I’ve been downvoted to oblivion for saying this before too lol. Tattoo artists, barbers, stylists, etc literally set their own rates. They have full control over what they charge you. They can even turn down certain requests. If they think their work is worth more than they charge…..they should just increase the price?? Like, I get accepting tips when they’re offered, but to expect it when you’re the one setting the price is ridiculous.
Vancouverite here. Tipping is up to you. If you get specific consultations and customizations etc. that is above and beyond the normal, tip. From our local tattoo shop:
Tipping all depends on the person! The artists will appreciate it if you do but it's not expected.
In US I see it as almost obligatory, especially if you like the tattoo artists work and would like to come back in the future. It's very possible if you don't tip for the first project, it will be harder to get them to work with you on a second.
It is. It's not a thing in Europe and in the US it's origins trace back to gangsters bribing people for preferential treatment (and company owners lobbying to make those bribes legal by re-branding them as "tips" so they could justify not keeping up with minimum wage standards)
In the US the typical custom is if the barber, tattoo artist, stylist, masseuse, etc is the owner then you don't tip (unless you want to give extra for whatever reason).
If they're an employee that doesn't manage the business and can't set their own prices, you do tip.
I got a tattoo while I was visiting Japan - and I was near an American military base. The tattoo artists there had things stating that they accepted tips lol
I gave my tattoo artist a pirated complete copy of the Moomin series because I was there ~a month before my appointment with a friend and heard his kid had just discovered Moomins and was rapidly becoming a fan.
I've always chucked an extra tenner or so on when I get one done! Think I must've read online that you should do before I got my first one years ago as a teenager (probably from an American). Artists have always been v thankful lol
I've bought my tattoo artists lunch and snacks before, but that's as far as I'll go. Never once have any of my tattoo artists seemed visibly upset that I didn't tip. I think in the UK they have enough sense to ask for more money upfront if they expect more money.
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u/mattoyaki 9h ago
I’ve been downvoted to oblivion for saying this before too lol. Tattoo artists, barbers, stylists, etc literally set their own rates. They have full control over what they charge you. They can even turn down certain requests. If they think their work is worth more than they charge…..they should just increase the price?? Like, I get accepting tips when they’re offered, but to expect it when you’re the one setting the price is ridiculous.