What factors drive up the price of a tattoo the most?

I got a small rose (approx 2" by 1 1/2") that had 4 colors (black outline, green leaves, red rose, yellow highlights) on the back of my shoulder a little over 12 years ago and it was only $50. My husband is considering getting one (maybe on his thigh?), probably 2" by 5 or 6" of a woman, mainly outline with some shading. The first place we checked out surprised me, they said $250-$300. (Something similar to mine was listed at about $150) Mine took 20-30 minutes and they told him to expect maybe two hours. I was surprised at the price as well as the time involved. Hubby said he thought that the line work was the time consuming / expensive part because it had to be finer detail. Is this true? Or have prices just tripled in the last 12 years? Does the location you choose affect the price? Are more colors more expensive? We're definitely not done looking around, but I'm curious if this is going to be the norm for others parlors also.

most shops charge by the hour,usually $100 to $200 an hr.i wen't to starlight tattoo,and they wanted $450 for a normal size of praying hands.i think the reason why they are pricey,is because the owner is well known in the industry.they have some good tattooers there,but their prices are high.some shops do just walk ins.it's first come,first serve.Ron's tattooing at 607 westfield ave,in Elizabeth operates that way.you just pick something from the flash at the shop,and get it tattooed.their prices are very reasonable,and they do quality work.another good shop is tradewindstattoo.com they have five tattooers there,and they all do good work.and neptune tattooville,is another good shop.check out www.tomyak.com he has tattooed me,and he is very good,and has a light hand.

12 years ago about the only people getting tats were bikers and outlaws. Now they are such a mainstream thing and socially acceptable, high demand = high dollar. I'd compare it to the price of a Harley. Before they became "cool" they were as cheap as you could go, now look. 25k from the dealer! There are still some cheaper tattoo shops around but you'll have to look.

Cheap tattoo arnt good and good tattoos arnt cheap. I would never shop for a dentist on price, nor a tattoo artist. Look through LOTS of portfolios online to find a good custom artist and then save your dough if need be. $300 for a pinup is reasonable if its done by a good artist. Here's our list of custom tattoo artists. Check out William Webb II, as well as others within a few hours drive. Screaming Ink Tattoo also does real nice work. The prices didnt rise because its acceptable or cool to get a tattoo, they rose because talented artists started getting involved in the industry and a good tattoo takes time and talent. And, as you know, time and talent arnt cheap in any industry or art. Basically, if you go out looking for a cheap tattoo, your going to get one. Personally, I dont see why anyone would get a tattoo done cheap, but hey, thats what makes America great. Everyone can do their own thing.

evidently I should have spent more for my spelliong tutor.