This is such an important question to consider. Having trust in your tattoo artist is paramount. You want to be sure that the tattoo artist understands what you want and can deliver what you expect. You want to be sure they will tell you straight if your requests aren’t quite possible or need modifications to look the way you expect it to. You want to be confident that customer service is a priority when having an invasive procedure like a tattoo. You want to be satisfied that you are in good hands and that you want that person to be taking a needle to your skin. You also want to be convinced that they know what they are talking about, that the time scale they give you for your desired tattoo will be completed within the parameters they suggest. You want your tattoo artist to be friendly, open, and honest. It is essential that you are both on the same page when deciding upon and getting the tattoo. Perhaps most importantly, you want to be sure that they are good at their job and take pride in their work. You want to be confident that they know the products and procedures – before, during, and after having your tattoo. Ask if they have a portfolio of previous work. Does the tattoo shop seek out customer satisfaction? Be sure you are getting a quality product, service, and experience from start to finish from a friendly and knowledgeable tattoo artist.

Location can be a real driving force behind choosing a tattoo shop in Boston. Convenience and ease of access can be paramount. Having a tattoo can be a very time-consuming procedure and may require multiple visits to get the finished look. Choosing a tattoo shop that is easily accessible to you is an important consideration. Narrowing down your choice of tattoo shop by location is a great way to start your search.  It may well be that the age-old saying of ‘the closer the better’ applies here. That said, don’t forget to consider whether making a long journey for the perfect tattoo shop in Boston is worth it, given the importance of getting your tattoo and the whole experience right.

Tattoos can be costly and the bigger the tattoo the more you can expect to pay but what no one wants to do is pay above average for anything. It is a good idea to get an understanding of what you can expect to pay for a tattoo compared with how much your chosen tattoo shop is charging. According to fash.com the average cost for a small tattoo such as a heart or cross can be anything from $50.00 to $250.00. Medium-sized tattoos such as a portrait or tribal patterns can range from $150.00 to $450.00 whereas larger tattoos such as a half sleeve can start from $500.00 and go up to $4000.00 for a full-back or custom tattoo. It is important to remember that not only are you paying for the tattoo itself but the tattoo artist’s time. As a rule of thumb you can expect to pay around $120.00 to $150.00 per hour. Also, don’t forget that most tattoos require an appointment and as such a deposit will need to be left. It is recommended you consider these industry averages when selecting your tattoo shop in Boston and consider whether you are paying too much or too little. Whilst a lower price might seem appealing you want to be sure you are paying a fair price for quality work.

Online reviews are fast becoming a way of promoting businesses (provided they are good reviews, of course) and the great thing for you is that they can be found in a matter of seconds. Simply putting the tattoo shop into Google may bring up Google reviews left by customers. Facebook also has a platform for customer reviews to be left on a business’s page and then of course there are dedicated review sites such as Yelp. You can use these tools to scope out any potential feedback your chosen shop or any tattoo shop may have had. Simply type ‘tattoo shops in Boston’ into Google and you might be surprised what you find.  Another great feature about these reviews is that customers often upload a picture of their new tat so you can see the work for yourself.  A tattoo shop’s social media profile is a fantastic way for tattoo artists to showcase their talents. Have a look at their website for their social media handle and then view their virtual portfolio. Does the artist have experience doing the type of tattoo you want? Is it within their skill set? Just because they can do a stunning tribal print doesn’t mean they can replicate your mom’s face from the photo you’re gripping. Social media may even give you a feel for the tattoo shop itself, what it looks like, how they operate, and any awards or recognition they have achieved. Social media is a great way to get to know your chosen tattoo shop in Boston a bit better. 

Having a tattoo is more than just sitting in a chair for a few hours. It requires aftercare, bandaging, hypoallergenic soap, and knowledge of how to look after your new tattoo. A reputable tattoo shop should provide you with detailed aftercare instructions – be sure to get them.  

Qualifications. Under state law tattoos must be performed by qualified and licensed  personnel. Be sure that the tattoo shop you choose is fully licensed and its staff fully qualified. It is common practice to see these certifications displayed proudly on shop walls. If you can’t see them don’t be afraid to ask. You don’t want your treatment being carried out on unlicensed premises or by an unlicensed artist. 

Go with your gut and choose somewhere you are comfortable with spending potentially hours of your time and hundreds of your dollars. A tattoo is for life and the procedure for getting one is very important. You want to be absolutely sure you are choosing somewhere that you feel completely at ease in. Somewhere that meets all of its legal requirements and hygiene standards. You want to feel welcome and that your tattoo artist is approachable and proficient. If for any reason you don’t feel comfortable or something doesn’t feel quite right then perhaps it isn’t the shop for you. Go back to the drawing board and search again, after all, there are plenty of tattoo shops in Boston for you to choose from.