What to Charge? A Practical Guide to Pricing Piercing & Tattoos Services in New Zealand

Pricing piercing and tattoo services in New Zealand comes with unique challenges due to factors like safety regulations, artist skill, and equipment costs. This practical, friendly guide offers key tips to help local professionals set fair, competitive prices while building trust and attracting more clients.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Calculate All Operating Costs

Start by adding your expenses: high-quality equipment, sterilisation, inks, needles, studio rent, and insurance.

In Auckland, studio rents tend to be higher than in smaller centres like Dunedin, impacting overall pricing.

Covering all costs is essential to maintain a profitable and compliant business.

2. Research Market Rates Locally

Check what other piercing and tattoo artists charge on platforms like Yada, local forums, and studio listings.

Prices in well-known hubs like Wellington can be higher due to demand and artist reputation compared to places like Nelson.

Knowing local rates guides you in setting competitive and fair prices.

3. Understand Pricing by Service Type

Distinguish pricing between simple piercings, standard tattoos, and complex custom work.

A Christchurch piercing might cost $50-$80, while small tattoos start at $150 and large pieces can go much higher.

Clear differentiation helps clients understand the value of each service.

4. Consider Artist Skill and Experience

More experienced artists or those with specialised styles can command premium pricing.

Auckland tattoo artists with international recognition charge significantly above average rates.

Highlight your skills and unique style to justify your fees.

5. Include Consultation and Aftercare

Factor in time spent on client consultations, design discussions, and aftercare guidance.

Wellington studios often include consultation as part of the price or charge a small fee.

Weirdly enough, these interactions are valued highly by clients and build loyalty.

6. Be Transparent About Additional Charges

Communicate clearly about extra costs for rush jobs, custom designs, or special materials.

Nelson artists commonly add fees for unique ink colours or large, detailed work.

Transparency helps build trust and avoid surprises.

7. Showcase Certifications and Studio Standards

Display your health and safety certifications and highlight studio cleanliness to reassure clients.

A Tauranga piercer promoting MPI HACCP certification on Yada gains client confidence.

Professional standards justify fair pricing.

8. Share Client Testimonials and Portfolio

Request client reviews and showcase your best work on Yada and social media.

Positive testimonials significantly helped an Auckland tattoo artist become a local top pick.

Word-of-mouth is powerful in New Zealand’s close-knit communities.

9. List Your Services on Multiple Platforms

Gain wider visibility by listing on Yada, TradeMe Services, and local business directories.

Yada’s no lead or success fees mean you retain more earnings and can offer honest pricing.

Its mobile-friendly platform simplifies communications and bookings.

10. Communicate Pricing and Customise Quotes

Use Yada’s internal chat or direct calls to discuss client ideas and provide tailored, transparent pricing.

A Dunedin tattoo artist often customises quotes after detailed client consultations.

This personalised approach builds trust and long-term client relationships.

11. Avoid Undervaluing Your Work

Don’t compete only on price; focus on the uniqueness and quality of your art and service.

Artists charging fairly and delivering quality work in Christchurch often enjoy steady demand.

Clients in New Zealand appreciate honest, value-based pricing.

12. Review and Update Prices Regularly

Adjust pricing annually based on market trends, skill growth, and client feedback.

Yada’s rating system and job data provide insights to guide sensible price changes.

Regular reviews ensure your business remains competitive and profitable.

13. Build Referral and Community Networks

Develop relationships with local businesses, artists, and communities to create steady referral streams.

An Auckland piercer grew clientele through collaborations with local art events and wellness centres.

Strong community ties support steady work and justify your rates.