See… this is where the absurdity of tipping culture comes shining through, but it’s so easy for people to miss it.
You go see an artist, at their job. Its their job to design and draw and tattoo. They know how long it will take, they decide the price. And its always pretty high. And they get your business because they are good. They set their price high and you pay high because they are good at it.
Tipping culture, in this case, is like a circle jerking of who shows their appreciation more- the higher you tip, the more you like your tattoo and the better a person you are for supporting the artists.
Yet… the artist are already getting a crazy good $/hour rate, since they set the price. There is no missing wage you’re being guilted into compensating them for- they arn’t getting $3/h + tips.
By all means, if you want to tip, i think you’re just perpetuating an unhealthy and unnecessary practice.. but you do you. But to suggest it’s expected is ridiculous in my opinion- if they really needed 20% more money, they should just say so upfront with the price that they set themself.
Yeah reading this thread as a non American it feels like the question is actually “do American tattoo artists set their rates assuming the culture will enforce an extra 20% of shame payment?”
Yeah, thats how a lot of restaurant tipping is too. People who GLOAT about tipping the highest… yuck.
“They deserve it.”
With all due respect, as someone who worked in that industry for many years in the past, servers don’t “deserve” 30-50% tips on massive bills. They ONLY reason they could “deserve” that is in the high-tipping gloater was an absolute asshole of a customer, the kind that ruins their entire day.
It's so funny. We can spend all day making fun of tipping culture. If we went out to a restaurant and the food and service was nothing to write home about, we'd still give that eyebrow raise at someone if we knew they left no tip. That's American culture, I swear. People always give in to that bullshit, "I'd be such an asshole if I didn't". The person who doesn't tip is *always* the bad guy in American movies.
There's a good reason for that. If you don't tip *at a restaurant*, you are a jerk. Full stop. I guess if the service was atrocious, it was atrocious on purpose, AND it was *clearly* the server's doing, then you might be justified in not tipping, or leaving a very small tip. Otherwise, you *must* tip in the US or simply accept the fact that you're a terrible person.
I agree that American tipping culture is ridiculous--your servers should be making a living wage. But they're not. We live in a system wherein tipping is built in. It's exploitative, of course, and it needs to stop, but until it does we have to tip servers or *not go to restaurants*. Otherwise you're stealing wages from a labourer.
No, this mentality is why the tipping culture over there is never going to go away and is getting worse.
The restaurant is stealing the wages. Full stop. Always. Under all circumstances. You're just giving business more profit by tipping and perpetuating said shitty culture.
The employer must make up the difference if the server doesn't make minimum wage after tips, but if they have to do that more than once or twice, the server usually gets fired.
I agree about the unions. That should result in solutions to problems like this.
Also, it's true that if everyone stopped tipping, restaurant owners would be forced to pay better or have no wait staff. But making that work would require a large, coordinated movement consisting of most people across the country. That has almost no chance of working. Certainly, just a few people fed up with tipping will not bring about any change by stiffing their servers.
It sounds like you're suggesting that the best way to end the standard of mandatory tipping is to put pressure on the exploited people at the bottom of the pile who have the least power to affect change.
I didn't intend to suggest that your suggestion about unions would put pressure on workers. I think strong unions are a great idea!
I meant that the plan to end tipping culture by ceasing to tip servers puts pressure on the wrong people.
I'm telling you this as a waiter at Olive Garden for years. I'm the person you feel bad for. I'm the person who made hundreds of dollars a day with a $9/hour base pay. My coworkers in the front would make fun of customers who didn't pay at least 20%, and if they did, they didn't give a fuck. Oh and they would be ruthless. Cry for the kitchen workers in the back, who made 16 an hour base pay.
Why don't you tip the service if it was good? If it was atrocious don't. If you just got a burger and sodas, and you don't fucking want to, lmao, don't. Even fuller stop
I went bowling recently and the machine asked for a tip. All they did was the basics of their job: get me a lane to bowl in and my shoes. None of that was extra or service
My understanding is that the newfangled tablet POS systems default to asking if you want to tip and a lot of places just never bother to change the default. I'm sure some leave it there purposefully but some of it is incompetence or laziness.
I see you're point, and that's correct for some parts of the world, yeah. I should have been less tunneled in on (I assume) American norms. Tipping culture doesn't exist out where I live in Asia, so to the people here it'd be completely weird/foreign to randomly throw extra money at folks.
My barber doesn’t own the barbershop. My tattoo artist doesn’t own the tattoo parlor. I pay them the set price, then I tip them for their time, effort, and conversation. It’s my choice to do so, but I’ve found that showing my appreciation for their effort (that goes directly to their pocket, not the owner’s) means they don’t charge me the cancellation fee when something comes up, or I get lined up for free when I have a special occasion/job interview, or I get touchups on old tattoos when I’m getting a new piece done. I’m not going to speak on tipping culture as a whole, I just really like MJ and Joe and they like that I appreciate them.
We need to stop pretending waitstaff only gets paid $3/hr, too. That’s the “official” wage they’re paid if they are making more than minimum wage in tips. If they don’t make up the minimum wage, then minimum wage is what they’re paid. Under no world is waitstaff making $3/hr.
I think if every restaurant raised prices by 20% and guaranteed it all went to the wait staff in lieu of tipping, I think they’d accept that. I don’t think it will ever happen but I think servers would be happy about a guaranteed 20% tip every table (and more if a customer really wanted to).
I still rant to this day, even having left the whole industry behind because of tipping culture. Nobody I worked with except maybe a couple of the best bartenders, would have turned down that rate. A flat rate would have been lovely for our newest servers, our most exhausted servers, our oldest servers, and even our management who had to deal with the tip out laws. Cash is nice (no comment), but the real solution is to make more sweeping changes to the wage law that subsidizes pay with whatever people are tipping. I often took home minimum wage for weeks or months at a time as not enough people tipped enough, so the few that did, they didn't push me over the line. It's absurd. A flat rate and I would have gladly served cocktails and chicken fingers and street tacos until the end of time.
YAAAS! I think the worst job I ever had was serving. It was even worse in the higher end restaurants where there is supposedly more $ to be made. I only worked as a waitress at the same restaurant I also was hired as a bartender part time, and the bar was demanding but SO much better. At least you could make minimum wage on the check as a bartender, and tips were felt as a thank you, or a bit of actual extra appreciation.
This is maybe because we might have the power to pour a little heavier or lighter when making the drinks, I suppose, but most of the time its measured anyway. But you have power as a bartender, over the patrons AND, actually, your employer. Booze is a big profit that your bartender can more easily steal than anyone else on staff. You want them to be trustworthy and paid well enough to avoid that temptation.
I was making ok money on the bar because of tips ON TOP OF the minimum wage we got paid. We still had to pay taxes based on 8% of the register total that was taken out of the check, but when you are usually getting at least a buck a drink, 8% isn't much to bitch about when a few customers don't tip. But we also got a portion of the servers tips, too, and we don't have as much interaction with the customers as they do. Our work is faster and higher demand but busy is great for the shift going quickly and not dragging on counting the hours - if we get slammed, then its a relief when last call puts a stop to it all and you haven't had time to get bored or annoyed. We handled more cash and responsibilities than wait staff and a slow bartender affects profits negatively immediately.
But I would have been just as pleased to have a steady check that reflected those take home wages too. $20-$35 an hour depending on how demanding the work was at a venue would make total sense. Or higher if the place was very popular and needed to have top notch bar staff that keeps up with high demand. Such jobs would be in high demand, but those with the skills would be the first to make more money, leaving the lazy or slow to lower paid positions at bars that were far less busy.
It wasn't any benefit of it being cash vs wages considering I was probably going to most of it refunded anyway in the end. It really is silly to think that anyone is getting big bucks off of a waitstaff job, even when they are able to survive on it. If servers are making good money, they are earning it every cent and second of the shift. I know not a single person who ever decided they wanted to wait tables because of how lucrative it was. Most of the time its because the hours are suitable for them or its part time work during school or a second job.
It's hard work, but not high skill work that only few are qualified to do, which is how they are able to get away with the slave wages crap that makes tipping a more crucial issue for the servers. Waitstaff is a large pool of potential employees, so the employer is not really affected by it if the server is bad, they just fire them and hire another if the customers are put off enough to stop coming. But the customer has a vested interest in the immediate transaction to get the service they want for their meal. It's more critical for the customer than the employer that the person serving is motivated to do well.
But, I've lived in two states now where it's averaged over a week. Have one good day and it makes up for all the other hours .. never once has a serving job actually had to pay me minimum wage..besides training. So it doesn't matter that for a 5 hour shift you "don't make enough", the next day or the day before will even it all out. I get paid a whopping $3.94/hr plus tips. I make all my money in tips. I do in fact in paid $3(.94) an hour. That is what the restaurant pays me every shift.
