Video:Tattoo Courtesy and Etiquette

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Transcript:Tattoo Courtesy and Etiquette

Getting up the nerve to go into a tattoo parlor for the first time can take a lot of mojo -- you might even be tempted to indulge in a little bit of liquid courage -- but if you do your homework, you won’t need either. That's because you'll already know about tattoo courtesy and etiquette.

Display Professional Behavior When in Tattoo Parlors

Speaking of liquid courage, the days of getting drunk and then a tattoo are really passé. And, if you are in the midst of a Britney Spears-type meltdown, it's best to skip the tattoo shop and go directly for help. Today's tattoo shop is a professional establishment where service is a priority.

In return, artists expect courtesy and respect from you as patrons. Bad behavior is not tolerated, especially in an environment now dedicated to health and safety standards.

Visit the Tattoo Shop Before Getting a Tattoo

Feel free to drop by a tattoo shop before getting your tattoo. You can bring in an idea and talk to an artist. This establishes a comfort level for you and it also helps the artists get a better idea of what you are looking for in a tattoo.

If you want to make sure that health and safety are a priority, it's not out of place to ask to see the autoclave and sterilization certification.

Common Courtesy to Ask About Tattoo Prices Before Haggling

Once you get a sense of whether the tattoo shop is for you, the next question may be whether it is okay to haggle over the price. After all, there are many places where negotiating the price is common practice.

Look to see if prices are posted by the hour or the size and intricacy of the tattoo you want. If you don't see the pricing, simply ask if prices can be negotiated. Also, if you plan on becoming the next illustrated man or woman and will be getting numerous tattoos over an extended period of time, an artist might work with you on a lower price.

Just remember that, like nearly everything that comes with a price, you generally get what you pay for. And, it is important to recognize the skill, time, and craftsmanship that go into the tattoo process. So, if you are looking for Wal-Mart pricing, you'll most likely get a bargain-basement quality tattoo as well.

It Is Courtesy to Tip 10-20 Percent for Tattoos

Along the same lines as price is the age-old question of to tip or not to tip. While it is common practice in salons and restaurants, the amount to tip a tattoo artist is not quite as clear. Although 10-20 percent is a good ballpark, it can also be based on what you can afford, what value you place on the work, and how well you know the artist. Just remember that tipping is not a city in China.

Now that you have all the basics down on how to act and what goes down in a tattoo shop, you might still want to practice keeping your composure, especially if you plan on dropping by to see Squire Strahan at Trilogy Tattoos in Brandon, Florida, or getting inked by any of your town's famous artists. I'm Jonathon Stewart, with About.com.