CASE STUDY: Three Kings Tattoo

At its core, SplitSum is about automatic payment splitting.

Three Kings Tattoo, like many studios, runs on a percentage-based system where artists pay the shop a cut of each service. Amanda needed a way to keep artists’ earnings separate from the business account and with SplitSum, it’s simple. Each artist is added as a Contractor with their split percentage set once. Whenever a customer pays by card, funds are automatically distributed, including tips. This keeps payments accurate, separate, and eliminates the headache of manual calculations or payouts.

The Difference

Before SplitSum, Amanda manually calculated and sent each artist their share, a time-consuming and error-prone process. Now, everything happens instantly and accurately, saving hours of admin and letting her focus on running the shop.

Collecting deposits is standard practice.

With SplitSum it’s easy. Deposits can be taken in-store via card reader or remotely through a secure payment link. Many artists consult with clients online, so payment links let clients pay without visiting the shop — saving time and hassle.

The Difference

Three Kings Tattoo tried many deposit methods: PayPal was too risky, and other platforms required deposits to flow through the shop account, creating extra admin to track and distribute payments. With SplitSum, deposits are collected securely and automatically, and the mobile app sends instant notifications when a payment arrives. This gives the shop flexibility while eliminating the headache of manual tracking.

Three Kings Tattoo sells a mix of artist-designed merchandise and general shop items like aftercare products. Because artist-designed merch requires different revenue splits than tattoos, Amanda uses SplitSum’s Inventory feature to customize each item’s payment split. She can decide who gets a share, whether an item should be split at all, and even track stock — all automatically. This makes selling any item simple and flexible, without extra work.

The Difference

This feature removes the hassle of processing payments through the business account and manually paying artists. Earnings go directly to the right people, even if the artists aren’t present, keeping finances accurate, transparent, and efficient.

Can Take Payments Without Full Access

With SplitSum’s Cashier Accounts, Three Kings gives receptionists the ability to accept payments on behalf of both the shop and artists, without allowing access to sensitive account settings. Receptionists can’t adjust card readers, commission splits, or other configurations; only Amanda controls those. She can also choose permissions, like whether staff can issue refunds.

The Difference

This setup keeps Amanda in complete control while ensuring payments run smoothly, even when she isn’t at the front desk. Every transaction is recorded in the system, leaving no room for errors or misreporting.