Jamie Rivera
June 29, 2025
Struggling to convert DM inquiries into bookings? You’re not alone. Different clients - price shoppers and serious collectors - have unique priorities, and using the same response for both can lead to missed opportunities. The solution? Tailored replies that address their specific needs.
Using tailored scripts can boost booking rates by 20-30%. Tools like Studioflo’s Athena AI automate this process, analyzing client intent and sending personalized replies instantly. Here’s how you can craft responses that resonate with both groups.
Understanding the difference between price shoppers and serious collectors is key to ensuring successful bookings. These two types of clients come with entirely different mindsets, and trying to approach both with the same strategy simply doesn’t work. Their motivations, priorities, and expectations vary greatly, so generic messaging often falls flat.
Price shoppers are all about getting the most value for their money - not necessarily the cheapest option, but the best deal. They’re the ones comparing multiple artists, weighing costs heavily, and often making decisions based on price.
Their messages usually sound like:
These clients tend to provide minimal details about their ideas, sometimes sending reference photos but often focusing more on discounts or quick quotes. They prioritize straightforward pricing, fast replies, and a smooth booking process. For them, staying within budget and feeling like they’ve made a smart choice are top priorities.
Serious collectors, on the other hand, are more focused on artistry and the overall experience than on cost. To them, tattoos are a form of art and personal expression, and they’re willing to invest in premium work to get something truly exceptional.
Their inquiries are usually more detailed and thoughtful. For instance, a serious collector might say something like:
"I’ve been following your work for months and love your neo-traditional style. I’m looking to start a sleeve with Japanese elements and modern twists. Can we discuss your process and set up a consultation?"
These clients often research artists extensively before reaching out. They value trust, collaboration, and feeling like they’re part of a creative journey. Collectors care about understanding your process, seeing behind-the-scenes glimpses, and building a strong relationship with you as their artist. They’re typically interested in larger, custom pieces and are more likely to return for additional sessions or refer like-minded clients. Price isn’t their main concern - they’re looking for quality and a unique, personalized experience.
Sorting through client inquiries manually can be a huge time sink. That’s where Studioflo’s Unified Inbox and Athena AI step in, analyzing messages to pinpoint client intent and behavior patterns automatically.
The system picks up on specific language and question types to categorize inquiries. For example:
Athena AI uses keywords, message length, and context to understand the client’s motivation. A short message like “How much?” is treated very differently from something like, “I’ve been saving up for the perfect piece, and your style is exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
With this automated system, you can tailor your responses right from the start. Price shoppers receive replies that emphasize value and explain your pricing clearly, while serious collectors get messages that focus on your creative process and custom approach. By addressing each client’s specific priorities, you can communicate more effectively and boost your booking success.
This approach lays the groundwork for using DM scripts that speak directly to each client type’s needs. When your messaging reflects what each person cares about, your chances of converting inquiries into bookings increase significantly.
Price shoppers are often looking for quality work at a fair price. The trick is to address their concerns about cost while showcasing the value your studio brings to the table. When these clients reach out, it's important to respond in a way that highlights your studio's strengths and justifies your pricing. Below are three effective scripts designed to turn price inquiries into bookings.
When someone asks, "How much for a small tattoo?" or "What's your hourly rate?", your reply sets the tone for the entire conversation. Here's a practical response that balances transparency with value:
"I totally get that price is important! Our tattoos start at $150, which includes a custom design, high-quality materials, and a safe, comfortable experience. We’d love to chat more about your idea - let’s set up a free consultation to finalize a quote!"
This response acknowledges their price concern, provides a starting point, and emphasizes the quality and care your studio offers. It also encourages the client to take the next step by scheduling a consultation.
Studios using this kind of structured messaging through Studioflo's system have seen impressive results, such as booking over 24 clients within 90 days and generating more than $5,000 in bookings during a single weekend.
If someone says, "That's too expensive" or "Another shop quoted me half that price", it's crucial not to lower your rates immediately. Instead, focus on educating the client about what makes your studio worth the investment:
"I completely understand that price is a key factor. What sets us apart is the care and detail we put into every tattoo. Each piece includes a custom design created just for you, premium inks and equipment, and the expertise of our experienced artists. You're not just getting a tattoo - you're getting a piece of art that’s crafted with precision and care. Would you like to see some examples of our work to get a better sense of the quality?"
