Tipping on a very expensive piece?

Question

Ive already had 2 sessions I have one more and my half sleeve is complete. Its all vibrant colors with flowers of different kind,dragonflies,theses swirl things. Anyways I will have paid him 950.00 total by the last session. Im just wondering is he gonna expect a tip? Or should I tip him and how much? Thank you for your answer. I will pick the best answer with the most helpful Info. Thank again everyone

Answer 1

I kinda look at it this way, I don't tip my doctor, I don't tip my dentist and my tattoo artists bill ALWAYS comes out to be more than either of their bills. A tip is an extra for someone who makes very little money and gives you great service.(Bartender, Waitress. A good tattoo artist makes enough money that I don't think a tip is warranted. In fact I had never thought about it until I saw the question posted last week.
(I mean really....do you tip your mechanic, the plumber, do you tip the checkout lady at the grocery store.)

just one tattooed wiseasses opinion

I want to get a peek at that sleeve when its done mama

Answer 2

This must be the 3rd tipping question I've seen this week! ;)

Tipping your tattooist is one of those things that is helpful to the artist and a simple way to show your appreciation and gratitude to him. Also, it can't be a bad move on your part if you ever plan on going back to him again. I have 5 pieces of art tattooed on my skin and all but one have been by the same artist. He moved to a different shop and I followed him. As long as he's still tattooing at a place within reasonable driving distance for me, I'll always go to him. And I ALWAYS tip him...first sitting, 2nd sitting, touch-ups, whatever.
I am aware that different areas have different prices and artists charge different amounts. I can only base my opinion on my experience where I live. And I would never stiff my artist of a tip nor would I ever short-change him. The way I see it, if I'm gonna tip a waitress for bringing me some food or tip a bartender while I'm having a good "night out" (one time things here people!), I'm DEFINATELY gonna tip my talented artist who gives me pieces of art displayed on my body for the rest of my life!
Of the people who agree tipping a tattoo artist is a good thing, they generally seem to agree that 10-20% is about the right amount. And I tend to agree, though I've been known to tip my artist more. However, using that percentage as a 'rule of thumb', the MINIMUM tip he should get for a $950 piece is $95. Sure, that may sound like alot, but break it down a little bit...say you paid him $40 or so per session...over 3 sessions that would come to $120 which would put you in the good 10-20% tipping range. And, to be honest, if you're shelling out almost a grand for this half sleeve, is another hundred bucks really gonna kill ya? Anyway, that's what I would do, and if your artist is anything like mine, he deserves every penny of it!
(BTW..can we see pics when it's finished?!)

Answer 3

Tipping your tattoo artist is a great way to show your appreciation for their work and time and effort. Contrary to popular belief, unless the artist owns the tat shop, they are probably making only 50% of the purchase price of the tat (and that is a high estimate), the shop keeps the rest. Also keep in mind that tattooing is not an hourly wage job. If the artist is competing with other artists at the same shop for work they might end up only doing 1 or 2 tatoos a week (a low estimate, but I've seen it happen). So, I usually tip $5 per $50 spent, but in this case I don't think that's the best course of action. If you are very happy with your piece, and you will be going back to this artist in the future, I might tip him/her $50. It also depends on how much money you have. If you are dead broke, maybe $25 is more in your range. The point is to show your appreciation for the time they've spent beautifying your body. I mean, you tip your hairstylist, why not your tattoo artist?

Answer 4

I agree on the $50. This is a personal service industry and it is common for artists to receive tips. While I generally do not as a studio owner, the other artists receive tips regularly from their clients.

Many realize these artists have to pay the studio a percentage and while I cover many supplies as "stock" for the studio, most studios require the artists provide all their own supplies and when you do it right, it adds up to a lot.

Thanks for asking about this. Congrats on the great piece!

Answer 5

If you are extremely satisfied with the piece, 5% is OK as a tip (like 40-50$ is more than sufficient tip, since the total is to be 1 K)

Answer 6

Doctors and dentists are, essentially, business owners! Tattoo artists work similarly to hairdressers and others who pay fees for space or are on a split with an owner.

I agree with the fifty bux!!!

Answer 7

I think that if you are truly, truly happy with the tattoo and you spent that much already, plus if you liked the artist, if it were me, I'd throw them an extra $50, but I've never gotten a tattoo, and I'm not completely sure of the etiquette for that situation

Answer 8

yeah. this is where all the questions are...tipping your tattoo artist. i personally don't leave any tips, if so, very little...because generally the tattoo artist normally makes a killing off of your tattoo...and it's not like their doing something they hate, their making art, and that's what they love. for the high price you paid (near 1 grand), don't leave a tip, it's really not worth it. you've already forked over enough..

Answer 9

hell no, only waitress should be considered for a tip because they make just a few dollar per hour, their livehood depends on tips.[ that doesn't mean they should get a tip either, if their service is bad just pay the bill and walk out ] do you tip the chechout person at the grocery store, or the sales man at the car dealer, or the delivery man??