Everyone likes a good deal. And, sometimes, a bargain just seems too good to pass up. But if there is one area where you shouldn’t let price play a big part in the decisions you make, it’s getting a tattoo.

There are many reasons people might regret getting a tattoo. But one of the biggest is poor quality. Most don’t really regret getting a tattoo. What they regret is getting a bad tattoo.

So here are some things to keep in mind when considering a tattoo.

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of a tattoo depends on a lot of things. Size is a major factor. The bigger a tattoo design is, the longer it will take the tattoo artist to complete it, and the more you will have to pay. But for a smaller tattoo that doesn’t take as long to do, you might end up paying around fifty to a hundred dollars.

Many tattoo parlors have a collection of pre-priced designs (called flash) on display. They are like a menu in a fast food restaurant. You order what you want, and pay the pre-set price. Custom designs, on the other hand, can cost quite a bit more. In fact, for a custom design, you can expect to pay hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars, depending on how big and intricate the tattoo is.

Avoid Cheap Operations

Unfortunately, in some areas, tattooing isn’t regulated as much as potential customers might like. That means that just about anybody can buy some tattooing equipment, get a license, set up shop, and start doing business. And the license they get has very little to do with how much artistic talent they actually have.

These so-called tattoo artists often price their services very low, much lower than the quality, reputable tattoo artists in the area. So remember that a really good deal doesn’t automatically translate into a really good tattoo. In fact, if the prices at a tattoo shop seem too good to be true, you probably want to consider heading to another parlor.

Ways to Save Money on Your Tattoo

There are ways to save money on tattoos while still getting a quality job. For example, instead of a custom design, choose a design from the pre-priced flash on display. There are usually so many choices, you are bound to find something you like.

Next, you could always get a smaller tattoo. The smaller the tattoo, and the less time the artist has to spend creating it, the less the job will cost. Maybe you have always imagined a large, striking tattoo that covers your entire arm. But a smaller design can be just as striking, while being easier on your budget.

Another way to save money is to get a tattoo design done all in black. These tattoos can have just as much of an impact as the more elaborate, brightly colored ones.

However, if your heart is set on a large, brightly colored, custom designed tattoo, don’t look around for someone who will do what you want for a cheap price. Instead, save up your money so you can get the tattoo you want done right. You won’t regret it.