This approach shifts the focus from price to value, helping the client see your work as an investment in something meaningful and lasting.
Once you’ve addressed their concerns, follow up with a message that makes it easy for them to commit:
"Just checking in on your tattoo idea! If you're ready to move forward, we can secure your spot with a $50 deposit. This ensures your design is custom-prepared and your appointment is locked in. Our schedule fills up quickly, especially on weekends. The deposit will go toward the final cost of your tattoo, and we can discuss payment plans if that helps. Let me know if you have any questions or if you're ready to get started!"
This script introduces urgency and provides clear next steps, making it simple for the client to commit. The deposit also helps weed out casual inquiries, ensuring you focus on serious clients.
While price-focused scripts help address cost concerns, these tailored messages are designed to resonate with serious collectors. These clients appreciate the artistry behind tattoos and understand that creating something extraordinary takes time, effort, and investment. Your communication should reflect this shared understanding, showcasing your skills while building trust from the very first interaction.
When a serious collector reaches out, they often come with detailed ideas or references to specific styles. Your response should reflect their excitement and highlight your artistic vision:
"Thank you for reaching out! Your concept is inspiring and aligns perfectly with my style. I specialize in [your style/expertise], and I’m genuinely excited about the possibilities for your piece. Let’s set up a consultation to dive deeper into your vision, discuss placement, and explore how we can make this tattoo uniquely yours. My consultations include initial sketches and a detailed design discussion. What’s a good time for you to come in?"
This response shows that you value their ideas, positioning yourself as a collaborator rather than just a service provider. It also highlights the custom creative process, which is something collectors highly value, while encouraging an in-person meeting to establish a stronger connection.
Once you’ve captured their interest, it’s time to showcase your expertise.
Collectors often want to see proof of your artistic abilities and understand how you approach creating meaningful tattoos. Use this script when they inquire about your experience or ask to see examples of your work:
"I’ve been specializing in [your style] for [X years], and each tattoo I create is designed to reflect the client’s unique vision. My goal is to translate your personal story into a tattoo that’s both visually striking and deeply meaningful. I’d love to share some examples of similar work I’ve done - each piece started with a conversation like this and evolved into something the client was thrilled with. Would you like to see my portfolio or discuss your ideas in more detail?"
This message emphasizes your experience and the personal nature of your work, reassuring the client that you’re capable of creating something truly special. It also gives them options for how to move forward, keeping the conversation dynamic and engaging.
For collectors interested in larger, more intricate designs, a clear and organized plan becomes essential.
When a collector mentions larger pieces like sleeves or complex designs, it’s important to outline the process clearly. Here’s an approach that balances professionalism and enthusiasm:
"This project sounds incredible! For larger designs, we usually break the work into multiple sessions to ensure top-notch quality and proper healing. This approach also allows us to refine and adjust the design as we go, ensuring every detail aligns with your vision. We’ll start with a consultation to finalize the design and then schedule sessions based on your timeline. For a project like this, the investment typically ranges from $[X] to $[Y], depending on the size and detail. I also offer priority booking for ongoing projects so we can secure your sessions in advance. Would you like to discuss the timeline and design process further?"
This script highlights your organized approach to large-scale projects, addressing essential factors like healing time, scheduling, and cost. It reassures collectors that you’re prepared to handle complex work with the care and professionalism it requires.
When collectors see this level of planning, they feel confident that their investment will result in a tattoo that’s both high-quality and meaningful. Tools like Studioflo's Athena AI can even be trained to recognize inquiries from serious collectors and respond with these thoughtful, artistry-focused scripts automatically. This ensures that every collector receives the attention they deserve, even when you’re busy creating your next masterpiece.
Understanding the core differences between price shoppers and serious collectors is key to crafting effective DM responses. These two client types have distinct mindsets, budgets, and expectations when it comes to tattoos, so your communication strategy should adapt accordingly - right from the first message.