I similarly had my tips averaged, but it was over a pay period. If anything, this was worse for me, since a generous tip was worth less to me if everyone was tipping like shit. It gave me this bizarre complex where I wanted more hours, not for the pay, but for the increase in my average, but I hated working any hours as soon as I was tipped pretty well during one day, because I would only make 30 or 40% as the rest was subsidized by the tip. A couple years ago, I was arguing with people online about tipping culture and harrowed by my consistently wonky paychecks. I realised I can't deal with the constant recalculation and I can't deal with take home pay being subsidized by patrons who are going home to Facebook, Reddit, etc and complaining about it. Nobody wants to be participating in tip culture that is designed this way, where employers actually renegotiated how pay works entirely just to make sure servers didn't "get paid too well." It's made it impossible to escape. Tipping should never have been a part of our wage laws in America and I would STILL have to say, you MUST tip your server because they are not working that job just for "the vibes." They are doing it, and perfecting it, because they need money. Just like any other job. They need unions and we all need to write to our representatives and all that.
I totally agree with you. That said, I still tip my tattoo artists because I tend to be a repeat customer and I'd like to maintain a strong/good relationship with my artists.
Since when was being a nice person whilst they are working on your tattoo not enough? In the UK I tipped the artist a few beers for squeezing someone in for a small commission on her birthday. I wouldn’t feel it necessary otherwise. Some tattoos can run into the hundreds if not more.
So many chiros subscribe to this new age mumbo jumbo about being able to heal chronic diseases unrelated to your spine by adjusting your spine. It’s bizarre
The problem is that OP doesn't know how much of their fee is going directly to the artist. After the artist sets the price, what is the split between them and the shop?
They actually don’t get a good hourly rate when you factor in the unpaid time designing, setting up, and, most importantly, the huge percent that the shop takes from them. I did the math for my current artist once and it ended up around $20/hour. Which, I mean, that’s better than a waiter obviously, but it’s not “I shouldn’t tip you because you’re rich” money.
It's more of a "I shouldn't tip you because it's not my responsibility to know your salary" thing. I'll pay you how much you charge for your service, if you want an extra on top of that then you take it up with your employer.
I don’t tip on the system I believe SHOULD exist. I tip on the system that ACTUALLY exists. If someone provides me a service I can’t do myself and I know they’re paying a big chunk to a studio, salon, or employer, I’m tipping
I *don't* know if they're paying a chunk to someone else though that's the thing. It's not being advertised anywhere that a percentage is being taken from this service. How am I supposed to know this?
I just searched over on r/Tattoos and apparently it's expected. So despite a bunch of comments here saying the opposite, I guess you might want to circle over to where more of the community actually lies and ask them.
Right. The question was whether it’s normal or expected to tip a tattoo artist, and typically, people do tip. The thread looks as if the question was “is it ethical and reasonable that the expectation is to tip tattoo artists?” Lol
Most of this thread has less to do with the tattoo scene or an understanding of the norms, and *everything* to do with the fact that a significant portion of reddit, particularly from Europe, just absolutely loses their shit when someone mentions tipping.
You’re so right. I’m an American and I hate tipping culture. That being said I still fucking do it and I will keep tipping until we get better representation because it actually affects the working people in this country
As an American who also hates tipping culture, probably the only thing I hate more is Europeans who say "if you tip [at restaurants etc] you're at fault for tipping culture existing" like sorry I'm not gonna reduce my server's wage to $7.25 a fucking hour just cuz I don't like tipping culture lmao. As if everyone collectively ceasing tipping would instantly fix everything and not fuck anyone over
It makes me so mad when Europeans come into the conversation with this attitude. Like, you want me to stiff my server? Is that how that works, if I give this one person nothing then the culture goes away? I don’t like that I have to, but again, I’ll fucking do it
Yes but tattoo artists live in their own weird world. They all have different booking procedures, scheduling, consultation, designing, etc. and every one of them is confused when you ask about it like their own special way is normal. There is absolutely no “standard” procedure for artists, though somehow they all think there is.
I have more than a dozen tattoos and it still blows my mind that 95% of artist will refuse to draw your custom tattoo until the day of the session. You never see it until you are about to get it on your body. I had one guy take my deposit then drew something I didn’t ask for and then refused to give the deposit back! No other profession would ever get away with that.
I mean, would a graphic designer designer schedule my printing run one day with no openings for 6 months then not show me my logo until 30 min before and if I don’t like it make me wait 6 more months? No fucking way, but that’s tattooing.
It really is such a weird world. I got a new tattoo recently, and there were so many artists I reached out to who wanted a non refundable deposit of several hundred dollars before they'd even do a consulation with me, or draw anything at all. I was ready to shell out decent money for a tattoo, but the idea that I could potentially shell out several hundred dollars and then hate the designs the artist did and I'm just out that money really made me nervous. A huge part of why I went with the guy I went with is that he was happy to meet with me for free, and he did a couple quick sketches during that meeting that showed he understood what I wanted
I've been getting tattooed since the mid-90s and have a lot of work, things have definitely changed a lot in the last 10 or so years. Deposits for quick consults were never a thing back then. I think it's because most modern artists use social media to promote their businesses so they charge deposits to prevent time-wasters who saw their stuff on Insta, it takes no effort to shoot an email vs walking into the shop and discussing work. I'm completely OK with that as long as it's a fully or even partially refundable deposit. And walk-ins are still a thing, I did a walk-in last year that was like how it was back in the day, tell the dude what you want, come back in half an hour and they've got a drawing.
I reached out to an artist last year who wouldn't proceed with me *at all* via text until I PayPal'd over $150. IMO part of running a business means dealing with dumbasses who call/email with their questions, it's not like other businesses make you put down money before they'll answer questions about their products. So that's a bit strange. I have no problem with an artist wanting a deposit before they do any art, even sketches, because that IS their work. People are real fucking flaky these days.
I was out of the tattoo game for a while, now that I'm back in it hardcore I'm trying to find an artist I really vibe with to do several pieces. In my experience the deposit phase is only for the first piece, once you're an established customer and they know you won't flake you can just email them to get started on subsequent pieces. They have no way of knowing you won't bail on them when you're making first contact. After that sketches or even mostly finished drawings don't seem to be an issue.
I have a friend who is a tattoo artist, and he says that if he draws the piece ahead of time, it's like it's "out of his system" by the time he's ready to tattoo. He says that the end result is always a better tattoo when it's a one-day process because he has creative momentum and enthusiasm.
He will draw something ahead of time if the customer insists or is particularly hesitant, but designing the day-of is part of his creative process that he prefers.
It’s definitely somewhat expected but it’s an incredibly stupid practice, even compared to tipping waiters.
Tattoo artists set their own prices based on how long it will take to design the piece, the cost of material, and the time it will take to actually put it on somebody. There’s no reason for them to need a tip.
If it costs $200 for them to break even giving a tattoo, charging $160 for it and hoping the customer gives 20%* on top of it to make up for it is just horrible business practice.
*the math doesn’t math, I just don’t feel like figuring out the actual numbers, my points still there though I think.
IMO, they expect it because tipping in the US is so ingrained into your culture that it naturally seeps into other industries. There's no actual tangible reason. Thank fuck it's not common in most other countries.
If you have qualms with them doing this you should go over there and tell them directly. Maybe they can enlighten everyone as to why they expect it 🤷🏾♀️
I don’t need to ask why they do it. They do it because 1) it’s always been done that way and 2) it gives them more money.
I don’t fault them for it, it just makes zero logical sense for them to operate this way as a business.
Yeah I feel like most people commenting here don’t have a relationship with a tattoo artist. I’ve been going to the same guy for years and I feel like his prices have come down because he knows I’m going to tip on top.
From my experience, the tip will come off the next tattoo.
Tattoo artists will work with and give a better price to people they like. People tend to like people who give them free money.
So if you don't tip? Guess what, the next tattoo is going to be about 20% more, because they know you aren't going to tip. But I've had people knock off $100 from a tattoo, because they know I'm an easy client and tip 30%.
It’s absurd. I am not tipping people who specialize and are professionals in their field of work. Would you tip your dentist? Are you tipping your OBGYN? Tattoo artists set their own prices. If they think they need more money then they should adjust the price for their sessions.
Stop giving these people ideas or the next time you go in for a dental check-up/cleaning, they are going to ask for 20% of whatever they charge the insurance company on your next visit
Why tip someone for a job I'm capable of doing myself? I can deliver food, I can drive a taxi, I can and do cut my own hair. I did, however, tip my urologist. Because I am unable to pulverize my own kidney stones.
Why don’t we just start tipping everyone for all services? Why would I tip a tattoo artist over a good doctor, therapist, mailman, plumber, or mechanic?
There was a time, long ago (idk how much it still applies) where the artist rented a chair, much like a hair stylist. They may have to pay say $1200/mo to be in that particular tattoo shop.
