Okay, so you’re hooked on tattoos, right?
I get it.
It’s an addiction, a beautiful one.
But are you wondering if your loyalty pays off?
Like, do tattoo shops actually give discounts to us returning customers?
Let’s dive into that.
Loyalty and Ink: Do Tattoo Shops Offer Discounts?
Seriously, is it a thing?
I mean, I’ve spent a small fortune getting inked.
Shouldn’t I get some kind of "frequent flyer" miles for my skin?
The short answer is… it depends.
It’s not a universal rule, but it’s definitely worth asking about.
Why Some Shops Offer Loyalty Perks
Think about it from the shop’s perspective.
Keeping a customer is way easier (and cheaper) than finding a new one.
So, offering discounts can be a smart business move.
Here’s why they might:
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Building Relationships: They want you to keep coming back! A discount fosters that.
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Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Happy customers tell their friends. Discounts can create brand ambassadors.
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Filling Appointments: Slow days happen. A discount can incentivize a booking.
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Long-Term Projects: If you’re working on a sleeve or back piece, expect some love.
How to Ask About Discounts Like a Pro
Okay, so you’re ready to inquire.
Don’t just blurt out, "Gimme a discount!"
Here’s a more tactful approach:
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Build Rapport First: Chat with your artist, show genuine interest in their work.
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Be a Regular: Don’t just pop in once and expect special treatment.
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Be Polite and Respectful: This goes a long way.
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Mention Previous Work: "I really loved the last piece you did, and I’m thinking about adding to it. Do you ever offer discounts for returning clients?"
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Ask About Package Deals: For larger projects, see if they offer a bundled price.
I once got a sweet deal on a sleeve because I was a consistent customer and always tipped well.
It pays to be a good client!
What to Expect (and What Not to Expect)
Let’s be real, you’re probably not getting 50% off just for walking in.
But here are some common discount scenarios:
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Small Percentage Off: Think 5-10%.
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Hourly Rate Reduction: A slight decrease in the artist’s hourly fee.
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Free Touch-Ups: Most shops offer this anyway, but confirm it.
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Discounts on Merchandise: T-shirts, aftercare products, etc.
Don’t expect a discount if:
- You’re already getting a super low price.
- You’re being difficult or demanding.
- You’re trying to haggle excessively.
Remember, good tattoos aren’t cheap, and cheap tattoos aren’t good.
More Ways to Save on Ink (Without Begging)
Alright, so maybe your shop doesn’t offer direct discounts.
Here are some other ways to save:
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Flash Sales: Keep an eye out for special events or flash tattoo days.
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Apprentice Rates: Consider getting tattooed by an apprentice under supervision.
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Smaller Designs: Opt for smaller, less intricate designs.
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Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute for a big event.
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Do Your Research: Compare prices between different shops.
FAQ: Tattoo Discount Edition
- Is it rude to ask for a discount? Not if you’re polite and respectful.
- What if they say no? Don’t push it. Just accept their answer.
- Should I tip on the discounted price? Yes! Always tip on the original price.
- Are discounts more common for larger pieces? Often, yes.
- Do walk-in shops offer discounts? Less likely, but it never hurts to ask.
So, there you have it.
Getting a discount at a tattoo shop isn’t guaranteed.
But by being a good customer and asking politely, you might just score a deal.
Remember, it never hurts to ask if tattoo shops offer discounts for returning customers.