Do I tip a tattoo artist when they own the studio? (2024)

FAQs

Do I tip a tattoo artist when they own the studio? ›

Tattoo Shop Owner

That means if you're getting a $200 tattoo, your tattoo artist might only get $100 for that work, time and effort spent inking your body art. Sinatra also recommends tipping all tattoo artists, even if you're getting your ink done by the owner.

As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done. So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that's $240.

A general guideline is to tip between 15-20% of the total cost of your tattoo. However, you can adjust this amount based on your personal budget and level of satisfaction with the service. It is important to note that tattoo artists are not paid a regular salary.

Bottom line: Although not mandatory — nor as expected as it might be in other industries — tipping is a great way to build a relationship with your artist and show your thanks for their service. Even if it's only a little bit, a little goes a long way.

My overall point is that it is not your job to scrutinize this person's business model and decide what her profit margin should be. If you choose to continue to patronize this business, yes – it is now considered standard to tip the person who cuts your hair, even if that person owns the business.

Many people choose to tip about 20% of the overall price of their tattoo – just like at a barbershop or massage appointment.

If you're getting a larger piece that requires multiple sessions, you might be wondering when and how many times you should tip your artist. "Most people tip a little after each session, and then a bigger tip when the project is done," explains Shuliar.

It's considered good etiquette to show up singularly as the brave tattoo client you are. On occasion, a studio will have room to accommodate a +1 but don't count on it. Limited space in a busy studio can lead to your moral support having to hang in the waiting area, which is typically reserved for paying customers.

How much tip for $200 tattoo? ›

Tattoo tipping rates

But as a rule of thumb, a 15-20% tip is usually a good place to start. So, if you spent a total of $200 on a tattoo, tipping anywhere from $30 to $40 shows your artist that you appreciate their handiwork.

Generally, 15-25% should be the amount you tip.

"While any tip is highly appreciated, a good guideline is to tip 15-20% of the price of the tattoo. However, this amount can be adjusted depending on your personal budget, as well as how happy you are with your tattoo; there definitely isn't a minimum amount," they added.

Cash is King: Tattoo artists often prefer cash tips because they receive them immediately and in full. If you're unsure whether the studio accepts credit card tips, it's best to have cash on hand.

Moral Objections: Tattoos That Artists Refuse to do

Additionally, almost every tattoo artist will turn down racist, sexist, hom*ophobic, and otherwise offensive tattoos.

It's way too easy for customers to regret the purchase and dispute charges with the bank, leaving the shop having to pay the money back & no ability to recover the product. Also, when you're in an industry with a high rate of chargebacks, you tend to pay much higher transaction fees, further cutting into their profits.

Every service industry has unspoken rules about tipping. Tattooing is no different. While tips aren't required, it is expected, so you'll want to factor that into the cost.

Just give them what extra you can spare, if you feel like they're cutting you a great deal and you're happy. Give them more etc…. because their price is a higher rate and you're going to be getting a piece that will ultimately be pricey, common etiquette would be 10%. if it was a 500$ or less tattoo i'd tip 20%.