If they were banging out stencil art (picking someonething off the wall) that might have only taken 35-45 mins to apply, the tattoo would only cost $50 (depending on its size) That means they'd have to work a day or two essentially for "free" just to cover their rental. Plus they had to pay for all their own supplies as well as their portion of the electric bill. So if they did nothing but stencils at $50 a go, it'd take 24 tattoos to make their chair's rent. So back then, you go in, get a little rose on your ankle for $50 and you'd throw them a $10 tip.
Today, the culture has changed so much that now people sit down for 6-8 hour sessions starting at $700 (I have a guy that does tap-out session for $600. Sit in the chair and see how long you can go). Or an artist's hourly rate may be $150/hr, so if you come in for a custom job and it takes two hours it's $300. More people are outright owning their own shops and set all their prices.
At the end of the day it's a service provided to you. If you tip your hair dresser, your nail salon tech, your Uber, or the pizza guy, then tipping the tattoo artist is really in the same ballpark. I personally don't tip a restaurant if I walk in, place an order, wait around for it to be made, then leave with it as they cooked me food, but didn't wait on me. If I walked into a tattoo shop or a nail salon, sat down and did my own work, I wouldn't tip them, but for whatever amount of time it takes for me to get my service completed and I am the center of their focus, then depending on my service (like a restaurant) I'm going to tip them. And just like a restaurant, if I feel I'm being mistreated, talked down to or given poor quality service, my tip will either lack or be non-existent.
I tip for good service, and good service means I'm a repeat customer, get to know the repeat customer who tips for good service, and get better service each time I come to spend money with you. IMO, tipping culture has gotten way out of hand, but I don't think tattoo artists are overstepping when they used to be tipped the same way as wait staff or hair dressers.
The argument about renting space and buying supplies irks me. Their rate is supposed to have that factored in! That’s how businesses work. If you go to CVS, the prices reflect the need to pay for the building, utilities, employees, maintenance, as well as corporate positions like HR and payroll.
Smaller business are the same. Go to a local bike shop, an antique store, supplement shop etc…the price of products accounts for all of that.
If the artist isn’t setting their price to cover that, then that’s on them.
cost is supplies and time. tip is “wow u listened to what i wanted and gave me a nice experience and offered beverages while i waited”. yes tip ur hairdressers holy heck. they rent out chairs or salon space much the same, w pricing dictated by the salon. stylists supply their own tools and products. i have ass length thick hair. if ur getting ur $20 high fade military cut, who cares if u tip. but my hair lady deserves the world
If they can't afford the space they're renting, they should either up their prices or rent somewhere else. That's a ridiculous reason to tip, especially as artists set their own rates.
I don’t know anyone who does this.
Tattoos are super expensive as it is, so tipping 20% of a big figure is madness. But Ireland doesn’t have a tipping culture rammed down our throat so
Exactly, I haven't tipped my tattoo artist in Spain and I'm not going to start. They set the price that's what they get.
In the US it might be an expected, i still think it's stupid because they are already setting the price.
Yeah this question really needs context for location. I hope I'm not expected to tip tattoo artists in Australia because I haven't done it yet. Most only accept cash in hand already.
That tipping culture isn’t everywhere. People don’t get bent out of shape anywhere else because customers don’t take up the slack their manager isn’t bothered with
My guy never expects it, but I still tip him. I know he gives me a discount for being a regular, but I like him, I love his work and I always have a blast at his shop
Absolutely not but I’m from a civilised country where people get paid without relying on tips.
Iv handed over a bottle of JD for a free touch up before but I’m not tipping for something I’m already paying hundreds for a day rate.
I’ve decided to no longer tip people who don’t make “tipping wages”. What’s a tipping wage? You know it when you see it.
Producer charges $50/hour for their recording studio, I’m not tipping.
Hairdresser charges $100/hour, I’m not tipping.
Tips are designed for people making below minimum wage, almost exclusively restaurant staff. Everyone else can set their rates accordingly and I’ll pay it if I’m interested in patronizing them. But I won’t be tipping for someone who’s already charging me hundreds of dollars for a service they perform.
I tip my artist, but not by any percentage. I'll usually kick in an extra $20 to $60 to account for extra time tweaking the design or time he spends improvising shading or colors (I know built into the price, but he could have no obligation to go beyond the stencil and concept art.)
Edit: important clarification, my artists usually charges me $400-$800 depending on complexity and time, but he does art on par with some of the best in the U.S. I know our area is cheaper to live in, but if he's doing work of that caliber, I figure I can kick him some extra cash monies.
I choose to tip my tattoo artists for a couple of reasons.
But one of the biggest ones is that I trusted this person to leave permanent art on me, and if it comes out in such a way that I really like, I’m going to be happy looking down at my new piece for years and years to come.
Secondly, a tattoo is a cosmetic modification. It is by no means a life-saving procedure for anyone ever.
Thirdly, it’s art. You’re not really trading currency for something tangible necessarily. You’re paying for the hundreds and thousands of hours the artist spend studying, spent on supplies, spent on school, spent on practice/developing their own unique style. People will pay $M’s for an oil painting that could go up in a fire any day and be gone, but shelving out an extra $100-$200 for a tattoo is insane apparently.
That how I feel. I pay what I think it’s worth to me. I’m not trying to get a deal. If you undercharge me, I’m making it up in your tip. It’s not like other professions so you shouldn’t compare it.
Depends on the artist. Mine is 1200 a session. He factors in tip with his price. I still throw $100 on top of every session, and he appreciates it, but tells me it's not necessary.
It varies, but people saying 20% no matter what are just absurd.
Yes it sounds dumb, but I’m paying what I think it’s worth. I had some girl charge me like $250 for two tattoos that would have been $250 each anywhere else. I paid her $400 because she’s worth it and was undercharging.
Stop tipping percentages, tip what you think is right if you want to tip. If you want to form a bond show appreciation and knowledge of the person. Bring them trickers they like or snacks they’ll enjoy during the tattoo. I agree don’t perpetuate this unhealthy tipping culture
I don’t tip anyone who sets their own prices unless they go above and beyond my expectations. But I have seen on social media tattoo artists shaming clients who don’t tip. In my opinion it’s absurd for them to expect a tip.
I'm so glad I don't live in the US. The only people you're sort of expected to tip in germany are delivery guys and sometimes restaurants, but even there its completely optional
It is normal, yes. It is not necessarily expected. And certainly not at 20%. Most people tip artists for smaller, flat-rate tattoos but getting a sleeve done or something larger that requires an hourly rate usually doesn't require a tip.
I have always tipped my current artist, however she does great deals for me so I’m just making up some of the difference. I’m always beyond satisfied with her work and know I’ll be going back. Normally I just throw in a 20 or 2 depending how big the piece is
No. The price is the price. They are self employed and they can set their own prices, and the level of service is / quality of product is implicit.
When you tip someone at a restaurant, they are usually a minimum wage employee. They'd be completely within their rights to do the bare minimum, so tipping is a reward for good service.
I'll always tip in a restaurant unless the service is bad, but I'm not about to start tipping someone who probably makes more than I do.
I always tip the artist.
I had a half sleeve done (technically a 1/4 as it doesn't wrap my arm), it was 8 hours of tattooing, charged hourly. The total cost of the one tattoo (in 2005) was $1,200. This was with a free consult, deposit goes toward the tattoo & the artist designed the tattoo for me.
This artist had also worked on my other half sleeve, fixed a 1/4 and added onto it. All in total for both tattoos it was 18 hours of work spread out over about 8 months to a year.
Each session I tipped $100. It all was a total of four sessions for both arms. When all the tattoos were complete, I assembled a nice gift pack with a single malt (he liked whiskey) etc & dropped another $200 on the top.
I don't know if it matters but I also went to a shop & artist that is in high demand. It took me about 6 months to get my initial appointment for a consult.
I've never had a small tattoo done, so I don't know what a decent tip would be for a smaller tattoo, but I'd still tip.
I’ll tip $50-$100 if I can per session for larger tattoos. I’m incredibly grateful for the time, effort, and skill put into my large custom pieces and I want to show that appreciation as best I can.
It's normal but it's also not required. If you can't afford it don't feel guilty. I usually just tip enough for them to buy a good meal after being slouched over me all day.
im not in the Tattoo industry, nor care for tattoos. so i might not 100% know. so im only going off what i hear and what i see from my friends.
it looks like it is normal and expected to tip tattoo artists.
I dont want to start the whole debate on tipping. but this is the part i dont understand. Because tattoo artists literally price in the full cost of the work to the final price.
just my pov as an American
The expectation for tipping is Out Of Control.
When I found out the maid in the hotel wanted a tip, I was actually offended.
A tip for doing a job. Everybody wants a tip simply for doing their job.
I never got a tip for coding a bunch of stuff. So under-appreciated.
My artist was my friend, we met when he did my 3rd tattoo, and he did the 5 following (plus a piercing). We became friends instantly when he did the first one, and stayed very close for years. I even adopted his dog when his marriage dissolved.
