Guide
How to price tattoos: hourly, by piece and minimums
Short answer: set a shop minimum, an hourly rate for larger work and fixed prices for flash and small pieces; quote custom work by size, detail and placement, and take a deposit that is taken off the final price.
The usual ways to price
| Method | When |
|---|---|
| Shop minimum | Covers setup and supplies for the smallest tattoo (often $60–$150). |
| Fixed price | Flash and small pieces – the client knows the price up front. |
| Hourly rate | Larger custom work; often $120–$250 an hour depending on the artist and city. |
| Day rate | Sleeves and back pieces – a fixed price for a full day. |
What changes the price
- Size and detail.
- Colour or black and grey.
- Placement – ribs, hands and feet take longer.
- Cover-ups and reworks.
- The artist’s experience and waiting list.
Quote custom work in writing
Ask for the idea, placement, size, colour, budget and reference photos before you quote. Send the price, the time and the deposit together – the client confirms by paying the deposit.
How GITECHY INK helps
Services with fixed prices, hourly or “price on request”; custom tattoo requests with idea, placement, size and reference photos; quote and offer a time with a deposit link; the deposit is counted at check out.
Questions
Should I show prices online?
Show prices for flash, piercings and small pieces, and the shop minimum. Custom work is quoted after the request.
Should tips be included?
No – tips are on top of the price, and you decide in GITECHY INK whether they go to the artist or are shared.
Related
Run your studio with GITECHY INK
Booking with deposits, consent forms, artist pay and aftercare – one flat price per studio, no commission on your payments.