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Ed Sr · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 8:35 pm Post subject: Tattoo shop policy

Here's a question I have for other shop owners. I recently has a discussion with my other artist and would like other shop owners input. We have a regular set of working hours Tuesday through Saturday. My artist asked if he could have a key to the shop so he could work off hours when we are not open. I told him no and it has nothing to do with trusting him its just that it is a business with a set schedule and he would have to make his appointments during those times. Occasionally if someone had no choice arrangements could be made with enough notice. Do any other shop owners let their artists have keys to work anytime they want?

Garyzda1 · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 8:48 pm Post subject:

Many shop owners do let the artists have keys. If they keep in mind that it is a place of buisness and not a hang out for friends...... No problem.

I do my best work late at night and know many others that are the same way.

rowdy · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:37 pm Post subject:

Im not a shop owner but my old tattooist let his new artist who worked in his shop, have a key but a month later they fell out the new guy was sacked and the boss had to change the locks and fit new alarms ,so i would be carefull.

TJ_tats · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:59 pm Post subject:

I think you should have a “depends” on your poll selection. When I owned my studios before I moved I let certain artist have keys and others don't. Some people are trust worthy and some aren’t. I have a key for the current shop I'm at but not everyone deserves a key. It’s something you earn over time. That just my opinion.

TinManInk · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 4:04 pm Post subject: Keys

I personally would never give the keys out. I have found in the past that after hours tattooing consisted of artists bringing their friends and beer for free tats. Supplies cost money and one "friend" came back complaining of a bad tattoo received during a buzzed session. I suppose it comes down to the shop owner knowing and trusting his entire business to one of his artists.

highvoltagstl.com · Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 7:31 pm Post subject:

Some artists i would never dream of letting have a key and others I hand one over to eventually.

we have a punch code on our door and then a deadbolt the dead bolt doesn't get thrown till late at night.

chic · Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 3:41 pm Post subject:

nope, its more on your resources, ie electricity, ink, needles, and other stuff...
would they pay you for this service? i dont think so...
keep it purely business, and not chummy..

WhoaLoveRoX · Tattoo lover Joined: 05 Nov 2008 Posts: 6 Location: VA

yes i agree with the other person that said that it depends on the conditions if you really trust the person then yes... but if they havent been working there long then no.

getbetterlife-jane · Tattoo lover Joined: 16 Oct 2009 Posts: 11

NO,I don't agree. it remains high risks. Never do anything that we are not 100% sure about it. there should be a high guaranty money if the artist wants to keep the key,and it's hard to calculate how much.