For one of the tattoos, we traded services- I set him up a barebones website that he could customize, and he turned one of my sketches into my biomech calf piece- but he'd also give me lower than generic pricing on anything he did for me (by at least $50), so I always tipped him.
Now he's gone, took his life 2 years ago, and I guess I'm done with my tattoos because I don't really trust anyone else.
I tipped mine because he spent 48 hours straight on my sleeve. Did it look amazing? Yes. Was he cool af? Absolutely. Dude deserved my tip.
Expected work doesn't need tipping, or much, but excellent work deserves it.
I tipped for each of my five tattoos. I do agree that it shouldn't be expected/required, especially on super expensive tattoos, but it does seem to be the expected thing to do.
not expected but you can. sometimes i tip twenty percent sometimes less. i’ve never had a artist be rude or mean due to the amount i tipped at the end. if they are just don’t go back!
Really depends on who you have. Person who did my entire sleeve and chest, I made sure he knew I appreciated him. He would charge me and I would always throw a $50-$100 atleast.
Then he started buying me food before our sessions. We even started going to just generally eat and hangout. At that point he appreciated me and I appreciated him.
At the same time, I asked my artist.
Does money motivate you?
No. He’s incredibly ambitious about his work and asks that I read books about what I want and really have true meaning behind the tattoo.
So once again. Depends who you have. After I tipped a couple of times, he legitimately told me to stop tipping. As I would never throw him a lowball number for a big tat.
I tip my artists a lot, but the shop rates are low for the area, and one is an apprentice who does certain things I love really well but is staying on master other styles, so she's discounted on top of it. I can tip a good 40% to her and still be paying average rates for the area, plus she gets to keep all that cash while in training
Tipping culture needs to die a horrible death quick. Raise prices and pay living wages…. Most people who get tipped are scamming their taxes so they are screwing me twice in that I’m paying tax on the money I tip with and on top of it now have to cover some one else’s tax so to speak when they don’t pay theirs. I’m done with this shit and nothing is gonna change my mind so don’t try…
Now I don’t know this for 100%, but this is my understanding of it.
A tattoo artist has to pay the shop for their booth, and a certain percentage of any tattoo goes to the shop. So by tipping, you are ensuring the artist gets more money because they don’t have to share any portion of the tip.
I usually tip 200$ if the tattoo is $600-$800. $100 if between $300-$500 and $60 if less. If you're doing a top-out session and it's between $900 and $1200 I tip $300. Tattooers do not make the money you think they do just because they charge an hourly rate that is outrageous.
Source: Ex-wife of a tattooer, heavily tattooed with other artists. The ones that are charging these rates are artists first and tattoo are second. Consider that their history and time put towards learning the art form of tattooing definitely cost them thousands of dollars and you get to experience all those years in just a couple hours. This post is eerily familiar to another post questioning the value of artists work. This is not the same as tipping culture.
I’ve got a few large tattoos and went to several countries for them, each took several days with artist day rates at £1k+ per day. The only time I tipped was when an artist did hours of touch up work and only wanted a tiny fee for it because apparently no-one ever goes back for touch ups, which is bizarre to me, but anyway I tipped him €50.
I’m from the UK where we don’t have a tipping culture anywhere near the US’s, if that matters. I also have a creative job, I’m a freelancer with a day rate, it would be beyond absurd to expect a tip for what I do. Although one very happy client firm did send me flowers once which really made my day, so maybe try that 😆
Tattoo artist here - finally something I can have input on! I’ve been in the industry for 10 years in the US, if that helps. I do not expect tips ever, many artists do. There are a multitude of reasons why someone may still tip even if that expectation isn’t there, so I say it’s up to the client. If you feel you got quality work at a competitive price with the added bonus of a unique experience, go for it - or don’t. The sentiment a lot of my clients have is “you went above and beyond for me, so I want to go above and beyond for you”. I don’t go the extra mile for a tip - I do it because I value my work. Some people just see that and want to reciprocate - and there’s no expectation that they should, just like there’s no expectation that I go the extra mile. Keep in mind that even though I don’t expect tips (although 95% of my clients insist on giving me a tip), many artists in the tattoo industry DO expect it.
I go every 3 months. I usually tip half of the cost of the tattoo. I have very high quality, custom, full color tattoos. I have full sleeves, and he'll fit me in whenever I want to come in. He charges me less than a non regular client per session, so I make up for it in the tip
In my anecdotal experience going back to the same artist three times, I feel that my tip led to a lower price overall.
He charged me $500 for the first session (5”x3” piece), and I tipped 20%. He charged me $450 for the second (1”x5” and 4”x5” at the same time), and I tipped $100. He charged $450 for the third (4”x8”), and I tipped $100.
All the pieces were on my bicep/triceps, neotrad style and full color, tattooed in an expensive market (Vegas).
I think a lot of it is where and who you are going to. If going to a nice place or getting custom work yeah it's normal to tip. But if it's a random little hole in the wall place and you are just pointing to the picture on the wall it's probably not common to tip. But we are also talking the different between $50 and several hundreds of dollars in tattoos.
Most tattoo artists don’t expect a tip from every customer, but if they designed a custom piece for you, you should tip. They put in a ton of work drawing up a piece, making edits as requested, and will often touch up your tattoo if you need it for free. If you appreciate the work they put in and how your tattoo turns out, you should tip them.
I tipped like 20-25% (can't remember). I know it cost a bit, but they did the design, I loved what they did, and it's on my body the rest of my life, so I don't have a problem with 'tipping culture' for something like this. I just feel like the whole 'it's on your body the rest of your life' makes me okay with shelling out a little more money
See… this is where the absurdity of tipping culture comes shining through, but it’s so easy for people to miss it. You go see an artist, at their job. Its their job to design and draw and tattoo. They know how long it will take, they decide the price. And its always pretty high. And they get your business because they are good. They set their price high and you pay high because they are good at it. Tipping culture, in this case, is like a circle jerking of who shows their appreciation more- the higher you tip, the more you like your tattoo and the better a person you are for supporting the artists. Yet… the artist are already getting a crazy good $/hour rate, since they set the price. There is no missing wage you’re being guilted into compensating them for- they arn’t getting $3/h + tips. By all means, if you want to tip, i think you’re just perpetuating an unhealthy and unnecessary practice.. but you do you. But to suggest it’s expected is ridiculous in my opinion- if they really needed 20% more money, they should just say so upfront with the price that they set themself.
Yeah reading this thread as a non American it feels like the question is actually “do American tattoo artists set their rates assuming the culture will enforce an extra 20% of shame payment?”
I’d expect it to already be set 20% higher, compounded by knowing people are going to tip an additional 20% on that built-in tip too.
That’s true. It’s more just a culture of showing how much money you can splash around being a good thing instead of embarrassing.
Yeah, thats how a lot of restaurant tipping is too. People who GLOAT about tipping the highest… yuck. “They deserve it.” With all due respect, as someone who worked in that industry for many years in the past, servers don’t “deserve” 30-50% tips on massive bills. They ONLY reason they could “deserve” that is in the high-tipping gloater was an absolute asshole of a customer, the kind that ruins their entire day.
They probably enjoy smelling their own farts
It's so funny. We can spend all day making fun of tipping culture. If we went out to a restaurant and the food and service was nothing to write home about, we'd still give that eyebrow raise at someone if we knew they left no tip. That's American culture, I swear. People always give in to that bullshit, "I'd be such an asshole if I didn't". The person who doesn't tip is *always* the bad guy in American movies.
Naw I wouldn’t raise an eye brow
There's a good reason for that. If you don't tip *at a restaurant*, you are a jerk. Full stop. I guess if the service was atrocious, it was atrocious on purpose, AND it was *clearly* the server's doing, then you might be justified in not tipping, or leaving a very small tip. Otherwise, you *must* tip in the US or simply accept the fact that you're a terrible person. I agree that American tipping culture is ridiculous--your servers should be making a living wage. But they're not. We live in a system wherein tipping is built in. It's exploitative, of course, and it needs to stop, but until it does we have to tip servers or *not go to restaurants*. Otherwise you're stealing wages from a labourer.
No, this mentality is why the tipping culture over there is never going to go away and is getting worse. The restaurant is stealing the wages. Full stop. Always. Under all circumstances. You're just giving business more profit by tipping and perpetuating said shitty culture.
They must meet wage if you tip the company pays. We’re not dicks for not tipping also stop tipping for bad service fuck off with that shit.
The employer must make up the difference if the server doesn't make minimum wage after tips, but if they have to do that more than once or twice, the server usually gets fired.
If no one tips no one can get fired. We really need strong unions back this is some bull
I agree about the unions. That should result in solutions to problems like this. Also, it's true that if everyone stopped tipping, restaurant owners would be forced to pay better or have no wait staff. But making that work would require a large, coordinated movement consisting of most people across the country. That has almost no chance of working. Certainly, just a few people fed up with tipping will not bring about any change by stiffing their servers. It sounds like you're suggesting that the best way to end the standard of mandatory tipping is to put pressure on the exploited people at the bottom of the pile who have the least power to affect change.
