How to Start a Profitable Tattoo Business

Do you want to start a tattoo business? If yes, read this article to learn the basic steps to start a profitable tattoo shop.

The tattoo business is perfect for those individuals who are aspiring tattoo artists and passionate about the art of tattooing. However, to be successful in the tattoo business, one must have a certain level of professionalism apart from being a skillful tattoo artist.

Here are the 11 Steps to Start a Tattoo Business

1. Learn the Necessary Skills 

If you are not a tattoo artist and you want to open a store, it is advisable to get proper training and expertise to learn the art of tattooing. There are many institutes that now run short-term courses on tattoo and body piercing art. Attend the course and learn the art.

After you finish learning the art, it is advised to work as an apprentice with a reputed tattoo business for a few years to learn the trade works.

2. Create a Tattoo Shop Business Plan  

Create a detailed business plan for your tattoo business. Determine the store size, how much stuff you will be having, who will be your niche and what kind of tattoo designs you will be offering, and what will be your promotional strategy.

Also, calculate the startup cost of your shop and expected revenue earnings.

3. Register Your Tattoo Business

It is advised to register your business and make your tattoo business legally compliant. If you are starting on a small scale, proprietorship or partnership is an ideal option. On a larger scale, a private limited company is a better alternative.

Read: How to Register a Company/ Startup in India

4. Compliance for Tattoo Parlour Business

Every state and country has a different mode of license requirements to start a tatto0 parlor business.

In India, the tattoo industry largely comes under the informal sector. However, the minimum you will need is to have a studio license to run a tattoo business. Contact your local health department to have the necessary permit for a tattoo store establishment as is related to body art. Always ask for written permission from parents if the client is under the age of 18 and looking for a tattoo.

GST registration is a must in India in most states if your annual turnover exceeds Rs 20 lacs. In some states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and other north-eastern states, the annual turnover is reduced to Rs. 10 Lacs.

5. Name Your Tattoo Business

Choose a memorable, easy-to-spell name for your tattoo business. It may seem not so important, but if you want to create a brand for yourself, choose a name that customers can easily relate to your services. Check whether a relevant domain name is available or not if you plan to create a website for your tattoo shop.

6. Select a Location

As with any retail business location is one of the important factors for the tattoo business. Select a store location with a high traffic density of teenage, young, and college-goers. Also, it is a great idea to have a location within a mall or shopping center. If you are starting with less budget, ensure at least space is easily accessible to customers.

7. Set up & Equipment

After you select the retail space, the first thing you need to have is a detailed floor plan of your tattoo shop. Get equipped according to the plan. Give a professional, cool, and comfortable ambiance inside the store. Use some display flash with popular tattoo designs.

Apart from the furniture, you will need to have a needle for inking, ink, tapers, tools, oils, tattoo guns, etc. Keep your store always clean and sterilize equipment after every use. If you are not ready to invest in sterilizing equipment, never use a needle twice. This will generate the client’s confidence.

You will also need to have POS software, from where you can also analyze traffic details, profit, and loss, inventory, etc.

8. Arrange Funds

If you are short on funds, it is advised to make the necessary arrangements to secure finance to start your tattoo business. There are various banks and financial institutions to whom you can approach for business loans. Also, do not forget to apply for a credit card to meet small business expenses.

9. Hire Skilled Manpower

Choose an employee who is an expert and professionally trained in tattooing. It is important to have soft, friendlier employees who can make a good impression in the time of interacting with your esteemed customers. If you can’t find one and have less money to advertise, post job advertisements on free job sites.

10. Promote Your Tattoo Business

There are many low-cost ways of promoting your tattoo business. Apart from distributing brochures and pamphlets, You can also promote your shop through local TV channels and FM radio advertisements.

11. Go Online

Also, establish an online presence for your tattoo business. Create a website and promote your business in the online space. Try to maintain a blog so that you can educate your customer about cleaning or caring options for a tattoo.