Getting My first tattoo soon

Yes, you should tip. I always tip 20% for everything to be safe. Unless the service is really bad. But I would say minimum 10%. Especially if you want to form a relationship with this artist for possible future tattoos. A good artist is key obviously when you're getting permanent art on your body.

12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I would pay more than that for a good tattoo :p And I would definitely tip!

12 years ago

Mochi

Veteran

I understand that in general you're not expected to tip if it's the owner. But it's your call. PS: Are you paying upfront? Otherwise how will he give you better service by getting your tip afterward?

Signed, person who is clueless about getting tattoos

12 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Biscuitsmom- I am also thinking about getting my first tattoo! I have no idea about the cost/tipping thing- I hadn't even thought about a tip! Glad you asked.

12 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

When in doubt, ask. If you think he did a great job, let him know and ask if he'd be offended by a tip. If he's not, ask him what's typical. If that's more than you can afford, a graceful way to handle it is to say, "Oh, I had no idea. This is all I have right now, thank you so much."

12 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Tipping is really not the custom here and I am so glad, it must be quite challenging at times to know what the right thing to do is.
BM what is the tatoo going to be?

12 years ago

deb

Veteran

I feel it is the same as a hairdresser. If the person is an owner, I do not tip. My artist has never complained.

12 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I have two tattoos. They were both done by the owner of the shop, and I gave him a tip. I feel that if you are pleased with their work, owner or not, you should tip.

Do you know what you want the tattoo to be? Take a picture with you of what you want so he can get right to work. If the tattoo artist has to spend time looking at images with you, that's more money out of your pocket.

Have fun with it! It's a great experience.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I'd tip. I tipped my stylist who's salon was entirely hers until she raised her rates and told her old customers don't add tip to the higher rates. Owners' are business people anyways; generally, I think they appreciate respect.

So... whatcha thinking of getting? I like the idea of a wishbone, but don't like the idea of copying... so have yet to come up with a good tatoo idea

12 years ago

Glory

Veteran

OOHH what is the tattoo? I would also tip. I googled it and the results pretty much say to tip but that is where the consistency ends. I would tip the same percentage as you would at the hair stylist. Does that make sense?

12 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I have always tipped my tattoo artist, even though in the UK we do not have the same tipping culture.

It is common practice to pay a deposit when you book your appointment (it makes sense when you consider the artist will probably sketch ideas before you even sit in the chair) and I usually leave this deposit as the tip.

This deposit also means you can walk away guilt free if you do not like the sketches produced, remember you can always walk away you have to be sure.

12 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Thank you all so much! I really appreciate the feedback. Liz, he really is talented...I'm lucky to get him- had to wait about 4 months for an appt. Yes, for sure you want somebody great 20% is a good amount. That is what my minimum is usually. Lyn, it's going to take about 3+hours, so at least $450-500. That's a lot of money for me, thanks for your input. Mochi, I think I need to pay up front..I already put $100 down to hold the date. Good point about tipping after! Love your 'sign'. IK, Great idea, thanks! Chewy, good luck with yours...I think they're fabulous...Deborah, I'm having a pic of Biscuit for mine...he's so special and I want a little of him wit me always Tips aren't usual there? Weird ! Funny how customs differ... Deb, thanks! How many do you have? Karie, I'm having a pic of my Biscuit done... I had brought a couple of pics to him when I had my consultation done...I agree, I think it will be great! Do you have any? Rachylou, oh yes, I definitely let him know I was honored to meet him and have him work on me It is hard to figure out what to get, but when you hit on it (which I believe you will) you'll know Good luck! Glory, thanks! I didn't even think of googling it... that makes perfect sense to compare with hairstylist...RJ, Yup, I put a $100 deposit down to hold the date. You are absolutely right about needing to love it.....

12 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

PS- I am going to the same place and having the same artist as Sal from Already Pretty got hers

12 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

How lovely to have your Doggie pic forever- I have seen photos of lost children as tattoos and they are very lifelike and touching.

12 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I know nothing about tattoos and tattoo etiquette but just wanted to chime in and say how sweet and loving it is for you to get a tattoo of Biscuit

12 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Biscuitsmom, I have two tattoos - One is a pink breast cancer ribbon in remembrance of my mother, grandmother, and aunt who all died of the disease. I have forget-me-not flowers around the bottom of the ribbon because I used to plant them at my mother's grave. The tattoo is on my shoulder and is only visible when I wear something sleeveless.

The other tattoo I have is a heart shaped scroll on my leg. I did that just for me, just because I wanted to. It's visible when I wear capris, shorts, or skirts.

I want to get a third one, but somewhere not easily visible - my favorite quote (by Helen Keller) "Life is a daring adventure or nothing." I am quite adventurous, and it's nice when the tattoo you're getting means something personal.

You'll have to show us a picture of yours when you get it!

12 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Thanks Lyn, TS and Karie! Really appreciate it.... I've had over 70 pets in my life, but my B is so special to me... probably because I've had him since he was 3 weeks old and saved him from abuse....Lyn, I hope it turns out well...I've seen those type of pics and they were awesome! TS, SO sweet of you to comment, please know B and I are pulling for you, with fingers and paws crossed tightly...Karie, thanks, I will and I'd love to see pics of yours!

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, I'm all teary. Biscuit is perfect.

12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Aw, such a sweet thing to have B with you always! Good luck and enjoy the process -- my husband said that he bonded with the guy who did his tattoo, which made it especially meaningful.

12 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Thank you all! I got it done yesterday and am very happy with it. Took almost 3.5 hours and the last 45 minutes or so were painful, but so worth it!
I did give him a tip of $50, I hope that was enough.... I thanked him profusely then and on FB where we both posted the results of the job. Very glad I waited the 3+ months for his time....

12 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

Once it heals, can you post a pic?

12 years ago

Glory

Veteran

So pleased to hear you have it done and are pleased with the result. If you are comfortable with posting I would love to see a photo.

12 years ago

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