Editing for a few things here since I can’t respond. Normally when I see a response from a business owner like this one to a patron, the owner’s response speaks for itself. But there are a few things I need to clear up:
I myself am a small business owner and would NOT be writing this to hurt the reputation of a business. I felt I was taken advantage of in a situation. Google reviews are for the public to make an informed decision about a business which they choose to use or not. I understand it sucks and it hurts to hear that someone is not happy with your product or work, but I am merely telling my truthful experience after I received these tattoos.
I have no problem with communication but Rick already lost my trust and I had a feeling he may get defensive. I’m glad I trusted my intuition.
I didn’t send Rick over “25 texts”. This was a back and forth conversation. I did send multiple pictures
On his own volition, Rick drew up a sketch sleeve for me which was incredibly kind. I offered to pay for a sleeve consultation.
For some reason, Rick states in one of his other Google reviews that the shop does touchups for free. But I would have had to pay for mine.
Rick did not say that if I get “another tattoo” he would do my touchups for free, he said that if we start on my sleeve touchups would be free, which would most likely be even more money plus put me in a situation like the one I’m in now with the 2 pieces I have.
This tattoo artist is clearly talented and I’m not sure how I would damage any reputation as I have no influence over the tattoo world.
After calling and talking to multiple tattoo shops, all of them said the same exact thing to me about my tattoos from Rick. And it’s not just my hand tattoo that is faded, it’s the snake on my forearm that is typically an easy healing spot and I know this because I have a tattoo on my other arm in the same spot.
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First, let me start off by saying I was SO excited about working with Rick on a wildlife sleeve and it honestly breaks my heart to be writing this since I thought I had found my perfect artist. He is truly welcoming, warm, and comforting. He tattooed 2 separate smaller pieces on me, both which looked fantastic after he completed them. I was skeptical of not receiving aftercare instructions except to keep my hands clean as possible and to rinse with warm water and plain soap. Eventually the tattoos started to hurt because there was no moisture on them besides the warm water method of healing. I personally have never heard my previous tattoo artist state to not moisturize, and my friends were really confused when I told them what the healing method was for 168 Tattoo. I knew this was Rick’s method he recommended for healing.
It’s now been a full month and after receiving opinions from people into tattoos, plus multiple reputable shops in NJ and PA, I’m being told from numerous shops and friends that both tattoos have to be completely redone. I’m disappointed since this is a lot of money that I spent on these tattoos. When I asked him about doing touchups before I reached out to other tattoo shops, he told me that the touchups on his art would cost $80. I know charging for touchups are up to the discretion of the shop but I wish I knew this prior to getting these tattoos done as well. Overall I’m just sad that these tattoos will need to be redone when I thought I found my artist...
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