Arguably, the most painful part of the tattooing and body piercing process is paying the bill. While still high from the experience of your new modification you are asked to do some math. Panic and anxiety start to creep up the spine, down the arm, and towards the wallet. The brain resists quick responses. Critical thinking skills are suspended. This is the point where a crucial decision has to made. Should the bill be paid in full alone, or should a gratuity be added on?
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact [email protected] When N/A Artist all artists! Studio all studios! Location everywhere! Polite society dictates what services are deserving of your tips and at what percentage rate of the total is appropriate. The problem is polite society likes to pretend it doesn't have tattoos and body piercings- at least visible ones. Tattoos and body piercings have maintained a growing popularity over the years. Where once it was taboo to mention being a frequenter of a tattoo or body piercing studio, it is now commonplace. But what is the correct conduct inside the studio? The truth is, the etiquette gurus and manner moguls forgot to hand out this important piece of information. Tattoo artists and body piercers rely on tips to supplement their income and offer a highly skilled service deserving of gratuity.
Nothing in life is free. Inside the tattoo parlor and body piercing studio exceptions to this rule do not magically appear. The quality of a tattoo carries the artists name, craftsmanship and reputation. During the healing process it is not uncommon to find a holiday or spot where a little ink came out or was missed. Touch-ups on tattoos are generally done without charge to ensure the work is always the artist's best. As a courtesy to the piercing clientele, jewelry purchased from inside the studio is often inserted complimentary. It is important to understand this is often done at the technicians expense. Beads being replaced at no cost to the client certainly cost the studio or the artist money. The aftercare products where purchased by someone. Also remember the time given charitably to you could be spent on customers expecting to pay for the extra attention. To show appreciation, tattoo touch-ups should receive a minimum of $10 tip and jewelry insertions a minimum of $5 tip. The more time and attention you receive the more monetary thanks should be shown.
Tips show the artist they are regarded favorably for the work they do. It has become commonplace to tip most labor orientated service received, giving slightly more to those services that require particular client attention. In this manner, it is important to never forget the tireless work of tattoo artists and body piercers. The standard tip rate for any tattoo or body piercing procedure is 20%. Sometimes artists give a little extra by spending more time on a client's drawing, taking the time to provide specific aftercare instructions and answer questions, responding to a client who is light-headed or feeling ill, giving a client a discount or free product. Look for signs the artist is going beyond the application of a tattoo or insertion of a body piercing. Realize when an artist is showcasing some of their best work on you. A higher percentage tip should then be applied.
Tattoo artists and body piercers should be professional at all times. However, these experts are human and have bad days at work. Sometimes a client just isn't treated special or is felt rushed. In situations like these it would be an exercise in good judgement to lower the tip percentage to 10%. A lower tip is a sign of a job not done to satisfaction. Failing to tip at all does nothing to tell the artist how the client rated their performance. Not tipping usually means the client is unaware of studio etiquette or is aware but arrogant enough not to do so.
Tattoo artist and body piercers are often forgotten when lists of who to tip and how much are made. It is in this industry clients feel it fitting to haggle prices, ask for products or services for free and tell the experts they are capable of doing what it takes years to learn without any education. At the end of the day, tattoo artists and body piercers are deserving our thanks. They walk us through the process of modification, hold our hands through our fear and take every step to ensure our safety and happiness. Tipping is the least we should offer.
Using these rates and percentages as your guide you will regarded as a good and educated client. When you enjoy alcohol, take care of the bartender. When you want your car returned to you promptly, take care of the valet. When you want to see your tattoo artist or body piercer give rock star treatment, tip them well and often.