Do you accept custom designs?

Absolutely. Our artists work across a wide range of styles, and we love turning your idea into something that actually looks great on skin, not just on paper. To kick things off, reach out to your artist of choice directly through Instagram DMs, or email us to set up a digital consultation.

Do you take walk-ins?

Yes! Walk-ins are always welcome, no appointment needed. Just check our hours below and stop by 148 Orchard St.

Sun, Mon, Wed: 1 PM – 10 PM

Tue, Thu: 1 PM – 9 PM

Fri, Sat: 1 PM – 12 AM

Our artists cover a wide range of styles, Japanese and traditional-influenced work, fine line, black & grey, floral and ornamental, neo-traditional, realism, pop-art, and more. Check out the Artistpage or our Instagram to see who's the right fit for what you're after.

How old do I need to be?

18, with a valid government-issued photo ID. That's New York law, no one under 18 can be tattooed, even with parental consent, so we can't make exceptions. Bring your ID to every appointment; we check everyone.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Depends on size, detail, and placement, but here's a real ballpark instead of "it depends":

Size Typical price Typical time

Tiny (up to 2") From $99, our shop minimum About 30 minutes

Small (2 to 4") $100 to $300 1 to 2 hours

Medium (4 to 6") $250 to $600 2 to 4 hours

Large (6 to 10") $500 to $1,200+ 4 to 8 hours

Half sleeve $1,000 to $3,000 About 12 hours, usually 3 sessions

Full sleeve $2,000 to $6,000 About 24 hours, usually 6 sessions

A few things that move the number: color runs about 30% above black and grey, since it takes more time to layer and saturate properly. Fine line work is quoted at $250/hr. Hands, fingers, feet, neck, behind the ear, ankle, toe, and lip placements carry an extra $50.

These are averages, not quotes. Bring us your idea and we'll give you a real number.

Do I need a deposit to book?

Yes. It depends on what you're booking: $25 for a single flash piece, $50 for most sessions, $100 for a longer session with Craig or Mike. You'll see the exact amount at checkout.

Whatever it is, it comes off the final price of your tattoo. It's not an extra charge, it's just paid early, and it covers your artist's drawing and prep time.

Deposits are non-refundable, but they move with you if you give us notice. Walk-ins don't need one at all.

What's your cancellation, reschedule, and no-show policy?

We ask for at least 48 hours' notice to reschedule, and if you give us that, your deposit transfers to your new date. You get one free reschedule per deposit; a second move needs a new deposit.

If you're more than 20 minutes late without letting us know, or you don't show up, the deposit is forfeited and a new one is required to rebook. Since tattoos are permanent, custom work, we don't offer refunds once a tattoo has begun. Walk-ins are always no strings attached.

Life happens, and we'd much rather you reschedule than ghost us. Just tell us early.

What size are the flash tattoos?

All flash tattoos measure between .25" and 2.5" in diameter, depending on the design. At your appointment, we'll print stencils in a few sizes so you and your artist can dial in the perfect fit for your chosen placement.

What's the +$50 placement fee?

Hands, fingers, feet, neck, behind the ear, ankle, toe, and lip tattoos carry an extra $50. These spots are trickier to tattoo and take more time to place symmetrically. They also wear faster than most placements, so touch-ups on fingers, feet, and lips aren't included.

Do tattoos hurt?

Yes, there's some discomfort! But most people find it very manageable, especially for our smaller designs. Pain varies by placement and personal tolerance, and most tattoos at Orchard Street are done in a single, relatively short session.

Do you offer touch-ups?

Yes, complimentary for most tattoos done at our studio, as long as it's booked within 6 months of your original appointment. Give it at least 4 weeks first so the skin heals fully, then email or text us and we’ll get you in as soon as its convienient.

One exception: because they naturally wear faster, touch-ups on fingers, feet, and lips aren't free.

How should I prep for my appointment?

Eat a solid meal beforehand and come hydrated. You're welcome to bring a friend for support, just keep it to one person in the tattoo area during your session.

Is there anything I should avoid before getting tattooed?

A few things. Skip the alcohol for 24 hours beforehand, since it thins your blood and makes tattooing harder. Avoid heavy sun or sunburn on the area, and don't come in on an empty stomach. If you're on medication or have a health condition, just give us a heads-up so we can take care of you properly.

Can I use numbing cream?

You can, and plenty of clients do, especially for longer or more sensitive placements. If you want to use one, let your artist know ahead of time so we can plan around it, since some creams change how the skin takes ink. We're happy to point you toward ones that work well.

Can you cover an old tattoo, or tattoo over scars or stretch marks?

Often, yes. Cover-ups and tattooing over healed scars or stretch marks are possible depending on the size, color, and age of what's already there. Send a clear photo to your artist on Instagram or book a quick consultation and we'll tell you honestly what's doable.

How old do I need to be?

18 for everything, tattoos and piercings both. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. We check everyone, every time, no exceptions.

For tattoos that's New York law, and it holds even with a parent's permission. For piercings it's our own house rule, we've just decided 18+ across the board, ears included. Come see us when you turn 18 and we'll take good care of you.

Do you do piercings?

Yes! Lavinia handles piercings every Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 8 PM. Walk-in, no appointment needed. Just come by 148 Orchard St.

Pricing is by piercing type, $30 to $80 (earlobes start at $30, full list on the website FAQ). Jewelry upgrades available for an additional charge. Bring valid photo ID.

We're 18+ for piercings, including ears. Bring photo ID.

One thing we don't offer is dermals. Those are a subdermal implant, which is a different procedure from piercing, so it's outside what we do.

What payment methods do you take, and is tipping expected?

We keep it easy: cash, all major credit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle. Tipping is never required, but it's always appreciated and goes straight to your artist personally. Cash is always a favorite, and most artists also take Venmo or Zelle if that's easier for you.

Is the shop clean and licensed?

Always. Every artist is licensed, we use single-use needles and hospital-grade sterilization, and we follow all NYC Health Department standards. Your safety is non-negotiable, whether it's your first tattoo or your fifteenth.

Can we come in as a group or get matching tattoos?

Definitely. Friends, couples, and folks visiting the city love getting matching or coordinated pieces together. For bigger groups, message us ahead so we can line up enough artists and time, and we'll make it a fun, easy experience.

Where are you located, and what's the vibe?

We're at 148 Orchard Street in the Lower East Side, one of NYC's most iconic neighborhoods, known for its art, music, and creative energy. Orchard Street Tattoos is artist-owned, boutique, and built to be a safe, welcoming, no-ego space for everyone,

How does aftercare work?

You won't leave guessing. Before you go, we walk you through everything and hand you written aftercare instructions to take home. The basics: keep it clean, don't soak it, and moisturize regularly. Good aftercare is what makes a tattoo heal beautifully and hold up over the years. Want the full rundown? It's all on our Tattoo Aftercare page.