FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Where are you located?

Our address is 120 Coxe Avenue 1C Asheville NC 28801.

What are your shop hours?

Because Integrity Alliance is a custom, appointment only shop – we keep our hours by appointment as well. If you are looking to get ahold of an artist, please contact them through email or give the shop a call. The door is often open when we are here and if so, passersby are welcome to come in to browse portfolios and check out the space.

Does anyone at Integrity Alliance ever do walk-ins?

Sometimes, but we typically are unable to accomodate walk-ins at this time. Walk-in availability, drawings our artists are looking to tattoo, as well as shop events are often posted on our Instagram.

How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?

You must be 18 years old and have proper identification. You must bring state or federal photo ID every time you come in for any tattoo. If you arrive for a tattoo appointment without proper ID, you will not get tattooed and you will unfortunately lose your deposit. Acceptable forms of ID include: driver’s license, state issued non-driver ID card, military ID or passport.

How do I know who to get tattooed from?

Every artist at our shop has their own style. That being said, if you have something in mind you are looking for, we can probably do it. We urge all clients to look through portfolios and pick the artist who’s imagery best represents what kind of tattoo you are looking for.

How do I make an appointment?

All appointments are made through each individual artist. That being said, first things first. Find the artist that is right for you and contact them directly. You may or may not need to schedule a consultation prior to booking your tattoo appointment.

How soon can I get in?

All of our artists are different and wait times range anywhere from 2 weeks to several months. Most of our artists book within a 2-3 month time range to assure you don’t have to wait very long and to account for easier schedule changes, but occasionally the books do fill quite fast. Last minute openings are often posted on the shop’s INSTAGRAM page, as well as on their individual pages. We recommend following the shop, along with our artists to keep on the lookout for these opportunities.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Size, detail, and placement are all factors in determining the price of a tattoo. Once we get a rough idea of how long your tattoo will take we may give you a loose estimate. All artists charge differently so it is best to get an estimate from the person you are working with.

What if I can’t decide who to get tattooed from?

If you find yourself overwhelmed and would be happy getting tattooed from anyone here at the shop, please send us an email at integrityalliancetattooavl@gmail.com with your concept and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Your idea, placement on the body, size estimate, availability, and reference photos will all help decide what artist is best for you. However, sometimes it does take a couple weeks for a response and we appreciate your patience.

Where do I park during my appointment?

Street parking is available, as well as many paid-lots around the neighborhood. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE LOT NEXT TO OR BEHIND THE SHOP. The building management does work with a towing company and they will tow you. If you are having trouble finding parking and feel that you are going to be late to your appointment, give the shop a call. As a reminder, late appointments are subject to forfeit their deposits.

How do I schedule a consultation and what can I do to prepare for it?

Contact the artist directly that you want to work with to schedule a consultation. The consultation is your time with your chosen artist to go over your tattoo idea. Do research ahead of time and gather images and ideas that you like. Anything that you can think of can be used as a reference. Creating some sort of file you can email, or even a public Pinterest folder is helpful. We aren’t mind readers so it’s your job to help the artist understand what is inside of your head as much as possible so that you end up with a tattoo that you love. If you would like to then schedule a tattoo appointment, your artist will have you put down a deposit at the time of your consultation.

Do I have to leave a deposit for an appointment? Why?

The short answer is yes.
A deposit is required to set and hold your appointment time for YOU specifically.

What the deposit does is say that you are committed to getting the tattoo that you discussed with your artist in a timely manner, and that you trust your artist to come up with a design to your satisfaction with the information you have given them. Unless stated otherwise, 100% of the deposit goes towards your tattoo and will be subtracted from the final cost of the tattoo. 

The price of your deposit ranges between $50.00 up to $150.00 – depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo. Every artist is different.

There are certain instances in which your deposit can be forfeit and kept as payment for the time your artists has invested in your project thus far or that a new deposit will be required. These include:

• If you choose not to reschedule your appointment when you cancel, your tattooer will hold on to your deposit for two weeks. If you do not schedule a new appointment within one week of cancellation, you will forfeit your deposit.

• Deposits cannot be transferred for use by another person.

• If you reschedule or cancel your appointment with less than 48 hours notice, you will forfeit your deposit.

• If you show up more than 30 minutes late to your appointment or do not show up at all, you may forfeit your deposit. Please call if you know you are going to be late.

• If you decide you want a different tattoo entirely than the one you discussed with your artist and new artwork needs to be created, you will forfeit your deposit.
• If you change your mind about getting the tattoo at any point, you will forfeit your deposit.

• In the case of inclement weather, call to let your tattooer know that you cannot make your appointment. As long as you notify your tattooer prior to your appointment time they will transfer your deposit to a new appointment date.

ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
If you are not 100% sure about getting the tattoo for whatever reason, don’t put down a deposit.

When will my drawing be ready for me to see?

Unless you have made other arrangements with your artist, your drawing will be ready for you to see and critique on the day of your appointment. We are more than happy to make simple alterations to the design at this time. If you have changed your mind about the subject matter or want drastic changes that were not communicated to us beforehand, this will count as an entirely new design and will require another deposit as well as a new appointment.

If your artist is booked out a month or two in advance it means that they have a month or two worth of drawings before they can get to yours. This doesn’t mean that your drawing or tattoo is any less important to them; we love all of our clients and are always eager to make their ideas become reality, but we have to work on a first come first served basis.

What if I need to reschedule or cancel my appointment?

We require at least 72 hours notice to rescheduling your appointments. All over all cancellations or notices without at least 72 hours notice will forfeit their deposit.
If you are running late to your appointment, please call and let your artist know.

Please CALL if you are running late.

If you are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment without notice, your appointment is likely to be cancelled and your deposit forfeited.

Should I eat before getting tattooed?

Yes, absolutely! PLEASE EAT WITHIN 2 HOURS BEFORE GETTING TATTOOED. It is often a good idea to bring a couple snacks and drinks with you as well.

How do I take care of my new tattoo?

Each artist has their own specifications on how they will want you to take care of your new tattoo. They will take the time to discuss this with you in detail and encourage you to ask questions to make sure you understand these directions.

Do you do piercings or sell body jewelry?

Nope! We refer all of our clients to Bella Fine Jewelry and Piercing located right up the street. Bella specializes in gold jewelry, almost all made completely in house.

Is your shop clean and safe?

Integrity Alliance is FULLY DISPOSABLE shop. That means everything that is used to do your tattoo is disposed of immediately after your tattoo. Nothing will ever be re-used for another client.

Can I bring anyone with me to my appointment?

Yes. We always want to assure that if you need someone with you, you can definitely bring that person. However, in order to keep the shop a relaxing and and calm atmosphere, we can not accommodate large groups of people. A friend (or two, tops) is totally fine. Children under the age of 18 are NOT allowed in the shop. If you can’t find childcare on the day of your appointment, please reschedule with proper notice.

Can I get a tattoo if I’m pregnant?

No. We will not tattoo you if you are pregnant for numerous reasons. The tattooing process is traumatic for your body and especially for a developing embryo or fetus. Your body is growing a human being and doesn’t need the additional stress of the tattooing process. If you are no longer pregnant, but are breastfeeding, please speak to your OBGYN about getting a tattoo. We are not medical professionals and cannot tell you if getting a tattoo while breastfeeding is safe.

Does it hurt?

Yes. It definitely hurts. Some places more than others but pain can and will vary even within the same tattoo. We always suggest getting the tattoo where you want it to be and it will be worth it in the end.