Do you want to start a tattoo parlor business at home? Find here a stepwise plan guide for starting a tattoo parlor covering essential information regarding legal considerations, cost, equipment, and much more.
The tattoo parlor business is perfect for creative people who have a passion for body art. Though you don’t need any formal qualification to do a tattoo job, a good amount of professional experience in doing the job as well as communicating with customers. Find below some basic steps you must follow to start a tattoo parlor business.
Here are the 10 steps to opening a successful tattoo parlor:
Tattoo Parlor Business Plan Guide for Beginners
1. Check Whether the Tattoo Parlor Business is Suitable for You or Not.
The tattoo parlor business is best suited for people with a creative bend of mind. If you are passionate about art forms and image drawings, you will surely have an edge over others. However, to own a tattoo parlor you need to have entrepreneurship ability to succeed.
2. Learn and Continuously Update Learnings
Before anything else, you must become a skilled tattoo artist. You must have formal training from reputable tattoo artists or schools and work as an apprentice before launching a tattoo parlor shop
As a tattoo artist, you have to be in a continuous learning mode. You have to practice hard to be a successful tattoo artist. It is a must to have a mentor in this profession. If you don’t find any local tutors teaching this art, search Google typing tattoo courses near me to find one.
One aspect you must remember while diving into this business is that you need to have good communication skills along with the art of tattooing. You are both the artist and the salesman in this business.
You must have the ability to understand and communicate in a trustworthy way with your clients. The best way to start a tattoo parlor is by working as an apprentice for a few months or years with a professional artist.
3. Understand the Local Market
Before starting any business, one must collect information regarding the scope and competition in the local market. Detailed market research will help you in exploring the gaps that exist. You need to plan your tattoo business accordingly.
4. Choose a Location for Your Tattoo Shop
Choosing a proper location is of great importance for the success of a tattoo parlor. It should be easily accessible, have good visibility, and comply with zoning regulations. The retail space must be in a location where people have a demand for tattoo services.
5. Calculate the Cost of Opening a Tattoo Parlor
The major cost involved in this business is the workspace. You need to find a spacious retail space with multiple rooms for running a tattoo parlor. You also need to ensure the space is disturbance-free and comfortable for clients.
In addition, there will be recurring expenses for purchasing inks, gloves, needles, mirrors, towels, and cleaning stuff. Costs vary widely based on location and studio size. On average, the startup costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more for equipment, permits, and marketing.
6. Purchase Equipment for your Tattoo Parlor
You will need a wide variety of equipment and tools to carry out tattoo art. Some of the basic equipment are listed below:
- Tattoo gun
- Needles
- Ink
- Mirrors
- Paper a woollen towels
- Sanitizer
- Disposable latex gloves
- Disposable razors
Open a business bank account to accept money from clients legally. Set up a business accounting method for day-to-day financial transactions. Proper accounting software will be a big help in this regard.
7. Name Your Tattoo Shop
You must choose a catchy and easy-to-remember name for your tattoo parlor business. In addition, do not forget to select a relevant domain name as a website is a must for this business.
Listed below are some catchy tattoo business name ideas that might help you in choosing the perfect name for your company:
- Grayscale Art Tattoos
- Fantasy Drawings
- Skin Color
- Heart Ink
- Etched Symbols
- Skin Art Studio
Read: How to Name Your Business
8. Write a Business Plan
Take some time off and list down the important aspects of the tattoo business. Write in as much detail as you can about fixed and working costs, marketing strategy, services to be offered, pricing strategies, manpower planning, break-even and payback period, etc. You can take the help of free business plan templates in writing the business plan.
Some of the basic topics that must be addressed in your tattoo parlor business plan are the following:
- Startup and recurring costs
- Your target customers
- Pricing strategy
- How do you plan to sell?
9. Make Your Tattoo Parlor Legally Compliant
It is best to follow the laws of the land in running a tattoo parlor in your locality. It will not only make you feel less stressed, and receive certain benefits, but also be more productive at your job. Firstly, form a legal entity. If you are from the United States, forming an LLC will provide you with certain benefits at some extra cost.
Obtain required permits and licenses from local concerned authorities. You also need to register your company with various tax compliances. It depends from state to state and country to country.
10. Promote Your Tattoo Parlor
Networking is the key to success in this business. Meet people as much as possible and understand their trends and needs. A website is a must for this business. Create a website detailing the services you are offering. Print visiting cards and brochures and distribute them to prospective customers. Explore social media platforms as much as you can. You can read this article to learn more about low-cost ways of promoting a small business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tattoo Parlor a Profitable Business?
The tattoo industry is getting more popular by the day. Nearly one-third of the population now have tattoos under the age of forty. The industry is estimated to be more than $3 billion presently and growing fast. In the United States alone more than 22,000 tattoo parlors are operating successfully.
Apart from tattoo art, there is considerable growth in body piercing and tattoo removal and is likely to grow in the coming years. Most tattoo parlors provide body piercing and tattoo removal along with tattoo design services.
How long does it take to become a skilled tattoo artist?
Becoming proficient can take several years of practice and apprenticeship. However, the learning process continues throughout your career.
What are the health risks associated with tattooing?
Some of the major risks involves are infections, allergic reactions, and bloodborne diseases. It is advised to establish strict hygiene and safety measures mitigate these risks.
Are there any age restrictions for tattoo clients?
It is observed, age restrictions vary by location. In many places, clients must be 18 or older.
How can I stay updated on tattoo trends and techniques?
The taatto art industry is always evolving. Hence, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest trends. It is advisable to attend tattoo conventions, workshops, conferences and follow industry publications and network with other artists.