Frequently Asked Questions
Do tattoos hurt?
This is probably the most frequently asked question in our industry. The answer is always yes, of course. Although some body parts and types of tattoos hurt more than others. Everyone's pain tolerance is different and what might be "extremely painful" to one may "barely hurt" to another. I offer numbing cream to help with pain for anyone who is anxious about the procedure.
Do I need a consultation?
I only recommend consultations to those who are looking to get a "large tattoo", cover up, rework or for special circumstances. If your tattoo is under 5 inches, you probably don't need a consultation.
Can I bring a friend?
Due to COVID restrictions I am currently only allowing one guest during the tattoo procedure. If you bring a friend they may be asked to wait outside or in the lobby if we are not already at capacity.
Can I get a tattoo over scar tissue?
Yes! It is very rare that scars will hinder us from doing a tattoo. Sometimes they can cause more or less pain, depending on the injury. They also can cause problems in healing or longer tattoo procedures, but we can discuss these possibilities on a case by case basis.
Do you do cover up tattoos?
Yes! As long as I feel that we are able to cover the tattoo, I do not mind doing so. Please book a consultation for ANY cover up prior to booking. Most cover ups need to be at least 2x the size of the current tattoo. You cannot cover a tattoo with just line work. You will need to incorporate shading or color to the new design. Some cover ups may need laser treatment in order to lighten them enough to be covered (I do not do this).
When do I get my design?
I prefer to discuss designs in person so I make sure to book enough time with each person to discuss the design of their tattoo on the day of the appointment. I don't like providing the design before hand because it is difficult to discuss changes over text. On the day of the appointment I will have a few different sizes of the design printed out for you. That way you can pick the one that fits your body and budget.
How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?
Make sure you eat prior to your appointment! Most of the time when you hear about someone "passing out" during a tattoo it isn't actually from the pain, it's from low blood sugar and anxiety. I will shave the area for you but if you're on the fuzzy side it might be nice to trim before hand to save time. Try to hydrate yourself and your skin as much as you can the week prior to your appointment. This means drinking lots of water and putting on lotion!
Is it normal to tip after a tattoo procedure?
Tips are always appreciated but are not required (obviously). If you are happy with your tattoo and experience, a "good" tip is anywhere from 15% - 20%, just like a restaurant. Although this is a judgement free zone and I understand that tattoos can be pricey on their own.
How much do tattoos cost?
I typically base my rate on how long I think a tattoo will take me (including shop fees, design, set up, break down, supplies, paperwork, bandaging, etc.). The shortest appointment time I book is one hour, and my hourly rate is $175. Therefore, my minimum to book an appointment is $175. If you want to get multiple small tattoos in one appointment (that can be completed within the hour appointment slot) they still may be minimum price in total. I have general pricing charts below. For a more accurate quote I suggest booking a consultation or reaching out through email at daphnelovetattoo@gmail.com.
General Pricing Charts:
These are just to give you an idea of roughly how much your tattoo will cost. Prices can vary depending on the complexity of the design and placement.
What forms of payment are ok on the day of my appointment?
Our shop is cash only but we have an atm for customer use.
How do deposits work?
Your deposit goes towards the cost of your tattoo and is not refundable. You can reschedule once, with proper notice, while keeping the same deposit. If you cancel with less than 2 days notice, don't show up to your appointment or move your appointment more than once you will lose your deposit. A lost deposit is used to cover my time. It is extremely hard to fill a spot with little to no notice. Your deposit can only be used for the tattoo it is originally placed for. It is not transferable between designs or people. After I accept your appointment you have up to 10 hours to Zelle your deposit to me. If it is not sent within that time I will cancel your appointment and you will have to reschedule.
Deposit Payment Info (zelle preferred)
Zelle: daphnelovetattoo@gmail.com
Why wasn't my appointment accepted?
There is quite a few reasons I may not have accepted. This is not personal. Some reasons may be...
The information you entered does not match the service you booked for.
You booked one appointment for two tattoos or two people.
I do not feel comfortable/best suited to do your tattoo. This can be because the style isn't something I feel that I'd do well. I will do my best to recommend you to someone better suited to do the tattoo.
You did not give me enough notice on "no-showing" to your appointment and I no longer wish to work with you.
I have a conflict of schedule.
I require a consultation for the tattoo you want to do.
etc.
Late Policy
I give a 5 minute grace period on being late without texting/emailing me to let me know on small tattoos and 10 minutes on larger tattoos. If you let me know BEFORE the start time of your appointment I give up to 15 minutes. I am very strict on this policy because I am typically booked back to back and do not want to make my other clients wait because the person before them is late. You also will forfeit your deposit if you do not show up on time and will have to place a new one in order to reschedule.
No Show Policy
If you do not call or text at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your appointment I will most likely no longer do business with you. I am also very strict on this policy.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy
If you do not let me know you need to cancel/reschedule with 48 hours notice your deposit will be lost. You can reschedule one time (with enough notice) and keep the same deposit. If you cancel/reschedule an appointment 2 or more times I may choose to no longer work with you. Appointments made for the months of November and December cannot reschedule or cancel at all without forfeiting deposit.
Touch Up Policy
One free touch up is included with every tattoo, with exception to hands, sides of feet and fingers (due to accelerated fading/ problematic healing in these areas). The touch up must be done before the 2 month mark of tattoo being done originally. I recommend booking as soon as you notice you need a touch up to make sure you book within this time frame. After two months the touch up will cost $125, my minimum. Free touch ups do not apply to tattoos damaged by sun, picking, swimming, pet scratches, etc. A free touch up only applies to anything considered my fault, such as something not healing as solid as it should have.