Below is a table that breaks down these differences to help fine-tune your approach.
| Aspect | Price Shoppers | Serious Collectors |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Motivation | Finding the lowest price or best deal | Seeking quality artwork and skilled craftsmanship |
| Budget Approach | Fixed, limited budget; price-focused | Flexible budget based on value and artistry |
| Decision Timeline | Quick decisions, often for immediate bookings | Thoughtful process, willing to wait for the right artist |
| Communication Style | Direct and transactional (e.g., "How much for…?") | Detailed and collaborative (e.g., "I'm looking for…") |
| Common Questions | "What's your cheapest option?" "Do you offer discounts?" | "Can you show me similar work?" "What's your process?" |
| Design Preferences | Flash pieces, simple designs, standard sizes | Custom work, complex designs, and meaningful pieces |
| Value Perception | Tattoos as purchases where cost is minimized | Tattoos as significant investments |
| Response to Pricing | Pushback or negotiation attempts | Understands fair pricing for quality work |
| Long-term Potential | One-time clients, price-driven loyalty | Repeat clients, referrals, and brand advocates |
Price shoppers often lead with questions like, "What's your cheapest option?" or "Do you offer discounts?" Their focus is on cost, and they typically prefer simpler designs or flash pieces that fit within a strict budget. On the other hand, serious collectors approach with admiration for your work or specific design ideas. They might say, "I've been following your work for months" or "I'm planning a sleeve and love your style." These clients are more invested in the artistic process, often asking to see portfolio examples or discussing meaningful custom designs.
How to Tailor Your DM Approach
For price shoppers, start with straightforward communication. Share clear pricing structures and offer options that align with their budget, such as flash pieces or simpler designs. Providing upfront costs helps set expectations quickly and avoids unnecessary back-and-forth.
When engaging with serious collectors, shift the focus to your artistic expertise and the collaborative nature of your work. Highlight relevant portfolio pieces, explain your design process, and emphasize the custom, personalized aspect of your tattoos. This reassures them that you understand their vision and can bring it to life.
Streamlining Responses with Studioflo's Athena AI
Studioflo's Athena AI simplifies this process by automatically detecting the type of inquiry and sending the appropriate DM script. For pricing-related messages, it provides a clear breakdown of costs and next steps. For inquiries about custom work or artistic style, the AI responds with messages that emphasize creativity and collaboration. This ensures price shoppers receive the clarity they seek, while serious collectors experience a more detailed and engaging interaction.
Managing DMs while juggling tattoo sessions can feel like a never-ending task. With messages pouring in from Instagram, Facebook, SMS, and email, it’s all too easy to miss an inquiry or respond too late. Studioflo steps in to take this load off your plate by automating conversations - from the very first message to the final booking confirmation. Using targeted DM scripts, it ensures every interaction is geared toward securing a booking, so no potential client slips through the cracks.
Think of Athena AI as your personal assistant, ready to respond to DMs in under a minute, allowing you to focus on your craft. Using natural language processing, Athena analyzes incoming messages and determines the best response based on the client's intent. For example, if someone asks, "How much for a small tattoo?" Athena identifies it as a pricing question and replies with clear details about your rates and what’s included. On the other hand, messages like "I love your portfolio, can we discuss a sleeve?" prompt Athena to emphasize your artistic process and custom design expertise.
What sets Athena apart is its ability to reflect your unique voice and brand. You can tweak the script templates to match your preferred tone - whether that's laid-back and approachable or more formal and detailed. These aren't cookie-cutter replies either. Athena pulls from your actual pricing, availability, and recent work to keep responses relevant and engaging. Every reply is crafted to guide the conversation toward securing a booking.
Beyond quick replies, Studioflo simplifies your workflow by consolidating all your messages into a single, easy-to-use dashboard. Instead of hopping between Instagram, Facebook, SMS, and email, you can view every conversation in one place, organized in chronological order. No more app-switching or accidentally overlooking a message.
The system also tags and categorizes messages automatically, helping you distinguish between casual inquiries and serious clients. If a client reaches out on multiple platforms, Studioflo links those conversations to the same client profile, giving you a complete view of your interactions.
This unified system also helps avoid common pitfalls like double-booking or sending conflicting information. For example, when Athena shares your availability, it cross-checks your calendar to ensure the time slots are accurate.
