I tip whatever feels reasonable, but I don't think I've ever tipped anyone other than a waiter/waittress 20%. I tip them that much because they make squat. A tattoo artist on the other hand makes a pretty decent profit so I tip based on my happiness meter.
I have no idea about tattooists, but, as a general rule, one is not supposed to tip the owner of a shop, even for services for which one would tip an employee.
I agree - as the owner, they have the privileges to charge whatever they want, whereas the employees can't. They also get everything you pay them, as opposed to an employee, who gives the shop a cut.
Therefore, if they expect tips? Let them raise their rates.
I have to comment that a shop owner does NOT (necessarily) "get everything you pay them"--the owners are presumably the ones who pay the bills and small business owners are often known to cut their own pay in the interest of keeping the business running.
I think I tipped around 15% on my big tattoo, maybe a little more for the smaller ones. I was so high on endorphins by the end, though, that I walked out without tipping him so I had to drive back later and do it, which made me feel ashamed.
ok.. no tattos yet, but If they are patient, and good, and such, tip 10 for a small tramp-stamp, 20 for a med like a flower anklet, 30 for something the size of a splayed hand. and on up for multiple sittings and full back pieces and such.
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The way I figure it, I give a stylist 20%, and a tattoo is like a permanent styling operation.
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Therefore, if they expect tips? Let them raise their rates.
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BUT
I have to comment that a shop owner does NOT (necessarily) "get everything you pay them"--the owners are presumably the ones who pay the bills and small business owners are often known to cut their own pay in the interest of keeping the business running.
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btw, I saw some consistently AMAZING work by Cory at http://www.krugertattoos.com/tattoos1.htm
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