Short answer: create a tip page in an app such as TipIns, print the QR code and put it on your station tray or lamp, where the client looks for hours. Customers scan it with their phone camera and tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. They do not need an app or an account.
Your tickets are high, so the tip is high, and nobody walks around with $150 in cash. A tip added to the shop card payment may be split with the shop or reach you late. Clients want to pay you directly and often have no easy way to do it.
How a QR code tip jar works
You create a tip page once and get a personal QR code and link. A customer points their phone camera at the code, a secure payment page opens in their browser, and they pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay or a card. The tip shows in your balance straight away and is paid out to your bank account.
Where tattoo artists put the code
- On your station tray or lamp, where the client looks for hours.
- On your aftercare sheet, so it goes home with them.
- On the mirror where they check the finished piece.
- In your Instagram bio and deposit confirmation message.
Size the code for the distance: a phone reads one from about ten times its width. The measurements are in how to make a tip jar QR code sign.
What to write on the sign
Love your new ink? Tips for [your name] go straight to the artist. Scan to tip by card.
Put your own name where the brackets are. You can export a print-ready design from the app in business card, A5, A4 or A3 size.
How to mention it
Hand over the aftercare sheet and say: "Aftercare is on here, and my tip code is on the back if you want it."
Your own code or a shared one
Use a personal code. Tattoo tips belong to the artist, and a shop-wide pool is rare.
What customers usually tip a tattoo artist
Tattoo artists in the US are usually tipped 15 to 25% of the price of the piece.
| Situation | Usual tip |
|---|---|
| $200 small piece | $30 to $50 |
| $500 half-day session | $75 to $125 |
| $1,000 full-day session | $150 to $250 |
| Free touch-up | $20 to $40 |
Customers looking for the etiquette can read how to tip a tattoo artist without cash.
What it costs
TipIns is free to download and has no monthly fee. Each tip carries a 10% platform fee plus a small card processing fee, and by default the person tipping covers both, so you receive the amount they chose. Weekly payouts to your bank are free. The details are in the FAQ.
Common questions
Where should a tattoo artist put a tip QR code?
On your station tray or lamp, where the client looks for hours. On your aftercare sheet, so it goes home with them.
What should a tattoo artist's tip sign say?
Try: "Love your new ink? Tips for [your name] go straight to the artist. Scan to tip by card." Give a reason, show a large code and include your name.
Should I use a personal code or a team code?
Use a personal code. Tattoo tips belong to the artist, and a shop-wide pool is rare.