by Charles Swope

Created on: July 28, 2007   Last Updated: June 16, 2011

My father as his before him used to say: "You get what you pay for." Nothing could be closer to the truth when it comes  to a tattoo. Most shops usually charge by the hour at an average rate of around $100 sometimes $150. Color, location, and the artist's popularity can also be expected to increase the overall cost of your tattoo.

-Color
When you ask for color in your tattoo the artist has to one: switch out needles and two: change his drawing pattern making it that much harder for him to tattoo you. If a piece is black and white then the needle never needs to be changed and its smooth sailing, however, if a piece is multiple colors then there are several needles that will be used.

-Location
Some people like tattoos in weird places! A tattoo on or near the genitals is always going to cost a little more especially if you're of the same sex. Also extremely painful spots such as the rib cage or arm pit will probably run you more as well because some customers will need cigarette breaks or time to cry during the operation and this takes time away from the other customers the artist must see throughout the day.

-Artist Popularity
It is the same concept as a best selling CD priced higher than you think it should. If an artist knows he is the best around it is not a bad business move for him to charge a little more. An artist can gain popularity from a recent article on him or his shop in a magazine or winning an award at a local convention or contest. Some tattoo artists are famous painters, sculptors, or have some other form of artistic talent which also entitles them to charge more for there work.

-Price Negotiation
For much larger pieces such as the ones on my body the artist will most likely propose a price which he thinks fair keeping your price range in mind. I strongly advise against trying to haggle an artist down in price on your tattoo. If you can't afford the price that he throws out there simply ask him once if he can go any lower and if he says no either except the price or thank him for his time and leave. A tattoo shop that negotiates prices like a flea market probably belongs at a flea market!

As you can see there really is no set price for tattoos. Every artist and tattoo is different. Keep in mind that if a price is fairly high it most likely includes some of the factors mentioned. A tattoo lasts a lifetime and price should not be an option when it concerns your body's appearance.

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