In the tattooing trade, payment for tattoos is in cash and in advance. It is hard to take back a tattoo if the customer won’t pay. Same deal for checks. Accept only cash in advance - nonrefundable. A sign up front, “no checks,” also helps. Also, if you do work by appointment, deposits are required to secure it. The appointment goes into an Appointment Book the minute a deposit is received. This deposit is nonrefundable if they do not show up. Usually, a twenty-four cancel notice is required and then deposits are returned. The deposit for an appointment can be taken off the top of the tattoo price. Sometimes a deposit is necessary in the case of special design requests. This is to cover the time involved in the design or the extra to pay an artist to draw one up special. When doing a large piece that requires more than one sitting, always get fifty percent up front and divide the balance up between the following sittings.
Sometimes people will surprise you with really outrageous requests for tattoo work. Usually in weird places that are out of the ordinary. Once again, payment in advance, and for appointments. If you don’t feel comfortable tattooing, let’s say, genitals, for instance, set your price extremely high and out of range. If the customer agrees to pay it, well do it. A private booth or section may be essential when doing bashful customers or women. Some people do not want to be stared at, and you should honor all requests and do your best to please the customer at all times. Never tattoo minors, even when they have parental approval. It is just bad policy and stay away from it. It is also not too smart to tattoo certain exposed body parts. Reconsult chapter on “Skin” for more wisdom on this.
Do not tattoo people who for whatever reason are not capable of making a free informed choice in having a tattoo or not, such as the mentally handicapped. Don’t tattoo minors even with written permission, it isn’t very professional. Tattooists who tattoo small children need counselling and help.
Don’t tattoo pregnant or nursing women. It’s also not a good idea to tattoo vulgar words or dirty pictures. Tattooing should be an honorable art, not a barbaric ritual. A professional attitude draws a line. Never compromise or cross over it. Business is business and don’t deviate from the rules. Names and biker club insignias are a definite no no. The only exception is if you have undeniable proof of biker club membership. Remember, these fellows are very proud of their designs and guard them rather jealously. You are responsible for indiscrete tattooing and will have to answer for it.
It is best not to tattoo in the window of your shop. Regardless of what you may think, there are people out there who consider tattooing obscene. If you flaunt your wares in front of their face, they will remember you for the wrong reasons. It’s not good to attract bad attention to yourself.
Don’t exhibit reptiles, white rats, shrunken heads, skeletons, etc., in your studio as come-ons. The reaction of most people to such props are negative and they are usually repulsed. What you intended as a come-on may be a turn-off. Tattooing can stand on its own merit and such window dressing announces to the world that you may be involved in some strange sect besides tattooing. That hardly inspires confidence in the people you seek to do business with.

Posted on September 2nd, 2008 by admin
Tags: design your own tattoo, tattoo art, Tattoo designs, tattoos

Filed under: Prices and Selling