TL;DR
- It's normal (and necessary) to raise your tattoo prices as your skills, experience, and costs grow.
- Giving clients a heads-up, being upfront, and honoring existing bookings makes the transition smoother.
- Using reliable tools like tattoo booking software helps keep messaging clear and saves you from bouncing between DMs.
Raising Prices Without Losing People: Yes, It's Possible
Upping your rates isn't just about making more money—it's about staying in the game. You've put in the work, your art has improved, your supplies cost more, and your calendar is likely jammed. But still, there's that nagging fear: What if raising prices pushes away the loyal regulars who've been there since day one?
This guide cuts through the stress. Whether you're a one-person setup or part of a busy studio, here's how to raise your rates without burning bridges—just real strategies that work in the real world.
When It's Time to Raise Your Tattoo Prices
You don't need a huge excuse to raise your rates—just the facts.
If any of these sound familiar, you're due for an update:
- You're booked out weeks (or months) in advance
When demand climbs, your time becomes more valuable. If clients are waiting months to get in with you, your pricing probably hasn't kept up. - You've invested in better gear or improved your technique
New machines, better inks, high-quality healed results—all of that brings up your base costs and the value of your work. - Rent, cost of living, or supplies have gone up
If it's costing more to just run your shop or keep your station stocked, that squeeze hits your bottom line fast. - Your art has grown more complex
Doing larger-scale custom pieces compared to flash from a few years back? That's time, detail, and expertise—pricing should reflect it.
Put simply, raising rates isn't about greed. It's about keeping your business healthy so you can keep tattooing at your best.
Signs You're Undercharging
Still charging the same rate from five years ago? You're probably feeling it.
- You're booked solid but still feel broke
- You're working harder to cover the same bills
- You see newer artists charging more and wondering how
That's burnout territory—and underpricing is often the reason.
Talking to Clients About a Price Increase
This part trips a lot of artists up—not because they're unsure about why they're raising prices, but because they don't want to sound like jerks doing it.
Here's how to approach it without drama:
- Give your regulars a heads-up
Let people know a few weeks in advance. A 30-day notice is a solid rule of thumb—it gives them the chance to book in now or adjust for later. - Make the announcement where people actually see it
Think pinned Instagram posts, stories, email newsletters, or through your booking system. Using tools like InkDesk means you can hit all active clients at once—without chasing down old message threads. - Be real, not apologetic
You're running a professional service—you don't need to justify charging appropriately. A simple explanation goes further than a long apology. - Protect existing bookings
If someone already has an appointment pre-price change, honor that original rate. That builds trust.
Real-world example: "Starting March 1, my hourly rate will go up to $180. This helps cover rising shop costs and reflects how much more time and detail go into each piece. If you've already got an appointment booked, your rate stays the same. Thanks for being part of the journey."
Simple. Respectful. Clear.
What to Say, and What to Avoid
Say things like:
- “The new rate reflects the detail and time I put into each piece.”
- “I couldn't have grown without your support—this update helps me keep delivering at a high standard.”
Avoid things like:
- “Sorry, I have to raise my prices.”
- “It's what I deserve.” (Even if true, it doesn't always land well in print.)
You're not asking for charity—you're running a business. Own it.
What to Update in Your Booking Process
Once your prices change, the last thing you want is confusion—or worse, awkward messages from people who didn't know.
Here's your checklist:
- Booking forms: Update your hourly rate, day rate, shop minimum, etc. Leave zero surprises when clients go to book.
- Consultation convos: Give people a ballpark range, especially for customs, and explain what affects the final number—placement, size, design complexity.
- Deposits: If your rate went up, your deposit probably should too. Make sure it still makes sense relative to the total piece.
- Auto-responses and canned replies: If you use booking apps or automated DMs, double-check that they reflect the new pricing everywhere.
Artists using systems like InkDesk often handle all of this in one place—no digging through message archives or fixing inconsistent details across five platforms.
Custom Work? Be Upfront.
Flat-rate flash? Easy. But with custom work, the price can float a little.
Set expectations from the jump:
- Offer a rough estimate range: “Somewhere between $500–$700, depending on final size.”
- Let them know if the cost might shift slightly after final drawings or changes.
- Be confident explaining why—not defensive.
People respect transparency. You're not just quoting a number—you're showing that your process has structure.
Keeping Your Regulars After the Price Bump
The fear of losing regulars is real—but you don't need to undercut yourself to keep them around.
Here's what works:
- Grandfather them in—briefly
Offer one last piece at the old rate, or a window to book under the old price. Maybe they get until May 1 to schedule. Make it clear this isn't indefinite—which adds value to the offer. - Give perks, not discounts
Instead of slashing your rate, give your regulars a little extra: tack on some bonus time, prioritize their booking slot, or cover a touch-up. That kind of goodwill goes further than you'd think. - Say thank you—and mean it
Even just a short note or a personal message when announcing changes shows you appreciate them. Loyalty goes both ways.
These are the people who repped your work before your books were full. Celebrate that.
Don't Apologize With a Discount
Clients who truly value your work won't flinch at a price increase when it's communicated clearly. And if someone insists on the old rate forever? That's a red flag.
Hold your line. You're growing, and that's not something to tiptoe around.
Quick FAQs
How often should tattoo artists raise prices?
Once a year is common, or whenever there's a major shift in demand, costs, or skill level.
How do I tell long-time clients about a rate increase?
Give them a heads-up, explain the shift simply (don't overshare), and honor previously booked appointments.
What's the best way to update pricing in a booking system?
Revise your booking form, update deposit rules, and check your auto-replies to make sure they all match your current rate.
Final Thoughts
Pricing changes are part of the job. So is evolving and setting boundaries that keep your business sustainable. Tools like InkDesk help you manage that without derailing your workflow—updated forms, automated replies, and all your client messages in one spot.
Raise your rate, raise your standards—and keep tattooing at the level your clients love you for.