Tips on Tipping

Quick question for you artists, and those who have had hours and hours of work done: What's an appropriate tip? Do you go with a set lump amount, or do you go by percentage of the total bill? How many people actually tip, and how many forget/don't think of it?

hey, this topic was adressed about a month ago....and since then i went from $60-70 tipping for 4 hours work to $100..but i dunno the proper answer anyway...see if this link works http://www.tattoonow.com/facemaster.cfm?task=message_list&thread_index=11529&generate=1

Not tipping is rude in my opinion. How much you tip is based on how happy you are with the job done. I don't think 20% or a bit more is unreasonable for an awesome piece of art you'll be wearing forever. Craig www.creativecutgems.com

20% is a lot...especially for us poor folk. I think if you give something and make it really clear how happy you are then that's enough. Especially if you're investing in a large piece over several sessions tipping 20% for each session puts the price up ALOT. I'm not saying to give $10 on a $200 tattoo...but just something that seems reasonable.

Look at it this way...the best way to say thank you to someone you really don't know is with money. Thats just the way it is. For my first sit I tipped 150 bucks...yes yes its alot and I am not made of money, but I will tell you this when I tipped he was like are you sure and I was like hell yeah. I know that he is going to remember it when he starts working on the next sit. Your not buying a beer here this thing is on you for life.

I've watched several discussions on this question with amused interest as, I expect, most people from outside the USA do. In my experience, it's only the US in which is so ingrained and, yes, I do understand how it's an integral part of the earning structure for people employed in the lower echelons of the hospitality industry, but to tip your tattooist? It seems to me that the next step will be to tip your plumber, your doctor, your stockbroker. These people perform a service for a negotiated fee, there's no justification for expecting a surcharge on that. Sure, if you want to show your appreciation go right ahead, but isn't a gift more personal and appropriate?

Hi. I just wanted to say thanks for the info on tipping. I'm getting my 1st tattoo tomorrow, and want to make sure that I know what's a normal tip. To the person who said they don't think there should be a surcharge on something like this... I see your point, but if I like my tattoo & decide to get another one from the same guy, I want him to remember that I tip based on how happy I am with the result. Like a bonus for good or exceptional work.

Thank you, Muffy! More people should realize this....I mean c'mon people... do you tip your hair stylist(or barber) if they do a good job? How about if your bartender makes you a stiff drink? Good lookin out Muffy!