Do you tip your tattoo artist?

Question

How much? What if the tattoo artist gives you a discount?

Answer 1

As an artist I feel that I'm being paid for my work and tips are not necessary, but if the customer appreciates my work enough to add a bit- cool! And by the way I definitely prefer gifts to tips- tips are taxable gifts are not!

Answer 2

i didn't tip because the man that did my tattoo did not do a very good job and i have to get it re-fixed or just live with it as is

Answer 3

When i got my first tattoo for $100 i tipped $20

when i got my second tattoo for $100 i tipped $35. (same artist)

Answer 4

The price given by the artist is USUALLY a quote based on how long he/she thinks it will take to ink that particular design. It's unlikely that the shop has set the price FOR the artist.

If you add tip [which would be a really thoughtful thing to do] you'd basically just be adding a percentage on to what the artist thinks he/she is worth.

If you add tip to a discounted tattoo, please be sure to tip based on the ORIGINAL price, not the discounted price.

I always tipped my piercer, but then, the piercing prices were shop based and not an arbitrary amount the piercer decided.

Answer 5

Yes. I do. It depends on the work and how much money I have but normally between 30-50%. I know that's a big margin. I have been going to the same artist for several years and he gives me a discount. He normally charges for the hour so lets say he does 3 hours of work but only charges for me 2. I would still pay him for 3 hours.

Answer 6

I definitely do, every time. Especially if you plan on using them again. The smallest one I got was $50 and I paid $100 total, the biggest one I got was $350 and I gave him $450. Why wouldn't you tip- is my thinking, you tip your waiter and they just bring you food. This person leaves you with something that will lasts you forever.

Answer 7

Yes........I gave him 20% I think

Answer 8

depends on how good of a job was done and how much detail went into the work

Answer 9

I got a $700 tattoo done. He sat down,  helped me finish my design and changed his appointment after me til later to finish up mine. I gave him an $80 tip. It was long day but completely worth it for the excellent work done on my body and the time he put into it. And everyone there was funny as h**l and kept it entertaining.  

Answer 10

You should tip around 20% & deduct or add depending on the service.  It should be just like tipping a waitress.  If they give you a really good deal, consider tipping them more.  If you give them a really good tip, they will definitely remember you next time & probably give you a really good deal on your next tattoo.

Answer 11

I have never gotten a tattoo, but i have about 12 piercings.  I do tip for all my piercings.  Like my belly button i tipped about 7, my rook about 8 and for just the cartiledge i did about 4.  The more difficult the piercing the more i tip. If they give you a discount i def. tip because they helped you out to begin with.  LIke my one gaged cartliedge was $50, but she only charged me 35, because i go there a lot, so i tipped her $10.  It was cheaper than just he piercing originally with out a tip.

Answer 12

yeah you should, around 20%.

add or subtract depending on quality of service, satisfaction etc.

Answer 13

He gave me a $500 tattoo, he was extremely nice, it was a very comfortable experience and he is a fantastic artist (best in my opinion)... I tipped $80.