Tattoo question

jmruef
jmruef Posts: 824 Member
edited October 6 in Chit-Chat
I've looked through past posts on this and haven't seen anything, so here goes:

Do y'all tip your tattoo artists? I'm planning my first tattoo and would really, REALLY hate to commit any breach in etiquette...
«13

Replies

  • Myslissa
    Myslissa Posts: 760 Member
    I always do.
  • Jennloella
    Jennloella Posts: 2,286 Member
    absolutely I do!! usually about 20 - 25% depending on how long it took, my guy's a trooper and if he can go 5 hours without a break, I reward him!
  • KimertRuns13_1
    KimertRuns13_1 Posts: 702 Member
    Yes. I always have.
  • breskittle
    breskittle Posts: 75 Member
    yes. tip accordingly to a job well done! and the price of the tattoo.
  • gipperakh
    gipperakh Posts: 102 Member
    I did...but I only have one tattoo, and I did it because I knew the artist personally and he gave me a discount cuz it was my birthday. I don't know if I would have tipped a stranger...I probably would. I guess. Not much help am I? lol
  • hnsaunde
    hnsaunde Posts: 757 Member
    I did, but I really liked my tattoo and wanted to show my appreciation. I probably wouldn't have if I hadn't loved it.
  • oneIT
    oneIT Posts: 388 Member
    If you plan on getting more I would! I usually give like $40 for 4 hours. I get a good deal though too! I go to the same guy each time too.
  • missoularocks
    missoularocks Posts: 294 Member
    Absolutely! You must tip your tattoo artists, especially if they do not own the shop! I tip them based on how good they did and how much I love the tattoo. Maybe a good guideline to follow is around $10 per $100 you spend! Good luck on the tattoo.
  • moosenbratsmommy
    moosenbratsmommy Posts: 170
    ha, i've been inked 9 times and didn't know you should tip! oops!
  • Sallycinnimon
    Sallycinnimon Posts: 102 Member
    I did too. I actually tipped around 40%. I felt bad for him because I was a wimp. I didn't cry, but the whole time I was making horrible faces and randomly going "owwww!" It was on my foot, what can I say? lol
  • Dtrmnd86
    Dtrmnd86 Posts: 406 Member
    Always.. you should always, always, always tip your artist. For me, anything under $200 gets a $20 tip.. anything over is a $30-$40 tip depending on the hours it took to complete it. If it's something outrageous, like a 3+ session tattoo, I'll usually tip $50+
  • MonDeee
    MonDeee Posts: 37 Member
    I would say tip, but it totally depends on your experience. I've been to some over priced artists and I tipped a little less.
  • harley_rose
    harley_rose Posts: 236
    I have five tattoos, and l have always tipped. I had one that cost me 65 and I have him 85 for a job well done.. I go to the same guy he always cuts me a deal and I don't feel right so I tip heavy.
  • heresmyinsidevoice
    heresmyinsidevoice Posts: 311 Member
    Yes, always!
  • kristilovescake
    kristilovescake Posts: 669 Member
    I have 3 tattoos and I've tipped every artist. Usually it depends on how good of a job they did and how much the tattoo cost itself. I think it's just like any service you receive, it's just an extra way of saying "hey thanks, you did a great job".
  • AmyW125
    AmyW125 Posts: 303 Member
    YES!!! I always have. I have 3. I bought my tattoo guy lunch and gave him a tip with my last one...I loved it so much...:love:
  • Faintgreeneyes
    Faintgreeneyes Posts: 729 Member
    I have always tipped mine. (I have 3) I treat it like I do a bill at a resturant and usually do between 20-25 percent. I did more on my last tattoo, but that was because I knew the artist personally, and she did an amazing job.
  • RedneckWmn
    RedneckWmn Posts: 3,202 Member
    I always have!
  • juliecat1
    juliecat1 Posts: 3,450 Member
    Yes! I think I tipped about 20% on all 3 of mine.
  • Teliooo
    Teliooo Posts: 725 Member
    Gotta say I never have. My friends mainly do mine though. The company that did my first two defo did not deserve the tip. I wasn't aware that you are supposed to tip them. Is that mainly an American thing?
  • jmruef
    jmruef Posts: 824 Member
    Thanks for all the replies, folks! This is kind of what I was thinking but I tend to always scope out new situations as much as I can beforehand, so - good to know!

    I emailed the guy whose tattoo gallery I really like a pic of what I've worked out. It's not set completely in stone and will be guided by him on most of it, but there are important elements that need to be there. Basically I said in the email "If I'm being way too picky and shouldn't be considering a tattoo of this, it's okay to tell me." I'm kind of a dork, I guess, but I have no clue as to how small and detailed something can be. Guess we'll find out! :laugh:
  • galegetsthin
    galegetsthin Posts: 1,340 Member
    sorry. double post.
  • galegetsthin
    galegetsthin Posts: 1,340 Member
    Yes! You tip anyone who provides a service for a living. You tip the people at the nail salon, your hair stylist, your waiters..... you should definitely tip your Tattoo artist.
  • Kimdbro
    Kimdbro Posts: 922 Member
    Good to know, I'm planning on treating myself to a tattoo after I've lost 30lbs... (hopefully in time for my birthday!) I'd hate to have made a faux paux.
  • lilRicki
    lilRicki Posts: 4,555 Member
    depends...they have to work for it just like anyone else does. I tipped for my last piece, but that's because I won a contest and he did it for free, so I gave him $20 for lunch
  • Ephena
    Ephena Posts: 610 Member
    Most definitely. Think about it, you tip your waiter/waitress and all they did was bring you your food and keep the drinks coming. Why wouldn't you want to tip the person you is putting something on your body that will be there for the rest of your life? Many people get addicted to tattoos and will go back for more. You don't want to be remembered as the customer who didn't tip.
  • beccadaniixox
    beccadaniixox Posts: 542 Member
    Deff!
    They don't really make a lot of money there... most of the money you pay for the tattoo goes to the parlor they work for. They need that tip money for all the needles and ink they buy! :)
  • ljholmann
    ljholmann Posts: 70
    Absolutely, I am friends with my tattoos artists, I go on vacations with them etc... and I still always tip.
  • jmruef
    jmruef Posts: 824 Member
    Most definitely. Think about it, you tip your waiter/waitress and all they did was bring you your food and keep the drinks coming. Why wouldn't you want to tip the person you is putting something on your body that will be there for the rest of your life? Many people get addicted to tattoos and will go back for more. You don't want to be remembered as the customer who didn't tip.

    Yeah, I pretty much thought it was along the same lines - but as I said, I'm a complete rookie when it comes to tats. It's just something I've wanted for a really long time.
  • marycmeadows
    marycmeadows Posts: 1,691 Member
    i always tip.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories