Something that makes me cringe is when somebody tells me they got a tattoo that "ONLY" cost x amount. i may go to the cheapest gas station in town but i dont bargain shop for tattoos! i encourage folks to get referrals from people that you know have great looking tats in addition to looking at his/her portfolio & checking out the cleanliness of the shop. i waited years to get my first tattoo until i found the best artist (IMO) around & have gone back to him repeatedly.