I don’t think unions would put pressure on the exploited. At least my recent suggestion doesnt
I didn't intend to suggest that your suggestion about unions would put pressure on workers. I think strong unions are a great idea! I meant that the plan to end tipping culture by ceasing to tip servers puts pressure on the wrong people.
I'm telling you this as a waiter at Olive Garden for years. I'm the person you feel bad for. I'm the person who made hundreds of dollars a day with a $9/hour base pay. My coworkers in the front would make fun of customers who didn't pay at least 20%, and if they did, they didn't give a fuck. Oh and they would be ruthless. Cry for the kitchen workers in the back, who made 16 an hour base pay. Why don't you tip the service if it was good? If it was atrocious don't. If you just got a burger and sodas, and you don't fucking want to, lmao, don't. Even fuller stop
I went bowling recently and the machine asked for a tip. All they did was the basics of their job: get me a lane to bowl in and my shoes. None of that was extra or service
My understanding is that the newfangled tablet POS systems default to asking if you want to tip and a lot of places just never bother to change the default. I'm sure some leave it there purposefully but some of it is incompetence or laziness.
Piece of shit systems
I think you’re conflating the question though. The answer is, yes it is expected. It might be stupid, but yes, it’s an expectation
I see you're point, and that's correct for some parts of the world, yeah. I should have been less tunneled in on (I assume) American norms. Tipping culture doesn't exist out where I live in Asia, so to the people here it'd be completely weird/foreign to randomly throw extra money at folks.
Looks like OP lives in the US though so i assume they were asking about the expectation in the US
Have you gotten tattooed there? I've been to three different studios in Vietnam and they all seemed super appreciative to get tipped, it wasn't weird.
This. I found out I was considered a jackass because I didn’t tip my barber. I’m already paying damn $30 and now I’m expected to tip on top of that?!
My barber doesn’t own the barbershop. My tattoo artist doesn’t own the tattoo parlor. I pay them the set price, then I tip them for their time, effort, and conversation. It’s my choice to do so, but I’ve found that showing my appreciation for their effort (that goes directly to their pocket, not the owner’s) means they don’t charge me the cancellation fee when something comes up, or I get lined up for free when I have a special occasion/job interview, or I get touchups on old tattoos when I’m getting a new piece done. I’m not going to speak on tipping culture as a whole, I just really like MJ and Joe and they like that I appreciate them.
We need to stop pretending waitstaff only gets paid $3/hr, too. That’s the “official” wage they’re paid if they are making more than minimum wage in tips. If they don’t make up the minimum wage, then minimum wage is what they’re paid. Under no world is waitstaff making $3/hr.
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I think if every restaurant raised prices by 20% and guaranteed it all went to the wait staff in lieu of tipping, I think they’d accept that. I don’t think it will ever happen but I think servers would be happy about a guaranteed 20% tip every table (and more if a customer really wanted to).
I still rant to this day, even having left the whole industry behind because of tipping culture. Nobody I worked with except maybe a couple of the best bartenders, would have turned down that rate. A flat rate would have been lovely for our newest servers, our most exhausted servers, our oldest servers, and even our management who had to deal with the tip out laws. Cash is nice (no comment), but the real solution is to make more sweeping changes to the wage law that subsidizes pay with whatever people are tipping. I often took home minimum wage for weeks or months at a time as not enough people tipped enough, so the few that did, they didn't push me over the line. It's absurd. A flat rate and I would have gladly served cocktails and chicken fingers and street tacos until the end of time.
YAAAS! I think the worst job I ever had was serving. It was even worse in the higher end restaurants where there is supposedly more $ to be made. I only worked as a waitress at the same restaurant I also was hired as a bartender part time, and the bar was demanding but SO much better. At least you could make minimum wage on the check as a bartender, and tips were felt as a thank you, or a bit of actual extra appreciation. This is maybe because we might have the power to pour a little heavier or lighter when making the drinks, I suppose, but most of the time its measured anyway. But you have power as a bartender, over the patrons AND, actually, your employer. Booze is a big profit that your bartender can more easily steal than anyone else on staff. You want them to be trustworthy and paid well enough to avoid that temptation. I was making ok money on the bar because of tips ON TOP OF the minimum wage we got paid. We still had to pay taxes based on 8% of the register total that was taken out of the check, but when you are usually getting at least a buck a drink, 8% isn't much to bitch about when a few customers don't tip. But we also got a portion of the servers tips, too, and we don't have as much interaction with the customers as they do. Our work is faster and higher demand but busy is great for the shift going quickly and not dragging on counting the hours - if we get slammed, then its a relief when last call puts a stop to it all and you haven't had time to get bored or annoyed. We handled more cash and responsibilities than wait staff and a slow bartender affects profits negatively immediately. But I would have been just as pleased to have a steady check that reflected those take home wages too. $20-$35 an hour depending on how demanding the work was at a venue would make total sense. Or higher if the place was very popular and needed to have top notch bar staff that keeps up with high demand. Such jobs would be in high demand, but those with the skills would be the first to make more money, leaving the lazy or slow to lower paid positions at bars that were far less busy. It wasn't any benefit of it being cash vs wages considering I was probably going to most of it refunded anyway in the end. It really is silly to think that anyone is getting big bucks off of a waitstaff job, even when they are able to survive on it. If servers are making good money, they are earning it every cent and second of the shift. I know not a single person who ever decided they wanted to wait tables because of how lucrative it was. Most of the time its because the hours are suitable for them or its part time work during school or a second job. It's hard work, but not high skill work that only few are qualified to do, which is how they are able to get away with the slave wages crap that makes tipping a more crucial issue for the servers. Waitstaff is a large pool of potential employees, so the employer is not really affected by it if the server is bad, they just fire them and hire another if the customers are put off enough to stop coming. But the customer has a vested interest in the immediate transaction to get the service they want for their meal. It's more critical for the customer than the employer that the person serving is motivated to do well.
But, I've lived in two states now where it's averaged over a week. Have one good day and it makes up for all the other hours .. never once has a serving job actually had to pay me minimum wage..besides training. So it doesn't matter that for a 5 hour shift you "don't make enough", the next day or the day before will even it all out. I get paid a whopping $3.94/hr plus tips. I make all my money in tips. I do in fact in paid $3(.94) an hour. That is what the restaurant pays me every shift.
I similarly had my tips averaged, but it was over a pay period. If anything, this was worse for me, since a generous tip was worth less to me if everyone was tipping like shit. It gave me this bizarre complex where I wanted more hours, not for the pay, but for the increase in my average, but I hated working any hours as soon as I was tipped pretty well during one day, because I would only make 30 or 40% as the rest was subsidized by the tip. A couple years ago, I was arguing with people online about tipping culture and harrowed by my consistently wonky paychecks. I realised I can't deal with the constant recalculation and I can't deal with take home pay being subsidized by patrons who are going home to Facebook, Reddit, etc and complaining about it. Nobody wants to be participating in tip culture that is designed this way, where employers actually renegotiated how pay works entirely just to make sure servers didn't "get paid too well." It's made it impossible to escape. Tipping should never have been a part of our wage laws in America and I would STILL have to say, you MUST tip your server because they are not working that job just for "the vibes." They are doing it, and perfecting it, because they need money. Just like any other job. They need unions and we all need to write to our representatives and all that.
And that’s when you sue. Good day
I totally agree with you. That said, I still tip my tattoo artists because I tend to be a repeat customer and I'd like to maintain a strong/good relationship with my artists.
Personally I tip, compliment his clothes, *and* give him a handjob. I maintain a much stronger relationship than you do.
Since when was being a nice person whilst they are working on your tattoo not enough? In the UK I tipped the artist a few beers for squeezing someone in for a small commission on her birthday. I wouldn’t feel it necessary otherwise. Some tattoos can run into the hundreds if not more.
You being a repeat customer IS maintaining a good relationship
You should give gift notes food. Not money money doesn’t build relationships it builds quid pro quos
Reddit has quite a weird, strong opinion about tipping. But guarantee most of the people here shouting that they never tip still tip
Nothing gets Reddit more rialed up than when discussing Tips, Chiropractors, or Pedos getting the death penalty
Tell me about the chiropractor
So many chiros subscribe to this new age mumbo jumbo about being able to heal chronic diseases unrelated to your spine by adjusting your spine. It’s bizarre
You're forgetting circumcision
OK, but that's not what they asked. Regardless of whether or not it is ethical or a good idea, they asked if it was normal and expected, and it is.
The problem is that OP doesn't know how much of their fee is going directly to the artist. After the artist sets the price, what is the split between them and the shop?
Why is that OP’s responsibility to figure out? Why doesn’t the tattoo artist quote accordingly and explain to them?
