Did you know that there are 33,480 tattoo artist businesses in the US?
There are many benefits to getting into the tattoo business, from building a loyal customer base to flexible hours and low start-up costs. Running your own business takes lots of planning and effort.
You need to pay attention to marketing, customer service, and accounting. It’s important to think about how you will grow your business and how you will achieve success.
We put together this brief guide to starting a tattoo shop. Consider these tips when you’re getting ready to hit the studio.
1. Establish Your Business Plan
A business plan will provide you with direction and guidance, helping to ensure your venture is successful. It must outline your objectives, how you will fund the business, and how to market and manage it.
Additionally, it should consider your cost of equipment, supplies, and necessary licenses. Most importantly, the plan should include the pricing structure for services. By having an effective plan in place, you will better understand the process of achieving your goals.
2. Understand Your Licensing Requirements
You must obtain a state license to operate a business in each state legally you will operate in. You must meet the criteria to become a certified tattoo artist and comply with health and safety regulations. Also, you must obtain a business license, tax information, certifications, and insurance covering public liability and professional indemnity.
Finally, you must obtain a zoning permit to ensure the area you plan to operate in suits a business of your size. Failing to satisfy your licensing requirements can result in hefty fines and future complications for you and your business. Be sure to do the required research and make the correct applications.
3. Select the Right Location
When selecting a location, you should consider the location’s proximity to potential customers and easy access to public transit. The shop should be easy to spot from the road to attract more customers. It should also have plenty of parking for customer convenience.
Researching the local customer base is essential to open a successful shop. With these tips in mind, you should be able to select the right location for your tattoo parlor.
4. Determine the Right Cost and Pricing for Tattoos
Research the price list of local shops, know the price of your supplies and include any applicable taxes. Be aware of the cost of licenses, insurance, and rent for your space.
Consider the condition of your equipment and the materials you are using. Also, consider the time spent practicing and honing your skills and the level of experience of your artists. If you are a beginner, check out these tattoo tips for beginners to help you out.
Lastly, communicate transparently with your customers and always offer clear pricing on services from the beginning. When it comes to pricing, be fair to your customers and fair to yourself.
Owning a Tattoo Shop
Owning a tattoo shop can be a rewarding experience. Follow these tips to increase success in opening your shop and make the process smoother.
Do your research, make sure you are properly certified, know your legal requirements, and create a budget. With proper preparation, your shop will run as soon as you want it to.
Check out our other articles and learn more today.
