Giving this shop 3 stars not because of the quality of the work or the staff as a whole, but because of the conduct of the artist I was to be paired with. I was recommended here by a friend because they have gotten a few tattoos at this location and had good experiences there. One thing to note, this was going to be my first tattoo, so I was really excited to get it! However, my excitement faded after having what was supposed to be my consultation with my artist. I was told the style, location, and scope of the tattoo I wanted made it difficult and that I should be open to some alterations before they started the work. Being that I am not an expert or artist I said I understood, because I was learning a lot! I appreciated the honesty and I appreciated that they were willing to do the tattoo. However, I was disappointed with the overall approach to feedback surrounding my request. I understand now that the tattoo I was asking for is difficult and tedious, but I was made to feel as though I was burdening them by even asking for the tattoo. I wasn’t looking for excitement (although that would have been nice), I was just looking for a friendly face and competency. Which, I am not claiming they were or are incompetent, because I decided not to move forward at this particular location. But, their initial comments made me uneasy and the only reassurance I received was “I mean, I can do it, it’s just complicated.” Again appreciate the honesty, but not the approach or general negativity. I work in customer service and I hold businesses and the professionals that work there to the same standard I set for myself. Now, to the main reason for my rating and comments, as I mentioned at the beginning, this was supposed to be my consultation with my artist, but it ended up being a 3 minute conversation, that quite frankly could have been done over the phone. We never looked at my designs, never really smiled, or even looked up at me really, as she already had someone in her chair. I’m new to the tattooing community, but this seemed unprofessional and made me feel as though I was an afterthought. I consulted with other shops and friends who have gotten tattoos and they agreed, they have never had their artist bring them in for a consult and never even ask to see the designs. As a disclaimer I was running 5 min late to my consultation, but I did call ahead and let them know. The girl at the front desk said thank you for calling and letting us know I’ll update the artist and said to come on in. When I arrived I waited roughly 10 minutes and was then told to go speak with my artist. I expected to see someone looking for me and a hello thanks for coming in, let’s look at what you want. That did not happen. All of the artists were working with other clients and no one seemed to notice I was there. The girl at the front desk had to actually tell me exactly which chair I was supposed to go to before I “met” my artist. Also, I was already asked to reschedule my initial consultation, which I did not mind, but after my experience with my artist the whole experience was insightful, but ultimately a waste of mine and their time. The 3 minutes we spent talking detracted from my experience and potentially the client who was already in the chair. I am not naming the artist because it’s not a big enough deal to put any mud on someone’s name, but maybe the shop should be coached on professionalism and customer service. I did end up finding a shop that not only said they were more than capable doing my tattoo but also made me feel excitement about getting the design I asked for. They did give me similar feedback around the difficulty, BUT made sure to acknowledge my fears and concerns and took measures to ease them. They also took me aside and gave me their undivided attention looked at my designs, said they were awesome, and thanked me for giving them the opportunity to work with them. And that was a shop where I did not even have a consultation, I just walked in, and now I have an official consultation with one of their artists in a...
Read moreIt has been quite some time since my last visit to Lucky Linda's...by quite, I mean 10 years. Yes, I got my very first tattoo at Lucky Linda's. I like my tattoo, and the artist that did the work. However, I remember a girl working at the front desk who was no so friendly (I'm not sure I can put the actual word I called her at the time) and that is the reason I never returned. I have gotten 3 more tattoos since that time, at 3 different parlors. I guess I like the experience of moving around. My last tattoo I got done at Cactus Tattoo in Mankato. I like them and I don't. I had the owner do my tattoo, but they basically tell you what you can and can't do. Seriously, if I want to use white ink in my tattoo or have the placement UNDER my ankle bone, that should be done at my disgression...I am after all the one paying for it. Anyway, everywhere you go is different. But, it is important that the atmosphere be just as presentable as the work that is done. If you act like you hate your job, customers won't want to come back. Now, I'm assuming that girl no longer works there...or at least I hope she doesn't. The other thing I didn't like was the FORCED tip. Again, if and how much gratuity I feel like paying on top of the more than $100 work, should be to my disgression. I'm already paying you for the work. Why do I have to pay you an additional $40 on top of it. Yes, I was forced that amount at that time, and it wasn't brought to my attention until AFTER the work was completed. I am in the market for a new tattoo, which I want on my side (a custom designed 3 word phrase). Price is a primary factor, but the atmosphere is just as important. Make me feel welcome and appreciated...like you are actually having fun with me too. It's not against the rules to talk to me. Anyway, if you have changed your methods since that time, I may consider having the work done at...
Read moreI stopped here for a small neck tattoo for my birthday. Its a Japanese Kanji thats right behind/below my ear about 4in big. The first session was fine but the ink bled/scabbed so badly that it ended up being a super light pink so getting a 2nd session was NEEDED (even though I was told that's not always the case). The first time I stopped here I was told that touch ups are free, and nothing was mentioned about a touch up for a neck specifically NOT being free. I had someone with me who can vouch this. I'm aware that neck tattoos need extra work/care, which is why I paid so much for a 4inch tattoo. In all I paid around $350 bucks (tips included) for this tattoo and it's still not even filled in correctly.
I stopped in for my touch up that took about 5 minutes and was told I had to pay another $100... which took me by surprise because this was never mentioned at my first session. It wasn't covered after the first session because of the awkward area which is somewhat understandable but it was covered the second time because it bled so badly (which tells me it probably should've been covered the first time around). Even after the touch up it's still not filled in completely and it's not a dark dark shade of red that I thought it was going to be.
Really, really sweet employees and super nice. But it wasn't ever communicated that I would need to pay an extra $100 for a touch up on a tattoo that wasn't handled completely correct the first time around. I had no issue paying it, but it should've been clear and communicated better that I was going to spend that much money for a touch up when it was recommended not to be covered, etc. I was offered to come in a 3rd time for another touch up if needed. It's needed, but I won't be going back here for...
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