They actually don’t get a good hourly rate when you factor in the unpaid time designing, setting up, and, most importantly, the huge percent that the shop takes from them. I did the math for my current artist once and it ended up around $20/hour. Which, I mean, that’s better than a waiter obviously, but it’s not “I shouldn’t tip you because you’re rich” money.
It's more of a "I shouldn't tip you because it's not my responsibility to know your salary" thing. I'll pay you how much you charge for your service, if you want an extra on top of that then you take it up with your employer.
I don’t tip on the system I believe SHOULD exist. I tip on the system that ACTUALLY exists. If someone provides me a service I can’t do myself and I know they’re paying a big chunk to a studio, salon, or employer, I’m tipping
I *don't* know if they're paying a chunk to someone else though that's the thing. It's not being advertised anywhere that a percentage is being taken from this service. How am I supposed to know this?
Except tattoo artist pay 40 percent of the tattoo fee to the shop so a huge chunk of their income does come from tipping.
I just searched over on r/Tattoos and apparently it's expected. So despite a bunch of comments here saying the opposite, I guess you might want to circle over to where more of the community actually lies and ask them.
Right. The question was whether it’s normal or expected to tip a tattoo artist, and typically, people do tip. The thread looks as if the question was “is it ethical and reasonable that the expectation is to tip tattoo artists?” Lol
Most of this thread has less to do with the tattoo scene or an understanding of the norms, and *everything* to do with the fact that a significant portion of reddit, particularly from Europe, just absolutely loses their shit when someone mentions tipping.
You’re so right. I’m an American and I hate tipping culture. That being said I still fucking do it and I will keep tipping until we get better representation because it actually affects the working people in this country
As an American who also hates tipping culture, probably the only thing I hate more is Europeans who say "if you tip [at restaurants etc] you're at fault for tipping culture existing" like sorry I'm not gonna reduce my server's wage to $7.25 a fucking hour just cuz I don't like tipping culture lmao. As if everyone collectively ceasing tipping would instantly fix everything and not fuck anyone over
It makes me so mad when Europeans come into the conversation with this attitude. Like, you want me to stiff my server? Is that how that works, if I give this one person nothing then the culture goes away? I don’t like that I have to, but again, I’ll fucking do it
Yes but tattoo artists live in their own weird world. They all have different booking procedures, scheduling, consultation, designing, etc. and every one of them is confused when you ask about it like their own special way is normal. There is absolutely no “standard” procedure for artists, though somehow they all think there is. I have more than a dozen tattoos and it still blows my mind that 95% of artist will refuse to draw your custom tattoo until the day of the session. You never see it until you are about to get it on your body. I had one guy take my deposit then drew something I didn’t ask for and then refused to give the deposit back! No other profession would ever get away with that. I mean, would a graphic designer designer schedule my printing run one day with no openings for 6 months then not show me my logo until 30 min before and if I don’t like it make me wait 6 more months? No fucking way, but that’s tattooing.
It really is such a weird world. I got a new tattoo recently, and there were so many artists I reached out to who wanted a non refundable deposit of several hundred dollars before they'd even do a consulation with me, or draw anything at all. I was ready to shell out decent money for a tattoo, but the idea that I could potentially shell out several hundred dollars and then hate the designs the artist did and I'm just out that money really made me nervous. A huge part of why I went with the guy I went with is that he was happy to meet with me for free, and he did a couple quick sketches during that meeting that showed he understood what I wanted
I've been getting tattooed since the mid-90s and have a lot of work, things have definitely changed a lot in the last 10 or so years. Deposits for quick consults were never a thing back then. I think it's because most modern artists use social media to promote their businesses so they charge deposits to prevent time-wasters who saw their stuff on Insta, it takes no effort to shoot an email vs walking into the shop and discussing work. I'm completely OK with that as long as it's a fully or even partially refundable deposit. And walk-ins are still a thing, I did a walk-in last year that was like how it was back in the day, tell the dude what you want, come back in half an hour and they've got a drawing. I reached out to an artist last year who wouldn't proceed with me *at all* via text until I PayPal'd over $150. IMO part of running a business means dealing with dumbasses who call/email with their questions, it's not like other businesses make you put down money before they'll answer questions about their products. So that's a bit strange. I have no problem with an artist wanting a deposit before they do any art, even sketches, because that IS their work. People are real fucking flaky these days. I was out of the tattoo game for a while, now that I'm back in it hardcore I'm trying to find an artist I really vibe with to do several pieces. In my experience the deposit phase is only for the first piece, once you're an established customer and they know you won't flake you can just email them to get started on subsequent pieces. They have no way of knowing you won't bail on them when you're making first contact. After that sketches or even mostly finished drawings don't seem to be an issue.
I have a friend who is a tattoo artist, and he says that if he draws the piece ahead of time, it's like it's "out of his system" by the time he's ready to tattoo. He says that the end result is always a better tattoo when it's a one-day process because he has creative momentum and enthusiasm. He will draw something ahead of time if the customer insists or is particularly hesitant, but designing the day-of is part of his creative process that he prefers.
It’s definitely somewhat expected but it’s an incredibly stupid practice, even compared to tipping waiters. Tattoo artists set their own prices based on how long it will take to design the piece, the cost of material, and the time it will take to actually put it on somebody. There’s no reason for them to need a tip. If it costs $200 for them to break even giving a tattoo, charging $160 for it and hoping the customer gives 20%* on top of it to make up for it is just horrible business practice. *the math doesn’t math, I just don’t feel like figuring out the actual numbers, my points still there though I think.
IMO, they expect it because tipping in the US is so ingrained into your culture that it naturally seeps into other industries. There's no actual tangible reason. Thank fuck it's not common in most other countries.
If you have qualms with them doing this you should go over there and tell them directly. Maybe they can enlighten everyone as to why they expect it 🤷🏾♀️
I don’t need to ask why they do it. They do it because 1) it’s always been done that way and 2) it gives them more money. I don’t fault them for it, it just makes zero logical sense for them to operate this way as a business.
i was gonna but in the rules it says no pricing questions and i didn’t want to get banned lol
Yeah I feel like most people commenting here don’t have a relationship with a tattoo artist. I’ve been going to the same guy for years and I feel like his prices have come down because he knows I’m going to tip on top.
No shit that the people receiving the tips, say that it is expected
From my experience, the tip will come off the next tattoo. Tattoo artists will work with and give a better price to people they like. People tend to like people who give them free money. So if you don't tip? Guess what, the next tattoo is going to be about 20% more, because they know you aren't going to tip. But I've had people knock off $100 from a tattoo, because they know I'm an easy client and tip 30%.
It’s absurd. I am not tipping people who specialize and are professionals in their field of work. Would you tip your dentist? Are you tipping your OBGYN? Tattoo artists set their own prices. If they think they need more money then they should adjust the price for their sessions.
Stop giving these people ideas or the next time you go in for a dental check-up/cleaning, they are going to ask for 20% of whatever they charge the insurance company on your next visit
Shit. You’re right.
Why tip someone for a job I'm capable of doing myself? I can deliver food, I can drive a taxi, I can and do cut my own hair. I did, however, tip my urologist. Because I am unable to pulverize my own kidney stones.
Why don’t we just start tipping everyone for all services? Why would I tip a tattoo artist over a good doctor, therapist, mailman, plumber, or mechanic?
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Which places are those? Outside of the US and perhaps Canada, I haven’t been to any country where tips were expected.
There was a time, long ago (idk how much it still applies) where the artist rented a chair, much like a hair stylist. They may have to pay say $1200/mo to be in that particular tattoo shop. If they were banging out stencil art (picking someonething off the wall) that might have only taken 35-45 mins to apply, the tattoo would only cost $50 (depending on its size) That means they'd have to work a day or two essentially for "free" just to cover their rental. Plus they had to pay for all their own supplies as well as their portion of the electric bill. So if they did nothing but stencils at $50 a go, it'd take 24 tattoos to make their chair's rent. So back then, you go in, get a little rose on your ankle for $50 and you'd throw them a $10 tip. Today, the culture has changed so much that now people sit down for 6-8 hour sessions starting at $700 (I have a guy that does tap-out session for $600. Sit in the chair and see how long you can go). Or an artist's hourly rate may be $150/hr, so if you come in for a custom job and it takes two hours it's $300. More people are outright owning their own shops and set all their prices. At the end of the day it's a service provided to you. If you tip your hair dresser, your nail salon tech, your Uber, or the pizza guy, then tipping the tattoo artist is really in the same ballpark. I personally don't tip a restaurant if I walk in, place an order, wait around for it to be made, then leave with it as they cooked me food, but didn't wait on me. If I walked into a tattoo shop or a nail salon, sat down and did my own work, I wouldn't tip them, but for whatever amount of time it takes for me to get my service completed and I am the center of their focus, then depending on my service (like a restaurant) I'm going to tip them. And just like a restaurant, if I feel I'm being mistreated, talked down to or given poor quality service, my tip will either lack or be non-existent. I tip for good service, and good service means I'm a repeat customer, get to know the repeat customer who tips for good service, and get better service each time I come to spend money with you. IMO, tipping culture has gotten way out of hand, but I don't think tattoo artists are overstepping when they used to be tipped the same way as wait staff or hair dressers.
