Wether or not one should tip their tattoo artist, is a very common question. I am regularly asked, awkwardly, if I should be tipped for my services. In an effort to shed some light on the subject (and avoid having to answer this question in person if possible) I will answer the question here, in the hope that I can offer some things to consider for anyone who isn't sure.
Do you have to tip your tattoo artist? The simple answer, is "no". Just like you don't have to tip your server at restaurants (some restaurants do impose a mandatory gratuity for larger parties).
Tipping is a custom in America, and many (but not all) countries, that is rarely compulsory. It is up to you wether or not you wish to offer a gratuity. However I would have you consider this... Do you tip your waiter? Do you tip your hair-dresser or barber? Do you tip your landscaper, your maid, your bar-tender, or the sushi-chef? If so, then you may be a person who believes in tipping service industry workers, and yes, tattooing is a service industry.
My personal experience has shown me that tipping is customary in tattoo shops. Personally I ALWAYS tip my tattoo artists. Many of my clients are kind enough to tip me, but some do not. I am grateful for the tips I receive, but I don't feel unkindly toward those who do not choose to tip. It is a personal choice. I do not treat the tipping clients better than the non-tipping clients, though, I have known some tattooers who do. Over the years I think that less than half of my clients leave a tip, but the ones who do are often so generous, that tips still account for a considerable percentage of my income, and though I don't rely on tips, they make a world of difference in the long run.
Clients often ask "how much am I supposed to tip?". Again, it is a personal choice. Obviously tattoos can be very expensive, and a percentage based tip can get out of hand on large work. You may tip a good waitress 20%, and thats a great tip for a tattoo artist too, but if your tattoo costs $5,000, well, that can be difficult to swing. Ive had clients tip me by bringing lunch, or bringing produce from their gardens. Ive had shockingly generous cash tips, Ive had many modest tips that were more symbolic than anything else, and everything in between... each of them was greatly appreciated... So how much should you tip if you choose to tip? I'd suggest an amount that you can be GLAD to give, but one that does't impede your ability to come back for the next session. In my mind, the first priority is that you get tattooed regularly... if thats all you can afford, then perhaps cash tips aren't the most prudent idea. If you're doing well and care to show your tattoo artist that you feel the tattoo is worth what they ask and MORE, then a cash tip is a wonderful, generous, and appreciated way of showing it.
Do you have to tip your tattoo artist? The simple answer, is "no". Just like you don't have to tip your server at restaurants (some restaurants do impose a mandatory gratuity for larger parties).
Tipping is a custom in America, and many (but not all) countries, that is rarely compulsory. It is up to you wether or not you wish to offer a gratuity. However I would have you consider this... Do you tip your waiter? Do you tip your hair-dresser or barber? Do you tip your landscaper, your maid, your bar-tender, or the sushi-chef? If so, then you may be a person who believes in tipping service industry workers, and yes, tattooing is a service industry.
My personal experience has shown me that tipping is customary in tattoo shops. Personally I ALWAYS tip my tattoo artists. Many of my clients are kind enough to tip me, but some do not. I am grateful for the tips I receive, but I don't feel unkindly toward those who do not choose to tip. It is a personal choice. I do not treat the tipping clients better than the non-tipping clients, though, I have known some tattooers who do. Over the years I think that less than half of my clients leave a tip, but the ones who do are often so generous, that tips still account for a considerable percentage of my income, and though I don't rely on tips, they make a world of difference in the long run.
Clients often ask "how much am I supposed to tip?". Again, it is a personal choice. Obviously tattoos can be very expensive, and a percentage based tip can get out of hand on large work. You may tip a good waitress 20%, and thats a great tip for a tattoo artist too, but if your tattoo costs $5,000, well, that can be difficult to swing. Ive had clients tip me by bringing lunch, or bringing produce from their gardens. Ive had shockingly generous cash tips, Ive had many modest tips that were more symbolic than anything else, and everything in between... each of them was greatly appreciated... So how much should you tip if you choose to tip? I'd suggest an amount that you can be GLAD to give, but one that does't impede your ability to come back for the next session. In my mind, the first priority is that you get tattooed regularly... if thats all you can afford, then perhaps cash tips aren't the most prudent idea. If you're doing well and care to show your tattoo artist that you feel the tattoo is worth what they ask and MORE, then a cash tip is a wonderful, generous, and appreciated way of showing it.
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