New tattoo - Do you really want to argue over price?

[msalerno]

I was just wondering, do people try to haggle over the price of a tattoo? I'm sure they do, do you think it's wise? If I were face to face with the man (or woman) who would be permanently marking my body, I wouldn't want them to have any ill will towards me or to skimp on the ink. Does this make sense to anyone else? After telling this to a few of my friends (one with a pretty bad tattoo), they told me I was nuts.

[playfool]

I would go around saking the different shop what they wanted for it, but the deciding factor would not be price it would be my trust in the person who was going to mark my body.. I'm willing to pay extra if I'm sure I will get quality work in a safe fasion.

[YopWongSapn]

I agree with SoLC here. Price is the least important thing. I've had my share of bad tattoos in my days, and it costs more in the long run if you ever want to fix the tattoo later. My advice to you is to find someone who's been in the business for a long time...I would say at least 5 years. My first inking was done by a guy who has been doing tattoos since the 70's (ironically, he gave me the best deal too). The next few were done by some of the less experienced guys in my area, and I had to go back to the first guy and have him fix them. Go to all the shops that are close enough for you to be willing to go, talk to the artists a little bit before you make your decision. Make sure they'll do a good job.

As far as haggling goes, I've seen it done, and sometimes it works. Once you pick an artist, I would suggest finding out what his/her minimum price is (some places do this, others don't), and what they would consider to be a "minimal" tattoo (one that would get the minimum price). Based on that, you can decide whether the price they quote you for your design is fair, and if not try to negotiate. Don't be too pushy, otherwise they may refuse to do it for you.

One thing to keep in mind is that the really good artists out there take pride in their work. They won't intentionally screw up your tattoo just because you wanted a good deal. Assuming you pick the right person (and you ask nicely), they'll either bring the price down, or turn down your bargaining attempts.
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Gentoo...it's like wiping your ass with silk. Or sandpaper.

[afterthefall]

One of my buddies owns a tattoo shop, and he personally hates talking money for his work (which makes it rather awkward for me when its time to cough up the dough as well). Because I respect the people who mark my body, I tend to pay them as well as I can - it can be a tough business, and you really want to keep your artists happy. Most do take immense pride in their work, and aren't looking to intentionally leave you with an f'ed up piece of work. Your body is their resume, and that bad piece will haunt them for as long as you tell their name with that piece of work.

Shop around for a place that you feel comfortable with. Most importantly, look at the artist's work, and make sure you feel comfortable with them personally. There's a ton of great artists out there, but things are a little different when the needle is jacking away.

- Brian

[Teh Dude]

Lolz at this topic.

[kalisphoenix]

I'm not a haggler by nature, but even less so with tattoos. I've tipped them, in fact. It's not easy work, after all.

[lagrima]

i asked them how much would it cost not becuase im a cheap bastard but because i dont want to go there with insufficient money. of course they never answer me with my question
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"Argent fa molt, amor fa tot"

[YopWongSapn]