Tattoos and tipping

I dunno why, but I just started thinking about this and I have no one to argue with. Why is it expected that you tip the artist? I always tip service providers that work for shitty wages. Be it the bag boy, my barber, or a server, they're always getting a decent tip. But, with a tattoo, it doesn't make sense to me. Of course they have overhead, rent, supplies... Etc, but they set there own wage. They tell you how much their services and time cost. Why am I reading all these articles and watching these videos of artist claiming tipping is an expected cost of a tattoo. If you want more money for your time, charge more. No?

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I don't have any tattoos, so no help here. There was a thread on another forum where they were discussing tipping on a broader sense, someone mentioned they even leave a tip for their hotel maid.

I tend to agree with you--I tip those that are in the service industry and rely on tips to make a meaningful wage.

I only have one, but I didn't tip & I agree that's not something you tip for.

I tip based on my satisfaction with the artwork. But if you’re getting tattooed by the shop owner, meh.

Btw stoked to start on my chest in a couple weeks

I don't tip anyone but waiters, and even that, reluctantly.

I wish we never would've adopted the practice in this country.

this is a tough one, I have 7 (plan on getting more) and have tipped for every one of them (anywhere from 15-30%)- none were 'easy' either- they are pretty detailed (but all were able to be completed within 5 hours of work and none required multiple sessions)...I think it depends on a number of factors- short answer is that I give what I would give a waittress/waiter for good service at a restaurant. how much depends on the experience- were they clean (in which place you should go somewhere else if not), were they attentive to your being comfortable during the session(s), did they do a pre-fabbed tattoo off the wall or out of a catalog OR did they collaborate with you on a design and utilize their artistic skills for something customized, etc etc etc. tipping in general seems to be very much an American custom...I had a tattoo done overseas and the artist did not accept my tip- I was somewhat embarrassed because I did not know the local custom concerning tipping, but I learned quickly how Americans are looked at with our tipping ways- I felt like I somewhat insulted the artist. Regardless, it is what it is and obviously tipping is a personal choice. However, I will say that I have only used 2 different artists for all of my work so I feel more of a connection with them than I would just walking off the street into a tattoo factory.

I don't tip anyone. Never tipped any of my tattoo artists. I don't make 100+ an hour and get tipped, they sure as hell dont need to be. At they rate they get paid why tip? What's 10, 20, 30 dollars going to make a difference about? Its their job to produce the best work they can do no matter if they've received a tip or not

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Gr8fulmtnbiker said:

this is a tough one, I have 7 (plan on getting more) and have tipped for every one of them (anywhere from 15-30%)- none were 'easy' either- they are pretty detailed (but all were able to be completed within 5 hours of work and none required multiple sessions)...I think it depends on a number of factors- short answer is that I give what I would give a waittress/waiter for good service at a restaurant. how much depends on the experience- were they clean (in which place you should go somewhere else if not), were they attentive to your being comfortable during the session(s), did they do a pre-fabbed tattoo off the wall or out of a catalog OR did they collaborate with you on a design and utilize their artistic skills for something customized, etc etc etc. tipping in general seems to be very much an American custom...I had a tattoo done overseas and the artist did not accept my tip- I was somewhat embarrassed because I did not know the local custom concerning tipping, but I learned quickly how Americans are looked at with our tipping ways- I felt like I somewhat insulted the artist. Regardless, it is what it is and obviously tipping is a personal choice. However, I will say that I have only used 2 different artists for all of my work so I feel more of a connection with them than I would just walking off the street into a tattoo factory.

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wut.

My back was one 8-9 hour session.....I've got 10 hours in my leg sleeve. Step that game up dog! hahahaha

bosscj said:

I don't tip anyone. Never tipped any of my tattoo artists. I don't make 100+ an hour and get tipped, they sure as hell dont need to be. At they rate they get paid why tip? What's 10, 20, 30 dollars going to make a difference about? Its their job to produce the best work they can do no matter if they've received a tip or not

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You don't tip anyone?

Just get a tattoo that says "I don't tip."

13COBRA said:

You don't tip anyone?

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No. I dont go out to eat. If I get anything from a restaurant I get it to go. So really no different than going thru a drive thru and I'm not tipping the person in the window at McDonald's

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bosscj said:

No. I dont go out to eat. If I get anything from a restaurant I get it to go. So really no different than going thru a drive thru and I'm not tipping the person in the window at McDonald's

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Oh gotcha.

13COBRA said:

Oh gotcha.

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Also dont like that when I'm paying someone they're hovering over me trying to see how much I'm going to leave them. I'm like "beech dont be greedy"

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Coiled03 said:

I don't tip anyone but waiters, and even that, reluctantly.

I wish we never would've adopted the practice in this country.

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Back in the day people would make 3 dollars an hour plus tips. It was below minimum wage if i recall. But when I see a young kid busting his ass I dont mind tipping. But I must admit unless the service is totally crappy I tip 10-20 percent. When I used to drink i would tip stupid amounts and sober up wondering where my cash went, lol. As the haze wears off and the synapse start popping I would remember and just shrug it off.

I've always left a decent tip for mine. The biggest factor?
Are you satisfied?
And are you going to be coming back to that artist for more work?
If so, then it doesn't hurt to let him/her know you appreciated their work/detail and maybe next time they will go 110% for you. Its the little things that make the difference between a good and bad tattoo anyhow, so I want my guy to actually care.

02Toner said:

I've always left a decent tip for mine. The biggest factor?
Are you satisfied?
And are you going to be coming back to that artist for more work?
If so, then it doesn't hurt to let him/her know you appreciated their work/detail and maybe next time they will go 110% for you. Its the little things that make the difference between a good and bad tattoo anyhow, so I want my guy to actually care.

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When will my boss start tipping me?

I'll "tip" them on the front end. Like when I come in and tell them what i want and ask them to draw something out, the expectation is that they would do it for free to try to earn my business on the Tattoo, but i don't mind throwing them $10 - $20 at that point to show i respect their time.

Then i'll tip a little on the back end just based off other things like people have mentioned. If you're good to me, i'll be good to you, and i may come back.

Same like when we have our house built in a few months. Our first house had so much dumb shit that i am going to be watching this second house like a hawk... but i'm not just gonna be a dick about it, i'll bring lunch, bring water, gatorade, hell on Friday afternoon i'll bring beer.
It's just mutual respect in my opinion, you take care of me, and i'll take care of you.

Never_Enough said:

When will my boss start tipping me?

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He has a tip for you, get off your lazy butt and earn that check.

DaleM said:

He has a tip for you, get off your lazy butt and earn that check.

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Forward that to the tattoo artists.

Never_Enough said:

When will my boss start tipping me?

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Never gotten a bonus? Sucks for you.