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i_wish_i_was_emily · Tattoo lover Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 6

does anybody tip their artist? how much is an acceptable tip?

mmm36 · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 4:53 am Post subject:

Never have and never will tip as its not that ingrained here to do it and I will never support it even if it does come in. I think that you pay the tattooist enough as it is and when you see the finished picture done on you and go OH WOW. That should be enough.

blamski · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:35 am Post subject:

tipping has to be a spontaneous gesture. if you are happy and excited by your new tat and feel the need to tip then do it. if you don't feel like tipping then don't.

mommabird · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:43 am Post subject:

I have struggled with this issue and have asked about it on the forums a few times, but never can get a "standard" answer.

I think the biggest factor is where you are - you don't mention what country you are from, "i_wish_i_was_emily".

Here's what I've picked up so far: If you're in the UK or Australia, then they generally do not tip. However, if you are in the US, then tipping is pretty normal. (Not sure about other countries).

I'm in the US, and if I'm not happy with it, then I don't tip at all. If I'm very happy with it, then I tip approximately 15%. The artist I have now I absolutely love and think he does amazing work, and I actually tip him closer to 20%. For the US, I actually don't think there's a "standard" amount. I think that a lot of the artists do not "expect" the tips, but they appreciate it no matter the amount.

Yeah, I know, we're too "tip-happy" here in the US, but after having a couple of bad tattoo experiences, I don't mind at all tipping for a really good one.

Garyzda1 · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject:

I allways tip very well for a job well done. On the other hand, I do have clients that don't tip and don't hold it against them. Personal choice I suppose.

i_wish_i_was_emily · Tattoo lover Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 6

i am from the u.s. and i dont think were tip happy at all...i work in a restaurant...LOL...everybody's cheap nobody appreciates anything...id heard about tipping and since most artists work on commission they actually dont get all too much...depends on how busy the shop is...i only have 1 tattoo so far(soon be getting another) and it was only 50 but i dont remember how much he was tipped cuz my tat was a gift but i just got my conch pierced and it was 35...since it was a diff artist and i think hes a real great dude i tipped him 15...hell be doing a phoenix piece on my back soon and he estimated about 250 and now i dont know how much cuz i know i do want to tip...its the right thing to do...would 50 be ok? im thinking thats good...

Garyzda1 · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 12:24 am Post subject:

Wow! I want to get tattooed in your city. The shop rate here is $130 - $180 /hr. My last session was a 6 hour sitting. Shocked

i_wish_i_was_emily · Tattoo lover Joined: 23 Mar 2008 Posts: 6

its skinful pleasures in wiliston, nd nowhere near a "city"...quite in the middle of nowhere lol