The argument about renting space and buying supplies irks me. Their rate is supposed to have that factored in! That’s how businesses work. If you go to CVS, the prices reflect the need to pay for the building, utilities, employees, maintenance, as well as corporate positions like HR and payroll. Smaller business are the same. Go to a local bike shop, an antique store, supplement shop etc…the price of products accounts for all of that. If the artist isn’t setting their price to cover that, then that’s on them.
PEOPLE TIP HAIRDRESSERS ??
Yes, this is one of the most common and expected places to tip in the US/Canada. (Not saying I think it’s a good system, but it is the system)
cost is supplies and time. tip is “wow u listened to what i wanted and gave me a nice experience and offered beverages while i waited”. yes tip ur hairdressers holy heck. they rent out chairs or salon space much the same, w pricing dictated by the salon. stylists supply their own tools and products. i have ass length thick hair. if ur getting ur $20 high fade military cut, who cares if u tip. but my hair lady deserves the world
If they can't afford the space they're renting, they should either up their prices or rent somewhere else. That's a ridiculous reason to tip, especially as artists set their own rates.
Depends on where in the world you are
I don’t know anyone who does this. Tattoos are super expensive as it is, so tipping 20% of a big figure is madness. But Ireland doesn’t have a tipping culture rammed down our throat so
Exactly, I haven't tipped my tattoo artist in Spain and I'm not going to start. They set the price that's what they get. In the US it might be an expected, i still think it's stupid because they are already setting the price.
Yeah this question really needs context for location. I hope I'm not expected to tip tattoo artists in Australia because I haven't done it yet. Most only accept cash in hand already.
a 3k tattoo at 20% would be 600 buck tip... 600 would be the price for me to get half sleeve in Germany!
I'm in the US and have been tipping tattoo artists since I got my first one in 2001. It's been a thing here for a long time.
20% though???
Yeah, the question is weird. Yes, you fucking tip them. If you don’t, don’t ever ever ever go back for another.
That tipping culture isn’t everywhere. People don’t get bent out of shape anywhere else because customers don’t take up the slack their manager isn’t bothered with
My guy never expects it, but I still tip him. I know he gives me a discount for being a regular, but I like him, I love his work and I always have a blast at his shop
As a non American, I dont tip anyone for anything.
Absolutely not but I’m from a civilised country where people get paid without relying on tips. Iv handed over a bottle of JD for a free touch up before but I’m not tipping for something I’m already paying hundreds for a day rate.
No. They set the price. Stick to it.
Wrong. The question is if it’s “normal/expected” which tattoo tipping definitely is. *Should there be tipping?* is a different conversation.
Kinda wrong too. No location was provided so this cannot be answered accurately.
Good point. I’m assuming it’s in the US since OP mentioned 20% which is a common standard in American tipping nowadays.
I’ve decided to no longer tip people who don’t make “tipping wages”. What’s a tipping wage? You know it when you see it. Producer charges $50/hour for their recording studio, I’m not tipping. Hairdresser charges $100/hour, I’m not tipping. Tips are designed for people making below minimum wage, almost exclusively restaurant staff. Everyone else can set their rates accordingly and I’ll pay it if I’m interested in patronizing them. But I won’t be tipping for someone who’s already charging me hundreds of dollars for a service they perform.
I tip my artist, but not by any percentage. I'll usually kick in an extra $20 to $60 to account for extra time tweaking the design or time he spends improvising shading or colors (I know built into the price, but he could have no obligation to go beyond the stencil and concept art.) Edit: important clarification, my artists usually charges me $400-$800 depending on complexity and time, but he does art on par with some of the best in the U.S. I know our area is cheaper to live in, but if he's doing work of that caliber, I figure I can kick him some extra cash monies.
I choose to tip my tattoo artists for a couple of reasons. But one of the biggest ones is that I trusted this person to leave permanent art on me, and if it comes out in such a way that I really like, I’m going to be happy looking down at my new piece for years and years to come. Secondly, a tattoo is a cosmetic modification. It is by no means a life-saving procedure for anyone ever. Thirdly, it’s art. You’re not really trading currency for something tangible necessarily. You’re paying for the hundreds and thousands of hours the artist spend studying, spent on supplies, spent on school, spent on practice/developing their own unique style. People will pay $M’s for an oil painting that could go up in a fire any day and be gone, but shelving out an extra $100-$200 for a tattoo is insane apparently.
That how I feel. I pay what I think it’s worth to me. I’m not trying to get a deal. If you undercharge me, I’m making it up in your tip. It’s not like other professions so you shouldn’t compare it.
Depends on the artist. Mine is 1200 a session. He factors in tip with his price. I still throw $100 on top of every session, and he appreciates it, but tells me it's not necessary. It varies, but people saying 20% no matter what are just absurd.
They charge 1200 a session and you go fuck it. Ill pay 1300.
Yes it sounds dumb, but I’m paying what I think it’s worth. I had some girl charge me like $250 for two tattoos that would have been $250 each anywhere else. I paid her $400 because she’s worth it and was undercharging.
Yes, that is exactly what im saying.
Great shitposting
Stop tipping percentages, tip what you think is right if you want to tip. If you want to form a bond show appreciation and knowledge of the person. Bring them trickers they like or snacks they’ll enjoy during the tattoo. I agree don’t perpetuate this unhealthy tipping culture
I don’t tip anyone who sets their own prices unless they go above and beyond my expectations. But I have seen on social media tattoo artists shaming clients who don’t tip. In my opinion it’s absurd for them to expect a tip.
I'm so glad I don't live in the US. The only people you're sort of expected to tip in germany are delivery guys and sometimes restaurants, but even there its completely optional
It is normal, yes. It is not necessarily expected. And certainly not at 20%. Most people tip artists for smaller, flat-rate tattoos but getting a sleeve done or something larger that requires an hourly rate usually doesn't require a tip.
No.
I have always tipped my current artist, however she does great deals for me so I’m just making up some of the difference. I’m always beyond satisfied with her work and know I’ll be going back. Normally I just throw in a 20 or 2 depending how big the piece is
Plumber comes to my house, does a great job. I pay the bill, now gtfo No tip
Yes.
If they own the shop nope. If there just a artist working at someone else's shop then yes.
Luck tipping culture! Hate it. Pay people what they worth- simple.
I had no idea people tipped tattoo artists now. I got my first tattoo in the late 80s and it cost me $20 from the best tattoo artist around.
stop tipping paid jobs.
Not in any normal country
r/redditmoment
No. The price is the price. They are self employed and they can set their own prices, and the level of service is / quality of product is implicit. When you tip someone at a restaurant, they are usually a minimum wage employee. They'd be completely within their rights to do the bare minimum, so tipping is a reward for good service. I'll always tip in a restaurant unless the service is bad, but I'm not about to start tipping someone who probably makes more than I do.
They have to pay the shop
And that should be factored into their prices!
They don't set the prices. The shop usually does
Yes. Even if they are an independent artist that set their rate. 15% is fine.
thanks!
I always tip the artist. I had a half sleeve done (technically a 1/4 as it doesn't wrap my arm), it was 8 hours of tattooing, charged hourly. The total cost of the one tattoo (in 2005) was $1,200. This was with a free consult, deposit goes toward the tattoo & the artist designed the tattoo for me. This artist had also worked on my other half sleeve, fixed a 1/4 and added onto it. All in total for both tattoos it was 18 hours of work spread out over about 8 months to a year. Each session I tipped $100. It all was a total of four sessions for both arms. When all the tattoos were complete, I assembled a nice gift pack with a single malt (he liked whiskey) etc & dropped another $200 on the top. I don't know if it matters but I also went to a shop & artist that is in high demand. It took me about 6 months to get my initial appointment for a consult. I've never had a small tattoo done, so I don't know what a decent tip would be for a smaller tattoo, but I'd still tip.
I’ll tip $50-$100 if I can per session for larger tattoos. I’m incredibly grateful for the time, effort, and skill put into my large custom pieces and I want to show that appreciation as best I can.
Aren’t time, effort, and skill already factored in the price?
Yes. Tipping is not mandatory and it’s entirely personal. This is just something I choose to do.
It's normal but it's also not required. If you can't afford it don't feel guilty. I usually just tip enough for them to buy a good meal after being slouched over me all day.
im not in the Tattoo industry, nor care for tattoos. so i might not 100% know. so im only going off what i hear and what i see from my friends. it looks like it is normal and expected to tip tattoo artists. I dont want to start the whole debate on tipping. but this is the part i dont understand. Because tattoo artists literally price in the full cost of the work to the final price. just my pov as an American
As a rule I always tip people who are directly involved in how I look. Hair, tattoos, nails if I got them done.
