Do you want to start a body piercing business? If yes, you are in the right place. If you are passionate about this type of body art, this article created by our industry experts will surely help you in launching a profitable body piercing business from home or on a small scale
What is Body Piercing?
Body piercing is a unique form of body alteration. Body piercers puncture or cut a part of the human body. Thereby creating an opening in which jewellery may be worn, or an implant could be placed. This body art has been part of human culture for thousands of years. The ears, nose, lips, eyebrows, and belly button are some of the common places for piercings that are popular. Though the industry caters to individuals from different age groups, the majority of clients are young adults.
20 Steps to Follow to Start a Body Piercing Business
1. Understanding the Body Piercing Industry
The body piercing industry has seen huge growth in the last few years. This is mainly due to the rising demand for unique forms of self-expression. In the U.S., body piercing is popular among different age groups, especially teenagers and young adults. As per a report by IBISWorld, the tattoo and body piercing industry is presently valued at around $2 billion and industry insiders predict a good growth in the coming years.
However, the scale of success largely depends on the quality of services offered and the safety measures in place. One must be an expert piercer and providing a clean, welcoming environment is critical for the success of any type of body piercing business.
2. Learn the Skills of Body Piercing
Skill and experience are the major factors in success in the body piercing business. It is always advisable to attend some practical workshops on body piercing before. Also, you need to have a good knowledge of sanitation and safety measures.
Most countries and states have certain requirements to become a piercer. It can be short training courses on piercing techniques and sterilization activities. You must join and work as an apprentice at a reputed body piercing studio.
Some government health departments provide body piercing courses. For example, The Florida Department of Health conducts body piercing training courses in several counties of the state.
Body piercing experts always suggest beginners first learn the art by execution on paper. And then when you get confidence, try out on human bodies.
3. Understand the Local Market
Like any other business, it is essential to know more about the local demand for body piercing services. Collect information about the design trends that customers are looking for in your locality.
Furthermore, check the level of competition that you might face from other service providers in your area. Conduct in-depth market research find out the gaps and plan accordingly to your advantage.
4. Select Your Niche
Different types of body piercing can be done on different parts of the body. The most popular areas are the nose, ears, and lips. However, body piercing can be done in almost all places like the torso, navel, and many more.
For a beginner, it is advised that you start by concentrating on some specific areas. Then when you gain the expertise and become more confident, expand your services.
Here we have listed down some of the popular types of body piercing for your benefit:
- Helix Piercing
- Tragus Piercing
- Nose Piercing
- Tongue Piercing
- Navel Piercing
- Nipple Piercing
- Lip Piercing
5. Obtain Piercing Training and Certifications
Proper training is essential for starting a body piercing business. It’s vital to know the correct techniques and understand how to minimize the risks of infections and injuries.
- Apprenticeship: Most professional piercers start their careers by completing an apprenticeship under an experienced piercer.
- Certification: Completing a certified body piercing course from an accredited institution ensures you understand proper techniques, hygiene, and anatomy.
6. Create a Body Piercing Business Plan
Though often ignored by new entrepreneurs, a business plan is as a matter of fact the most important document for a successful business. A business plan not only works as a roadmap for the present and future activities of the company but also as a numero uno document for pitching funds from investors.
Some of the issues your startup body piercing business must address are the following:
- Startup and recurring costs
- Type of body piercing services offered
- Target customer profile
- Pricing Strategy
- Hiring plan
- Profit margin
Furthermore, remember the business plan is a dynamic document. As your business grows, you need to make changes to face new challenges.
8. Name Your Business
Choose a business name that correctly relates to your body piercing company and its services. It should be catchy and unique. One can get help from online business generators in finding the desired name.
In addition, check whether a relevant domain name is available or not. If you don’t find a similar domain name, creating a website can be difficult.
Learn More: How to Name Your Business
9. Set Up Your Business Legally
To operate legally, you’ll need to establish your business entity and secure the necessary legal documents.
- Business entity: Register your business as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation.
- Tax ID number: Obtain a federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS if you plan to hire staff.
- Business insurance: Liability insurance is essential to protect against lawsuits and claims.
- Piercer’s license: In states like California, piercers must have a license, so research what your state requires.
Read: What is a Limited Liability Company (LLC)
10. Licenses & Permits
Every state has its laws governing body-piercing businesses. Some states require specific licenses or permits for body piercers, while others mandate certain health and safety standards. Research your state and local laws to ensure compliance.
- Check health and safety requirements: This could include bloodborne pathogen training and regular health inspections.
- Licenses and permits: Most states require a business license and additional licenses specific to piercing.
11. Choose a Location and Set Up Your Studio
Location plays a key role in the success of your body piercing business. You must look for a location that’s easily accessible and visible.
- Rent a shop in a busy area: Foot traffic will help increase your customer base.
- Follow health code requirements: Ensure your studio is set up to meet health department standards. You may need separate rooms for piercing and sterilization.
