Quick Tattoo etiquette question

[cjchio]

I didn't want this to get buried in the random thread. I have ano appointment for a touch up on my tattoo at noon...she is going to be touching it up forfree.

Do you tip for the time on the touchup? If yes, like $20?

Google is giving me conflicting answers.

[onesweetworld]

lilsneezy

[onesweetworld]

I'd say yes

[beckynsean11]

I would say yes

[cjchio]

Do you guys think $20 will be ok?

[PirateCat]

Do you know how much she charges per hour and how long it might take? I would typically start by figuring out the value of the free service, then choose some percentage of that amount that seems appropriate.

[cjchio]

Apr 3, 2016 10:31:52 GMT -5 PirateCat said:

Do you know how much she charges per hour and how long it might take? I would typically start by figuring out the value of the free service, then choose some percentage of that amount that seems appropriate.

That's a great idea! I didn't even think to do that.

[lilsneezy]

Tipping is not expected, but always appreciated (in my shop, anyways). $20 is a nice tip for a free touch up.

(ETA: Most people do tip though.)

[Deleted]

I would probably do at least $50. I would do more than what a normal tip on the service would be because of the fact that she is doing it for free. It's still time, work and supplies for her

[onesweetworld]

Apr 3, 2016 10:41:25 GMT -5 @irish said:

I would probably do at least $50. I would do more than what a normal tip on the service would be because of the fact that she is doing it for free. It's still time, work and supplies for her

I think $50 is high. I'd use the cost of your tattoo as more of a guideline and then see how long it takes for her to touch it up. My tattoo was $80 total. I can't imagine paying $50 to have it touched up. Although I've never had mine touched up and it's 10 years old.

[PirateCat]

Apr 3, 2016 10:39:34 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

Tipping is not expected, but always appreciated (in my shop, anyways). $20 is a nice tip for a free touch up.

(ETA: Most people do tip though.)

Is there a generally accepted percentage that people typically tip? Like 20% at restaurants? If a restaurant comps us something for some reason, I tip over 20% on the full amount before comps. 

[Deleted]

Apr 3, 2016 10:45:55 GMT -5 onesweetworld said:

Apr 3, 2016 10:41:25 GMT -5 @irish said:

I would probably do at least $50. I would do more than what a normal tip on the service would be because of the fact that she is doing it for free. It's still time, work and supplies for her

I think $50 is high. I'd use the cost of your tattoo as more of a guideline and then see how long it takes for her to touch it up. My tattoo was $80 total. I can't imagine paying $50 to have it touched up. Although I've never had mine touched up and it's 10 years old.

That's true- I didn't think of the cost. I was basing this on me and I have all large pieces that took more than one sitting and my artist is $250 per session. If I were to get touched up for free I would probably give him $100 lol.

So $20 is probably good for a smaller tattoo that didn't cost as much.

[cjchio]

I'm going to also base off of how long it takes her. The back flower needs attention on the petals.

My husband is going to be in and out with his, so he's doing $20.


I really appreciate the suggestions! I didn't want to be weird and offer a tip if it wasn't the norm. And I definitely don't want to be cheap. I like this artist.

[lilsneezy]

Apr 3, 2016 10:47:42 GMT -5 PirateCat said:

Apr 3, 2016 10:39:34 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

Tipping is not expected, but always appreciated (in my shop, anyways). $20 is a nice tip for a free touch up.

(ETA: Most people do tip though.)

Is there a generally accepted percentage that people typically tip? Like 20% at restaurants? If a restaurant comps us something for some reason, I tip over 20% on the full amount before comps. 

I wouldn't say there's a standard percentage amount like when you go out to eat. Some people tip 100% and some people don't tip at all. For example, MH just did an $800 tattoo and didn't get a tip. But then he did a $350 tattoo and got a $100 tip. When customers ask me if they should tip and how much, I tell them they should tip based on their experience and how happy they are with their tattoo. Most people tip anywhere from $20-100. He has gotten a $200 tip a few times but it's pretty rare. And big tips usually come after big, multi session projects.

[cjchio]

Apr 3, 2016 11:11:53 GMT -5 @pineappleoranges said:

I don't think you should tip at all. Here's what you can do: get a electric clipper sets and take out the little motor. Get a pen (preferably bic) and jailhouse rig one up. (Ehow.com has a great tutorial) and have your H do your tattoo and you do his tattoo.

Damn! I'm already at the parlor! Why didn't you comment earlier?

[lilsneezy]

Apr 3, 2016 11:11:53 GMT -5 @pineappleoranges said:

I don't think you should tip at all. Here's what you can do: get a electric clipper sets and take out the little motor. Get a pen (preferably bic) and jailhouse rig one up. (Ehow.com has a great tutorial) and have your H do your tattoo and you do his tattoo.

Sounds like the phone call I got yesterday...

Me: Blah Blah Tattoo?
Guy: Do you sell stuff?
Me: What kind of stuff..?
Guy: Well I bought this tattoo kit online and I'm missing the cord that goes from the 'gun' to the box...
Me: No.
Guy: No? Do you know where I...
Me: No. ::click::

[cjchio]

Apr 3, 2016 11:27:12 GMT -5 @pineappleoranges said:

Apr 3, 2016 11:21:23 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

Sounds like the phone call I got yesterday...

Me: Blah Blah Tattoo?
Guy: Do you sell stuff?
Me: What kind of stuff..?
Guy: Well I bought this tattoo kit online and I'm missing the cord that goes from the 'gun' to the box...
Me: No.
Guy: No? Do you know where I...
Me: No. ::click::

That could've been your next apprentice

Shit, he could have done my touchup.

[lilsneezy]

Apr 3, 2016 11:27:12 GMT -5 @pineappleoranges said:

Apr 3, 2016 11:21:23 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

Sounds like the phone call I got yesterday...

Me: Blah Blah Tattoo?
Guy: Do you sell stuff?
Me: What kind of stuff..?
Guy: Well I bought this tattoo kit online and I'm missing the cord that goes from the 'gun' to the box...
Me: No.
Guy: No? Do you know where I...
Me: No. ::click::

That could've been your next apprentice

Who needs an apprenticeship when there's eBay and YouTube?