FAQs

We want to stress that our artists take tattooing very seriously, and it is their career. They work their hardest to provide exceptional tattoos and experiences, and we want you to take this experience as seriously as they do.

Knowing the following things and exercising common courtesy can help in making your tattoo experience more pleasant and rewarding, both for you and your tattoo artist! We appreciate you taking the time to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of being an awesome future client!

  • You must be 18+ and have a valid, non-expired government issued photo ID to be tattooed at Trader Bob’s. We will not, and cannot, tattoo anyone — regardless of age — without proper identification.

    Acceptable forms of ID include:

    • Driver’s license

    • Non-driver photo ID

    • Passport

  • No.

    • All major credit cards are accepted, but cash is king.

    • Our studio minimum is $100, and pricing increases from this point. Factors such as placement, size, and color preferences will affect price.

    • Please stop by the studio to consult with an artist about general estimates! Please feel free to also share you budget with us up front; we’re happy to let you know what is possible within the parameters you set for your tattoo!

    Note: Under no circumstances will we give you a price estimate via phone, message, or email; nor will we take deposits anywhere other than in studio.

  • If you must use numbing cream, please get your artist’s approval first. Numbing cream can make the skin spongy, making the skin harder to tattoo effectively.

    Note: If you intend to use numbing cream, please apply it prior to arriving at the studio, as it takes 45-60 minutes to be effective. If you insist on using numbing cream and have not applied prior to arriving , we will have to reschedule your appointment, as we will not wait for it to take effect.

  • We do not offer piercings, however our sister shop — AllStar Tattoo — does!

    They can be reached via phone at (314)-692-7827. They are located at 2803 S. Big Bend, Maplewood, MO 63143.

  • If you are sick, please contact your artist and reschedule your appointment. If you are feeling under the weather, please wait to come in for a walk in tattoo as well. We want our staff and clients to stay safe and healthy!

  • Please make sure to eat before arriving to be tattooed. We ask that you please refrain from bringing food to the shop. If you need to have a snack, we ask that you eat in the lobby only.

    Having a snack with sugar or protein is recommended prior to being tattooed.

Dos and Do Nots

Visiting the tattoo studio is similar to patronizing your favorite restaurant. We’re here to make your tattoo experience the best we possibly can. in return, we ask that guests conduct themselves in a civil, polite manner. TO help your next experience in the studio be the best it can be, below is a list of dos and don’ts for your next visit:

Please DO:

  • DO maintain personal hygiene and physical decorum! Understandably, it is unpleasant to tattoo someone who is unbathed. Your tattoo artist will arrive clean and ready for your tattoo, as should you.

  • DO tell your artist if you’re feeling green or funny while being tattooed! Don’t try and tough it out! your artist is trained to handle these situations, and will ensure your care and safety. The sooner your artist is made aware, the sooner we can help!

  • DO tip your artist! If you didn’t know that tipping is customary in tattooing, now you do! Tattoo artists are not paid an hourly wage, but instead earn a percentage of what you pay for your tattoo. If you enjoyed your time with your artist, and you feel you received a superior tattoo and exceptional service, show your gratitude by tipping! As a general rule, 15-20% is considered normal, and anything more is considered tipping heavily. Tipping is available via card, but cash is absolutely preferred by your artist!

  • DO bring along water and a small snack (see above) for during your tattoo to keep you hydrated and your blood sugar up, just in case!

  • DO look at artist’s portfolios! Tattoos are permanent, and pictures don’t lie about the quality of work. Make sure the artist you’re seeing has a portfolio, or Instagram page, to reference! (And if they don’t… RUN!)

Please DON’T:

  • DO NOT come into the studio if you are under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. This is for your health and safety.

  • DO NOT attempt to bargain with your artist! Bargaining for a tattoo is an exercise in bad taste. Bargain tattoos are rarely the quality you’d like to have tattooed on you for life!

  • DO NOT inform your artist of a friend or acquaintance who tattoos from home. Tattooing in a non-studio setting is frowned upon in the tattoo community.

  • DO NOT ask your artist to draw something “just to see.” Requesting an artist to draw you a design, and not following through with a tattoo is in bad taste! Don’t be that guy!

  • DO NOT bring a cheering section with you to the studio. Many studios will not allow anyone to accompany you during your appointment (and it’s prohibited by law in some states!). Please make sure your artist is comfortable with someone accompanying you prior to your appointment, and please keep this to one person at most.

  • DO NOT bring children to the tattoo studio. Tattoo studios are not a place for children, as there are many hazards that they could be exposed to. Children can also be a distraction to you, your artist, and other clients.