- Equip your studio: Purchase high-quality piercing tools, sterilization equipment, and aftercare products. Ensure your studio has proper lighting and seating.
12. Set Up Sterilization and Hygiene Protocols
Sterilization is a key aspect of the body piercing business. Proper hygiene minimizes infection risks and ensures customer safety.
- Autoclave sterilizer: Invest in an autoclave to sterilize equipment between uses.
- Single-use needles: Always use fresh, sterilized needles for each client.
- Disposable gloves: Wear disposable gloves during every piercing to maintain a sterile environment.
13. Offer a Range of Piercing Services
The types of services you offer will impact your customer base. Expand your range of services to attract more clients.
- Ear piercings: Lobe, helix, tragus, and other ear piercings are common.
- Facial piercings: Nose, eyebrow, and lip piercings are popular.
- Body piercings: Navel and nipple piercings are frequently requested.
- Dermal piercings: Surface piercings and microdermal piercings offer a unique service for clients looking for more personalized piercings.
14. Buy Equipment
As body piercing is asking invasive procedure, you have to be highly careful while purchasing the required equipment and tools. In addition, you also need to take sufficient safety measures so that no infection occurs after the piercing job is done.
Some of the basic types of equipment to do body piercing are as follows:
- Sterilized Body Piercing Needles
- Dermal Punch
- Piercing Guns
- Threaded Tapers
- Insertion Tape Sets
- Ring Pliers – Opening & Closing
- Corks
- Forceps
- Needle Receiving Tubes
- Medical Latex Gloves
- Soap Solutions
- Plastic Wheel Gauge
Additionally, you must have a stock of some fashionable jewelry. Some popular ones are listed below:
- Bent Barbells
- Captive Rings
- Circular Barbells
- Straight Barbells
- Labret Studs
- Dermal & Surface Piercing Jewelry
- Latest Piercing Retainers
Contact local reputed suppliers and procure the tools. You should never compromise with quality in this business.
Other than equipment for carrying out the body piercing job, it is important to set up the studio so that customers feel comfortable. The look and feel of your body piercing shop must provide customers with the feeling that they are in the right place.
Do not forget to have point-of-sale (POS) software for ease of payment.
15. Calculate the Cost of Starting a Body Piercing Shop
Other than the equipment cost, the major investment in starting a body piercing shop is the rent/ lease cost of the retail space.
One can start a body piercing shop for as low as $5000 if one can save the rent cost. Do not forget to keep some money for supplies for at least the coming three months.
16. Pricing and Profit
The pricing of your services will largely depend on the demand and competition in your area. It is advised to find out the prices offered by your competitors for similar services if there are any.
Your profit margin will depend on your location, pricing, and client volume. Typically, piercings can range from $30 to $100 or more, depending on the piercing location and type of jewelry used.
- Pricing models: You can charge a flat fee for piercings and upsell on premium jewelry options.
- Repeat clients: Provide discounts and offers so that clients not only repeat visits but also refer friends and family.
17. Arrange Funds if Required
Arranging funds is one of the most difficult steps in launching a new business. If you are short of money it is best to take loans from friends and relatives.
You can approach crowdfunding sites where many individual investors invest money in new startups. But you might have to pay higher interest there. For recurring costs, business credit cards are a good option for small credit.
18. Hire Skilled Manpower
Customer satisfaction and providing healthy body piercing service is the last word to get success in the body piercing business. You have to be extremely choosy while recruiting a body piercing expert in your company. Hire skilled professionals with good communication skills who can make your customers happy.
19. Develop a Marketing Strategy
Marketing will help you build your brand and attract clients. Here are ways to promote your business:
- Create a website: Showcase your work, list services, and enable bookings online.
- Leverage social media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are excellent for showcasing piercing styles and customer testimonials.
- Collaborate with influencers: Work with local influencers to spread the word about your business.
20. Focus on Client Education and Aftercare
Ensuring your clients know how to care for their piercings is crucial for their satisfaction and safety. Educate them on proper aftercare and provide written instructions.
- Explain cleaning routines: Teach clients how to clean their piercings and what to avoid.
- Offer aftercare products: Sell or provide recommended saline solutions or other aftercare items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do you need to do body piercings?
You do not need any formal qualification to carry out the art of body piercing. However, learning the art from a recognized institute or internship under a professional body piercer for at least 6 months to 1 year.
What are the new trends in the Piercing Industry?
The body piercing industry continues to evolve with changing trends and styles. Keep up with these trends to stay relevant.
- Unique piercings: Piercings like dermal anchors and surface piercings are gaining popularity.
- Eco-friendly jewelry: There’s a growing demand for sustainable and ethical body jewelry.
Do you need a license to be a body piercer?
The need for types of licenses and permits for starting a body piercing business will depend on the state or country where you plan to set up. For example, if you are from Texas in the United States, visit the official website of the Texas Department of State Health Services to learn more about licensing requirements to start a body piercing business.
How much do body piercers make?
The average salary of a professional and experienced body piercer is in the range of $18 to $30 in the United States.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.