoping the company can show some customer service and resolve this issue. Final Business Response you came to us and we abide the laws of massachusetts. I was your first pick for the tattoo so this is not a quality issue. sorry you feel that way. our policy is posted at our shop and we stand by it.Final Consumer Response (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)Having to spend my money in that establishment is forcing me to spend my money at a place I wish not to. I am only trying to settle this here before I take further action.