Minimum cost?

[TheBabyEater]

Recently I got my first tattoo done on my hip and the place said they had a minimum cost of $50, plus $10 for the placement. I've only been to a few places, but is a minimum cost that high common? I liked where I went, they were fun and nice, and didn't judge on the pentagram And while I'm okay with $60 for my tattoo, and the other two or three I want to get next, there is one that I'd like that is MUCH smaller. (A music note on/near my ear. Haven't decided) I really don't want to pay $50 for something so small =/

So yeah. Do most places have a minimum of $50 or so? I assume it's for the use of supplies and shit but still. Kinda steep for a tattoo that might be just under and inch

[Jas]

I don't know where you live so this might not be relevant but in canadian dollars my tattoo artists' shop has a 100 booking fee (which is basically a minimum). I don't have a problem with it since the only work I have done (or would likely consider) is custom work/expansion of the work I've already got and thus have to pay a bit more for...

...other shops in the area often have mins a bit lower or charge an hourly rate, but unless they were done by friends I don't know anyone who's gotten a tattoo for less than 50 bucks.

I think, honestly, you have to remember that you're paying for a piece of artwork that will be on your body for the rest of your life and no matter how small it is you want it to be the best quality it can be - that means not necessarily going for the cheapest rate you can get. Well, that's how I feel anyway.

[thefirstlady]

That's completely normal. Our shop is a $50 minimum. Some shops even have a $75 minimum or more. You have to factor in cost of all of the supplies and placement. There are areas of the body that are more difficult to tattoo like fingers, the hand, belly/hips, ribs, feet, etc and those tend to be a little bit more money wise.