If you’ve decided to get some form of piercing, then you’ve likely already found a piercing or tattoo parlor that you trust to carry out the piercing, and often a specific piercer as well. Usually, because you have liked their previous work, or they were recommended by a friend or colleague.
However, this raises an interesting question, especially when considering properly compensating and tanking them for a job well done. Are you supposed to tip them, if you like what they’ve done? Is it custom, or is it unnecessary?
This can be a real head-scratcher, especially if you’ve never had a professional piercing done. What if you not only need to tip, but there is a whole culture or etiquette that you should follow, and you aren’t even aware of?
We answer all these questions and more in this guide that we have compiled. From good piercing parlor etiquette, to whether or how much you should tip them, we have everything that you could need in here!
Is It Normal To Tip Your Piercer?
S, let’s get the main question out of the way first: Do you normally need to tip a piercer for their work?
Well, the specific answer will often vary, depending on the place and locale. Generally speaking, you don’t have to give piercers a tip, at least in the same way that a service worker is, like a waiter.
However, people generally consider it polite to at least tip piercers a little bit of money. It’s kind of the same principle as tipping a good hairdresser or tour guide.
They’re providing expert service that you wouldn’t be able to do for yourself, so it makes sense that you might pay a little extra to demonstrate that appreciation.
How Much Do You Tip Your Piercer?
So, if tipping is custom, but not compulsory, what exactly is the acceptable amount that you should tip a piercer?
Well, based on how many other roles are often tipped, we would recommend tipping your piercer somewhere between 15% to 20%.
Of course, if you feel that the job was not done well in some way (the piercing has become damaged, or is causing pain, or some other issue), then you can consider paying less or none at all.
If you’re particularly happy with the results of the piercing, or the piercer has gone above and beyond, then we would recommend tipping a little bit more, up to 30%, if that is still within budget for you.
Good Piercing Etiquette
So, you now know that tipping piercers is a totally fine practice, and should even be encouraged if you feel like they have done a great service for you.
However, that’s just one element of the wider rules of etiquette that should be practiced at a piercing parlor. What else should you do if you’re looking to make and keep a good impression for a good piercing place?
Before The Piercing Day
Booking Your Piercing In Advance
This step shouldn’t need too much explaining. It’s a good courtesy for customers to book their appointments well in advance, no matter what industry it is or the service being provided, be it hairdressers, tattoos, or piercings.
While you can usually book an appointment at a piercing shop either through the Internet or via a phone call, we would recommend trying to show up at the physical shop, if you can. This will allow you to meet the potential staff that will be carrying out your piercing, as well as become more familiar with the place.
This is also the perfect opportunity to let the piercer know about any metal allergies that you may have.
On Piercing Day
Before The Appointment
When getting ready for the piercing day, make sure that you’re looking presentable, but also comfortable. This isn’t a job interview, prom, or wedding, but you’re about to let another person into your personal space for what will likely be a good amount of time.
So, make sure that you’ve showered and freshened up, and wearing clean clothes that will be comfortable to sit in for the duration.
You’ll also want to make sure that you’ve eaten relatively well, even if you feel like you’re too nervous to eat anything. This will help you avoid passing out from the stress of the pain of a piercing.
That being said, make sure that you haven’t been drinking alcohol at least 24 hours before the piercing appointment. Not only do you want to be fully aware of what is happening at the time, but the thinning agent in alcohol will often make any bleeding that happens much worse than it normally would be.
Add to that the fact that most piercing shops will bar you from entry if they feel that you are not in the right state of mind, and it’s easy to understand why this is something that you shouldn’t do.
At The Appointment
When entering a piercing shop for your appointment, make sure that you turn your phone off. Your piercing artist will not only need to focus on the task at hand, but they’ll also be losing money not piercing you, while they could be piercing another customer.
If you HAVE to have your phone on, make sure that it is at least on silent, and that you only answer it if you know that it is an emergency or of high importance.
And, in the end, if you’re nervous about going for a piercing on your own, you can always bring a friend or family member with you for support. It’s a very common practice for many first, second, and third-time piercings, and so on!
Final Notes
So, there you have it!
Piercings are not just cool decorations that you can add to your body, but they are also a craft that takes a lot of time, energy, and experience to do well. Every professional piercing shop that you have been to probably has hundreds, if not hours, of practice and expertise under its belt.
So, tipping is a reasonable way for customers to acknowledge all of that hard work that went into getting yours just right!
