When considering a tattoo, it is important to do some research on the tattoo parlor before deciding to hire them. There are several questions that every customer should ask before even considering hiring a tattoo artist. How long has the tattoo parlor been in business? Have there been any complaints lodged against them with the local Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.com)? If you have friends who also have tattoos, who do they recommend and what was their experience with the artist? It is very important to follow up with references, along with an extensive background check of the company. The background check may be to simply make sure the company hasn’t switched names a number of times or moved around frequently within the same area, which may indicate poor service. All of these factors must be considered before selecting a tattoo parlor and/or artist. In your research, try to find out which businesses have the best history with making sure their equipment is clean. This is the most important thing to consider about tattoos because, if the business is not licensed or the artist is not a professional, there is no guarantee that their instruments are clean or properly maintained. Your health is your biggest concern so, if you are considering tattoos, be sure to select the best parlor for the job. If equipment is unsanitary, there is the possibility of diseases being transmitted or even infections. These can be very dangerous and should not be discounted. A quality tattoo parlor is one that will be welcoming to the customer. The artist should be friendly and personable and not intimidate the customer. In addition, the artist should not push one design over another. For example, a customer should not be talked into getting a more expensive tattoo when the one they really wanted would cost much less. The same business practices, regarding sales and customer service, are the same with tattoo parlors and any other business. No customer likes a pushy sales pitch or an unfriendly salesperson. The tattoo parlor that a customer ultimately selects should be one that looks clean, features friendly and courteous service and has a good record with the Better Business Bureau and customer references. The best way to locate tattoo parlors is a quick search through the telephone book’s yellow pages or via one of the many internet directories. By searching under the �tattoo’ category or keyword, an individual should be able to quickly locate any tattoo parlors in his/her local area. This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations for tattoo placement. Before deciding on getting a tattoo or having one removed, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for medical advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual healthcare needs.