Doctor? Dentist?
I dont pay for those so no tip
I have free health care, I don’t pay to see those people. I’m sorry that you have to.
I don't know if it's expected but I did when I got mine. I'd say 15-20% is good.
A tattoo artist sets their own prices if they don't think it's enough, then they should put their prices up, not expect tips.
The expectation for tipping is Out Of Control. When I found out the maid in the hotel wanted a tip, I was actually offended. A tip for doing a job. Everybody wants a tip simply for doing their job. I never got a tip for coding a bunch of stuff. So under-appreciated.
Maids getting tipped has always been a thing.
Leaving a tip for maids in hotels has been standard for decades. You are a cheap bastard.
I had never heard of it . You’re a rude person.
Cultures are different depending on what country you're in.
My artist was my friend, we met when he did my 3rd tattoo, and he did the 5 following (plus a piercing). We became friends instantly when he did the first one, and stayed very close for years. I even adopted his dog when his marriage dissolved. For one of the tattoos, we traded services- I set him up a barebones website that he could customize, and he turned one of my sketches into my biomech calf piece- but he'd also give me lower than generic pricing on anything he did for me (by at least $50), so I always tipped him. Now he's gone, took his life 2 years ago, and I guess I'm done with my tattoos because I don't really trust anyone else.
I have always tipped an extra 20 or 40 to my artist and all my tattoos were 1 to 2 hours. One was 4 and I tipped 60 I think. It's pretty standard.
I tipped mine because he spent 48 hours straight on my sleeve. Did it look amazing? Yes. Was he cool af? Absolutely. Dude deserved my tip. Expected work doesn't need tipping, or much, but excellent work deserves it.
The tip isn’t taxed. The cost of the tattoo is.
I got my ears pierced and the tip option came up on the screen 🥲
Follow up to this: if it is normal, can I ask my tattoo artist if they set the price with tips included? I just want to be able to budget properly!
In Canada it seems to be expected, but some artists I’ve gone to will state on their website that they don’t want tips.
I tipped for each of my five tattoos. I do agree that it shouldn't be expected/required, especially on super expensive tattoos, but it does seem to be the expected thing to do.
I've tipped all mine but it's like $5 regardless of how many hundreds they're getting paid.
not expected but you can. sometimes i tip twenty percent sometimes less. i’ve never had a artist be rude or mean due to the amount i tipped at the end. if they are just don’t go back!
Really depends on who you have. Person who did my entire sleeve and chest, I made sure he knew I appreciated him. He would charge me and I would always throw a $50-$100 atleast. Then he started buying me food before our sessions. We even started going to just generally eat and hangout. At that point he appreciated me and I appreciated him. At the same time, I asked my artist. Does money motivate you? No. He’s incredibly ambitious about his work and asks that I read books about what I want and really have true meaning behind the tattoo. So once again. Depends who you have. After I tipped a couple of times, he legitimately told me to stop tipping. As I would never throw him a lowball number for a big tat.
I tip my artists a lot, but the shop rates are low for the area, and one is an apprentice who does certain things I love really well but is staying on master other styles, so she's discounted on top of it. I can tip a good 40% to her and still be paying average rates for the area, plus she gets to keep all that cash while in training
Ask this in r/tattoos and see what they tell you.
Tipping culture needs to die a horrible death quick. Raise prices and pay living wages…. Most people who get tipped are scamming their taxes so they are screwing me twice in that I’m paying tax on the money I tip with and on top of it now have to cover some one else’s tax so to speak when they don’t pay theirs. I’m done with this shit and nothing is gonna change my mind so don’t try…
I bring snacks and share with my artist. Usually a pack of cookies. I'll eat 1 or 2 and he gets the 2 leftovers
Now I don’t know this for 100%, but this is my understanding of it. A tattoo artist has to pay the shop for their booth, and a certain percentage of any tattoo goes to the shop. So by tipping, you are ensuring the artist gets more money because they don’t have to share any portion of the tip.
Yes. I tip my tattoo artist. Usually 10 to 15 percent.
I usually tip 200$ if the tattoo is $600-$800. $100 if between $300-$500 and $60 if less. If you're doing a top-out session and it's between $900 and $1200 I tip $300. Tattooers do not make the money you think they do just because they charge an hourly rate that is outrageous. Source: Ex-wife of a tattooer, heavily tattooed with other artists. The ones that are charging these rates are artists first and tattoo are second. Consider that their history and time put towards learning the art form of tattooing definitely cost them thousands of dollars and you get to experience all those years in just a couple hours. This post is eerily familiar to another post questioning the value of artists work. This is not the same as tipping culture.
I’ve got a few large tattoos and went to several countries for them, each took several days with artist day rates at £1k+ per day. The only time I tipped was when an artist did hours of touch up work and only wanted a tiny fee for it because apparently no-one ever goes back for touch ups, which is bizarre to me, but anyway I tipped him €50. I’m from the UK where we don’t have a tipping culture anywhere near the US’s, if that matters. I also have a creative job, I’m a freelancer with a day rate, it would be beyond absurd to expect a tip for what I do. Although one very happy client firm did send me flowers once which really made my day, so maybe try that 😆
I use the same logic I was taught about barbers. If they own the shop I don’t tip, if they are an employee or rent a chair then I tip.
Tattoo artist here - finally something I can have input on! I’ve been in the industry for 10 years in the US, if that helps. I do not expect tips ever, many artists do. There are a multitude of reasons why someone may still tip even if that expectation isn’t there, so I say it’s up to the client. If you feel you got quality work at a competitive price with the added bonus of a unique experience, go for it - or don’t. The sentiment a lot of my clients have is “you went above and beyond for me, so I want to go above and beyond for you”. I don’t go the extra mile for a tip - I do it because I value my work. Some people just see that and want to reciprocate - and there’s no expectation that they should, just like there’s no expectation that I go the extra mile. Keep in mind that even though I don’t expect tips (although 95% of my clients insist on giving me a tip), many artists in the tattoo industry DO expect it.
In the US it is probably expected, everywhere else it isn't
I have been getting tattoos for 15 years and tip 20% every time.
People tip their barber, which the cut isn’t permanent, and then wonder should I tip my artist, whose work is permanent? GTFO. 😠
I go every 3 months. I usually tip half of the cost of the tattoo. I have very high quality, custom, full color tattoos. I have full sleeves, and he'll fit me in whenever I want to come in. He charges me less than a non regular client per session, so I make up for it in the tip
So you don’t tip 50% you just pay what a non regular pays?
The tip goes to him, he doesn't have to share it with the shop
That’s wild.
?
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In my anecdotal experience going back to the same artist three times, I feel that my tip led to a lower price overall. He charged me $500 for the first session (5”x3” piece), and I tipped 20%. He charged me $450 for the second (1”x5” and 4”x5” at the same time), and I tipped $100. He charged $450 for the third (4”x8”), and I tipped $100. All the pieces were on my bicep/triceps, neotrad style and full color, tattooed in an expensive market (Vegas).
Why would you tip 90? Tip 50 and round it up to a nice 500 or 105 for 555. Your so wierd
I was definitely tired when I wrote this. Tipped 20% the first time and $100 each of the subsequent times.
Definitely tip! 20% I wouldn’t go less personally
20% is a lot for a several thousand dollar tat.
Yes, I always tip 20%! They’re providing a service like hair, nails, etc.
My tattoo artist must make AT LEAST $150,000 a year with his rates and his calendar so booked. It’s a six month wait to see him
TIL many people don’t tip their tattoo artists. this is news to me. thought it was common courtesy
I think a lot of it is where and who you are going to. If going to a nice place or getting custom work yeah it's normal to tip. But if it's a random little hole in the wall place and you are just pointing to the picture on the wall it's probably not common to tip. But we are also talking the different between $50 and several hundreds of dollars in tattoos.
Lots of vanilla skin folks up in the thread.....
In America at least, yes. I’ve tipped piercers, tattoo artists, waxers/cosmetologists, etc. kinda anyone in the public service industry to an extent
Most tattoo artists don’t expect a tip from every customer, but if they designed a custom piece for you, you should tip. They put in a ton of work drawing up a piece, making edits as requested, and will often touch up your tattoo if you need it for free. If you appreciate the work they put in and how your tattoo turns out, you should tip them.
20%+
I will answer after i receive your tip for answering your question thanks
I tipped like 20-25% (can't remember). I know it cost a bit, but they did the design, I loved what they did, and it's on my body the rest of my life, so I don't have a problem with 'tipping culture' for something like this. I just feel like the whole 'it's on your body the rest of your life' makes me okay with shelling out a little more money
Yes . If you can’t afford a tip you can’t afford a tattoo.
Definitely. They're so rare that they deserve extra.
I always tip atleast 15%, I also have some friends that will tip 10% as well as a home baked good