Tattoo Price and Tipping

"Good tattoos ain’t cheap, and cheap tattoos ain’t good." - UNKNOWN

The old adage may not be eloquent, but its undeniable accuracy has made it one of the most popular slogans in the tattoo industry. That isn't to say that an expensive tattoo automatically makes a good tattoo, but unless you are good friends with a really good artist, you’re not going to get a great tattoo for dirt cheap—and a great tattoo is the ultimate goal here, right?

Famous tattoo artist Kat von D

How Much Does a Tattoo Actually Cost?
Every artist charges a different rate for work, and prices vary depending on size, detail, and colors. The average range is anywhere between $50 and $250 per hour. That’s a pretty big range, because a lot of variables go into determining how much an artist can charge for time.

Shop Minimum
Most shops have an absolute minimum they have to charge for each tattoo in order to cover their overhead. Even the tiniest tattoo still requires artists to pull out all their equipment and then clean and sterilize everything afterward. That minimum fee is your insurance policy for a clean and safe tattoo and runs between $50 and $75.

Overhead
Some shops have higher overheads than others, and therefore have to charge more for their tattoos to keep up with the bills. Some state and city laws require tattoo studios to carry expensive licensing, certification, or insurance policies that neighboring shops may not be required to have.

Location
Local economy affects how much a tattoo artist can charge and still stay in business. Shops in smaller towns with a lower economy won`t be able to charge as much as big, booming city shops. Even real estate location within a town can create a price difference between one shop and another; if one is much more conveniently located or in a busier section of town, it
may charge more.

Competition
The amount of competition in a particular town can have a great impact on tattoo prices. The more competition, or the better the competition, the more a shop is forced to lower prices.

Demand
If a shop happens to be very popular or is home to a world—renowned artist, prices are bound to go up. Artists who are in high demand can set their rates as high as they want, as long as their clients are willing to pay.

So, how much is right? Some people tip just as they would at a restaurant—10 percent for good service, 15 percent for great service, and 20 percent for excellent, above-and—beyond service. But there’s really no hard and fast rule. Even if you can spare only an extra five or ten bucks, it’s going to be greatly appreciated. A lot of customers don’t tip at all, but
that doesn't mean you shouldn't either
.
If you didn't have any cash or just forgot to tip, go back the next day or even the next week if you have to. It`s never too late to say thank you.

TIP: An artist’s tip doesn't always have to come in the form of cash. A batch of homemade muffins or cookies is sometimes even more exciting than money! These guys work long hours and don't get good food very often. It's a great, unique way to show your appreciation.