The Business of Tattooing: How to Raise Your Prices Without Losing Clients or Your Mind

If your books are full, you’re burning out, or you’re buying your own supplies with spare change—this one’s for you.

Raising your tattoo prices doesn’t have to mean alienating your regulars or sparking a DM riot. It’s about communicating clearly, honoring your growth, and remembering you’re a business owner—not a vending machine.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Know When It’s Time Are you booked solid for months but still struggling to hit your income goals? Are you working 6 days a week but feel like you're always behind? These are red flags. If demand outweighs supply, raise the price.

2. Communicate Clearly Your clients respect you—don’t hide the change. Give 2–4 weeks’ notice. Use your socials, booking confirmations, auto replies, and email list. Say something like:

"Starting [Date], my new hourly rate will be [$$] to reflect increased experience, supply costs, and the time and energy I devote to your work."

3. Offer Grace Periods or Tiered Rates If you want to reward loyalty, you can. Let returning clients book at your current rate for the next 30–60 days. Make it clear this isn’t permanent—it’s appreciation, not policy.

4. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable If you feel guilty about the raise, ask yourself: Would you want your clients to work for less than they deserve? Would you expect your piercer, therapist, or barista to hold prices forever in this economy?

5. You Will Lose Some Clients—and That’s Okay Some folks will ghost when your rates go up. Let them. You’re not for everyone—and you don’t need to be. Higher rates mean fewer appointments to hit the same income. That’s more rest, less resentment.

6. Use the Time You Save Wisely When you charge more and work less, don’t just fill the space with more hustle. Invest that time in art, rest, health, or building new income streams. Raise your rates and your quality of life.

Raising your rates is a professional rite of passage. Do it with clarity, kindness, and confidence—and watch your business (and boundaries) level up.