Forum Discussion - Tattoo Studio Etiquette Lesson
Sunday November 21, 2004
The following sage advice comes from texasinkslinger:
1. NO, we do not sell "guns", I believe our local WalMart may do so though. At this time we are not federally licensed as a gun dealer, sorry.
2. If you come in on Tuesday, and tell us that you can't afford it/have to get "permission" from other half/don't have time, then proceed to say that you will see us on Saturday, please understand that unless you made a legitimate appointment, we will not keep our whole schedule open on the hopes that you were serious. This also includes the fact that you have no right to get mad/yell at me/scream at me/etc because we don't have time to fit you in at the exact minute you think we should.
3. In reference to #1 above, we also do not sell inks, needles, or whatever else you may dream up. We also do not know where you may purchase these as an unlicensed individual. Our suppliers only deal with licensed professional studios. 4. We don't care if your friend's cousin's niece's daughter is a friend of ours, you will pay our asking price, or you will go elsewhere.
5. No, we don't do "group" discounts either.
6. If we happen to stop by the studio before our scheduled opening time, that is exactly what we are doing. We do not intend on being here for more than the few minutes it will take us to complete our task. Yes, our door is unlocked, but the open sign is off. When you walk in, and none of our lights are on, and ask if we are open, we feel like handing you the Jeff Foxworthy sign.
7. In reference to #6, when our answer is no, we are not open, our hours are (insert local studio hours), as plainly stated on the door you just walked in, that does not mean that we will be happy to stay while you look through the racks, etc in the dark. We are open 9 hours a day, during that time, we will be happy to help you. Beyond that, we are trying to get things in order so that we may serve you better. (Do you really want to antagonize the person who will be leaving a permanent mark on you???)
8. Do not call and ask what our hours are, then ask if it's okay if you come in an hour after we close. Sure, go ahead, come on down. Our doors will be locked and no one will be here, but if you really feel the need.......
9. Do not argue with us on the price, or ask if we'll "cut you a deal". The answer is no, and will stay no, regardless of what you say. In fact, sometimes prices will go up if you ask this repeatedly.
10. If you have the nerve to walk in, see someone else getting a tattoo, then actually ask for that exact tattoo, in the exact location, in the exact colors, we will not be held responsible for ours or others actions. ;)
11. Our signs, front door, and release forms state that you are not to have been drinking or doing drugs prior to getting a tattoo. No, we will not make an exception. Yes, we can smell it, and yes, we saw you run into three walls. We are not stupid.
12. It's great that your friend's cousin is a tattooist/piercer. No, we will not do what they do exactly. Unless you have actually been trained and apprenticed, realize that we really do know what we are doing........really........I promise......
13. Do not get mad when we quote you a price, and then you decide to go that friend's cousin, then come back to us and expect us to fix it for the previous price. It takes a hell of a lot more talent, knowledge and ability to fix someone else's mess than it does to start with blank skin.
14. When we tell you that we are closed on Mondays (or insert day here), really we are closed. Don't get mad about it, obviously you get days off work, it would stand to reason that we get a day off too. I'm sorry that this week our days off coincided, but no, we will not make an exception and open up just for you. The tattoo you want will most likely not cover the overhead that we would incur. If it is a large piece, and your attitude is good, and we OFFER to have you come in on a day we aren't normally open, great!! Otherwise, don't even ask!!!
1. NO, we do not sell "guns", I believe our local WalMart may do so though. At this time we are not federally licensed as a gun dealer, sorry.
2. If you come in on Tuesday, and tell us that you can't afford it/have to get "permission" from other half/don't have time, then proceed to say that you will see us on Saturday, please understand that unless you made a legitimate appointment, we will not keep our whole schedule open on the hopes that you were serious. This also includes the fact that you have no right to get mad/yell at me/scream at me/etc because we don't have time to fit you in at the exact minute you think we should.
3. In reference to #1 above, we also do not sell inks, needles, or whatever else you may dream up. We also do not know where you may purchase these as an unlicensed individual. Our suppliers only deal with licensed professional studios. 4. We don't care if your friend's cousin's niece's daughter is a friend of ours, you will pay our asking price, or you will go elsewhere.
5. No, we don't do "group" discounts either.
6. If we happen to stop by the studio before our scheduled opening time, that is exactly what we are doing. We do not intend on being here for more than the few minutes it will take us to complete our task. Yes, our door is unlocked, but the open sign is off. When you walk in, and none of our lights are on, and ask if we are open, we feel like handing you the Jeff Foxworthy sign.
7. In reference to #6, when our answer is no, we are not open, our hours are (insert local studio hours), as plainly stated on the door you just walked in, that does not mean that we will be happy to stay while you look through the racks, etc in the dark. We are open 9 hours a day, during that time, we will be happy to help you. Beyond that, we are trying to get things in order so that we may serve you better. (Do you really want to antagonize the person who will be leaving a permanent mark on you???)
8. Do not call and ask what our hours are, then ask if it's okay if you come in an hour after we close. Sure, go ahead, come on down. Our doors will be locked and no one will be here, but if you really feel the need.......
9. Do not argue with us on the price, or ask if we'll "cut you a deal". The answer is no, and will stay no, regardless of what you say. In fact, sometimes prices will go up if you ask this repeatedly.
10. If you have the nerve to walk in, see someone else getting a tattoo, then actually ask for that exact tattoo, in the exact location, in the exact colors, we will not be held responsible for ours or others actions. ;)
11. Our signs, front door, and release forms state that you are not to have been drinking or doing drugs prior to getting a tattoo. No, we will not make an exception. Yes, we can smell it, and yes, we saw you run into three walls. We are not stupid.
12. It's great that your friend's cousin is a tattooist/piercer. No, we will not do what they do exactly. Unless you have actually been trained and apprenticed, realize that we really do know what we are doing........really........I promise......
13. Do not get mad when we quote you a price, and then you decide to go that friend's cousin, then come back to us and expect us to fix it for the previous price. It takes a hell of a lot more talent, knowledge and ability to fix someone else's mess than it does to start with blank skin.
14. When we tell you that we are closed on Mondays (or insert day here), really we are closed. Don't get mad about it, obviously you get days off work, it would stand to reason that we get a day off too. I'm sorry that this week our days off coincided, but no, we will not make an exception and open up just for you. The tattoo you want will most likely not cover the overhead that we would incur. If it is a large piece, and your attitude is good, and we OFFER to have you come in on a day we aren't normally open, great!! Otherwise, don't even ask!!!
Comments
Good Solid Information. However it is unfortunate that it is necessary to spell out the common sense that makes up the majority of this info!! but ah…well that’s what keeps people like Jeff Foxworthy in business. Donna