Question for Those with Tattoos

[Magix]

So, I'm about to get my very first tattoo this Friday evening and I have a question I'm hoping those with experience can answer for me. Do you tip your artist? When I went in to make my appointment, I had to place a non-refundable deposit and when I signed the credit card slip, it had a place for a tip. Got me to wondering if it's customary to give one. If so, what would you tip on a tattoo that costs about $125-150? I'm a complete beginner at this and have no idea what to do. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[ChristmasElf]

You had tp pay a deposit today for a tattoo that you aren't getting right away?

I have never heard of that. What if you chicken out at the last minute?
I would tip $5-$7 depending on the amount of time and detail the artist had to do. If it is a really detailed tattoo, then I would tip a little more money.

 

[noseybuddy]

Where I got my tattoo there was no mandatory deposit and nothing about a tip. DH and I did give him a tip because we were very happy with his work. That's what I would base the tipping on. How much you like the tattoo, the artist, etc. Good Luck!

 

[mrFDNY]

hi,
in nyc the guy i go to owns the tatto place,so every penny is going to him.so i never tipped him,i never went to any other place.i guess it dwould depend on how much you liked the finished work.remember you are spending a good chunk of change.some of my work was well in the 500-900 price range so i most likely would not tip after blowing close to a grand.i would think a 20 would be a good tip.

 

[Catzeyes]

When I got my tattoo I tipped $20 for a $100 dollar one.

 

[Briarmom]

You absolutely tip your tattoo artist. Probably about $15 for your tattoo unless it is very detailed. And of course if they spend a long time on it.

Good luck!

 

[luvmydogs]

I gave my tattoo artist $250 for a $210 tattoo. Derek owned the shop, but also did a little customization on the piece I'd chosen.

A little OT, but interesting. Derek was a really neat guy. He actually had no tattoos himself and had an MBA. His mom was a tattoo artist, and when he was tired of the 9 to 5 life, he apprenticed under his mom and became a tattoo artist.

 

[Maleficent13]

omg...I had NO IDEA I was supposed to tip!!! I feel dumb.

 

[caitycaity]

omg...I had NO IDEA I was supposed to tip!!! I feel dumb.

don't worry - i didn't either! and i went with one of my friends who has several and she didn't tell me to!

at least mine is very simple.

 

[Magix]

You had tp pay a deposit today for a tattoo that you aren't getting right away?

I have never heard of that. What if you chicken out at the last minute?
I would tip $5-$7 depending on the amount of time and detail the artist had to do. If it is a really detailed tattoo, then I would tip a little more money.

I could have done the tattoo that day, but would have had a long wait. I didn't want to do it until Friday, anyway. I did ask what happens if you chicken out and the answer is... you lose your deposit. They're an extremely busy, very well regarded shop (in fact, they have 4 shops around So Cal), so they need people to be serious about their appointments. There are others would could take the time, if you're not going to show up. Made enough sense to me. Heck, on a Saturday afternoon, I had to wait a good 20 minutes just to get my turn at the counter.

My tattoo is not very detailed, but I was thinking of a tip around $25. Just wasn't sure if it was expected or not. I really appreciate everyone's input! If he does great work, I'll make it a good tip. And he dang well better do good work!

 

[Cindyluwho]

The fact that they would allow you to just walk in and get one that day is kind of scary. Every tattoo parlor I've visited has made customers wait at least 7 days (sometimes 2 weeks) before the actual tattooing is done. Just to make sure a person doesn't change their mind. Maybe that's just a Seattle thing?

 

[djgeffers1]

My son is a tattoo artist and owns his own shop and whenever anyone tips him it is always greatly appreciated no matter how great or small the tip is.