i'm getting a 5 hour backpiece done soon and i can't decide if i should tip or not. he's charging $120 an hour. alot of my friends say i don't need to worry about tipping since the artist figures that into how much he's charging.
2007-09-04 18:58:55 · 22 answers · asked by B 4 in Beauty & Style ➔ Skin & Body ➔ Tattoos
Yes, you should always tip your tattoo artist. I don't know any artists who figure a tip into what they charge a person for a tattoo. If you're happy with the work that is done and feel like they did a nice job, then they deserve a little something extra. I mean, you tip when you're at a restaurant and are satisfied w/the service right?
2007-09-04 19:09:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
Artists work for tips! They don't make very good money (hourly) they have to share with the shop then they have seperate over head in most cases.
However, prasing good work and referrals are forms of thanks that can be more welcome than a monetary gift. If you can afford it and it is excellent work, leave a tip. Repeat business is definitely worth more than a tip. If you choose to:
$10-$15 minimum for a $150 tattoo.
$20-$50 minimum for a $200 or above tattoo.
I tip more but that's because I think my ink is worth it! I tipped $150 on my last tattoo.
A tip, instead of a percentage, should be based on (1)how much you can afford and (2)how much you feel it is worth. A $5.00 tip would certainly be accepted more graciously than nothing at all.
"To tip an artist...shows that you thought the artwork you just received was well worth what I charged and you were happy enough to add a little. "
2007-09-05 05:33:33 · answer #2 · answered by tj n 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They don't figure a tip into how much they charge ... they are charging to cover time, supplies and make a profit on the work. Yes, tip, you took up a lot of his time and if he did a good job, which I'm sure he did, he deserves it. Do you think about giving a waitress a couple bucks in tip for serving you? Probably not, it just happens ... Artists deserve tips when they've done a good job.
2007-09-05 02:13:38 · answer #3 · answered by ~Les~ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, I think you should still tip him. Maybe $50 or something. Remember, the price you pay him is not only his income (as I'm sure they dont' get paid a regular hourly wage too) and it has to pay for all the ink and machines he had to use on ya.
If you really like the guy, I would tip him. And maybe he'll give you a sweet deal on your next tat.
I didn't tip the guy who did mine because I didn't know I should. It was only a small tattoo anyways that cost $150 and took him 30 minutes. But my boyfriend has an entire back piece that is still being worked on and so far it cost him $1200, not including the $100 tip he gave him. But now he keeps getting really good rates for the rest of the work.
2007-09-05 14:21:08 · answer #4 · answered by InquiringMinds 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
artists do not figure a tip into their tattoo price. depending on where the artist works they may have to pay the shop that they work at as much as 50% of what they charge or atleast rent for their space every month which isn't cheap either.
on top of that they have to buy all of the supplies that they use, needles, ink, gloves, paper towels, disposable cups and ink caps, cloths and tape to keep things sterile. they really don't make as much as you think they do when it is all said and done. if you are satisfied with your tattoo you should tip your artist just like you would a waiter or waitress if you were satisfied with the service they gave you. remember a tattoo is going to be with you for the rest of your life and a tip is a small price to pay.
good luck on your back piece!!! i have been working on mine for 18 months and am so close to being finished. (it started out as a 6 hour piece and turned into much more)
2007-09-05 02:08:45 · answer #5 · answered by somebody's a mom!! 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Yes At a shop the artist has to lets say pay for his/her chair just like stylists and strippers. So the 120.00 an hour does not all go to him/her. most of the time the shop gets most of that money. So yes you should tip the guy/girl. besides that have you ever tried to work on something all bent over all funky holding something that weighs as much as a big wrench that vibrates for 5 hours. the way I see it is its just like at your fave. restaurant, if you want to continue to get good service you need to tip your server. Other wise next time your visit might not be so good.
2007-09-07 15:53:53 · answer #6 · answered by Sarah 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes.sure they get a piece of what you are paying them but alot of that goes to the shop itself and supplies.where do you think they get all those books with the pictures to work with when you dont have anything for reference?they are giving you something that you will have forever and you will probably only see them for as long as it take to finish the tattoo (unless you are loyal and go back to that artist) give a little something extra its always nice to know your work - no matter what it is - is appreciated.maybe you work someplace where you can offer a discount that they could use...you scratch my back ill scratch yours...
my first tattoo was $600 3 sessions and i tipped $25 each time my touch up i tipped my tattoo artist $20
2007-09-05 02:13:05 · answer #7 · answered by i<3laura 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you like what he did, tip him. It is a compliment to get a tip. But it doesn't have to be much...$20 would do. It is a thank you for a great job on it. If your tattoo costs in the $1000 range, then I wouldn't, because it is a large cost already.
2007-09-06 01:30:10 · answer #8 · answered by Twisted Maggie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always tipped my artists. I worked in a bakery that made specialty breads. We were allowed to take home a loaf of bread each shift. I'd save up my allotment and take several loaves to the shop when I got something done. They loved it!
I've tipped cash as well, though.
2007-09-05 15:58:28 · answer #9 · answered by k8thegr8 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're living in America, no. In European countries, it's common for service industries to add the tip into the total price, but in America it isn't (which is why foreigners get the reputation of being rude customers - they don't realize the tip isn't included, so they don't tip).
You should always tip your artist. It's a nerve-wracking job to have, and they like to know they're appreciated.
They also like cookies as a tip. I'm not even kidding.
2007-09-05 02:05:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