Studioflo doesn’t just manage conversations - it turns them into confirmed bookings. Once Athena identifies a client as ready to book, it sends secure payment links for deposits. Whether it’s a price-conscious client booking a flash design or a collector planning a multi-session project, the process is seamless and efficient.
For price-focused clients, Athena keeps things simple. After confirming pricing, it sends a deposit link, schedules the appointment based on your availability, and sets up automated reminders via SMS and email. This ensures clients follow through without second-guessing or seeking alternatives.
For collectors planning larger projects, the system offers a more tailored experience. It can handle multi-session scheduling, share reference materials for custom designs, and even arrange consultation calls. Athena manages everything from the initial deposit to final reminders, ensuring a smooth process.
Studioflo also takes care of the small but important details that often lead to missed opportunities. Automated reminders help reduce no-shows, rescheduling requests are handled according to your policies, and aftercare instructions are sent automatically following appointments. This polished workflow not only enhances the client experience but also helps turn one-time customers into loyal, repeat clients.
The payment process integrates effortlessly with major providers and bookkeeping systems, making financial management just as smooth as the booking process.
The way you handle direct messages (DMs) can make all the difference between a casual inquiry and a confirmed booking. Price shoppers and serious collectors approach their decisions differently, with unique concerns and priorities. By tailoring your DM responses to address these specific needs, you can significantly boost your chances of converting inquiries into actual bookings.
Studies show that studios using automated DM-to-booking workflows see notable increases in both bookings and revenue. This proves that a well-thought-out communication strategy not only saves time but also has a direct impact on your earnings.
With tools like Studioflo's AI, you can streamline your DM process while staying focused on your craft. Instead of spending hours responding to repetitive questions about pricing or explaining your booking process over and over, Athena AI handles these tasks seamlessly. It combines efficiency with a personal touch, ensuring that every response reflects your brand's voice. Whether a client is inquiring about flash pricing or discussing a custom sleeve design, the replies feel genuine and relevant to their needs.
Tattoo artists who adopt targeted DM strategies often see improvements in both attracting new clients and retaining existing ones. Automated DM and SMS workflows can nurture one-time clients into loyal followers by incorporating loyalty scripts, aftercare reminders, and referral incentives. This creates a system that works 24/7, helping to grow your client base while you focus on your artistry.
To tell the difference between price shoppers and serious collectors in your DMs, pay close attention to the type of questions they ask. Price shoppers often lead with inquiries about cost, may hesitate when given a quote, or try to negotiate aggressively. Their main focus is typically on keeping expenses low. Serious collectors, however, are more likely to ask about your artistic process, experience, or customization options. They show genuine interest in the quality and distinctiveness of your work.
You can also take the initiative by asking thoughtful questions about their vision, preferences, or level of commitment. This not only helps you understand their intent but also allows you to tailor your response. Whether they’re concerned about budget or captivated by the exclusivity and craftsmanship of your work, you can adjust your approach accordingly.
To craft DM scripts that turn inquiries into bookings, focus on making the interaction personal and engaging. Begin with a warm, customized greeting to build a connection right away. If someone is primarily concerned about pricing, emphasize the quality, artistry, and lasting value of your work. If it suits your business, you can also mention flexible options, like payment plans, to address their concerns.
When dealing with serious collectors, lean into the exclusive nature and creative vision behind your tattoos. Point them to your portfolio and suggest a one-on-one consultation to showcase your skills and dedication. By asking insightful questions to understand their ideas and using language that builds trust, you’ll be in a strong position to turn inquiries into confirmed appointments.
Studioflo's Athena AI takes the hassle out of client communication by automating responses to frequently asked questions, adapting to your personal tone, and efficiently managing routine inquiries. This means tattoo artists can dedicate more time to their craft, while clients enjoy fast and consistent replies.
Unlike handling messages manually, Athena AI dramatically cuts down response times, ensures professional and polished communication, and manages a higher volume of inquiries without increasing your workload. The result? Higher booking rates, happier clients, and seamless operations - all without the need to hire extra help.
Studioflo has everything you need to find more quality clients, deliver a great experience, and build a successful tattoo business - all on autopilot.
