10-Step Checklist for Starting a Thriving Tattoo Parlor Business

Do you dream of opening a tattoo parlor business? The tattoo industry in the United States has been seeing tremendous growth over the years. According to IBISWorld, the industry experienced a 12% growth rate from 2015-2020. The demand for tattoos continues to soar, as more people are accepting the art form as a form of self-expression. As a result, the tattoo business has become increasingly lucrative in recent years.

So, what does it take to open a tattoo parlor business and be successful in the industry? Starting any business is not easy and launching a tattoo shop is no exception. It takes a lot of effort, time, and resources to make it a reality. To ensure that your tattoo parlor business is a success, this blog post provides you with a comprehensive 10-step checklist to follow.

• Analyze the market & develop a Business Plan: Before you venture into any business, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the market. Conduct market research to identify your target audience, competition, and emerging trends. Once you know your market and competition, create a business plan that outlines your business goals, marketing strategy, and financial projections.
• Determine required permits & licenses: The tattoo business has strict regulations and permits vary from state to state. Get familiar with your state's laws on tattooing, register your business with your state, and obtain the necessary permits and licenses to operate legally.
• Source quality equipment & materials: Tattooing requires specialized equipment and high-quality supplies. Research the different types of equipment and supplies needed, choose the right vendors, and invest in top-quality equipment to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
• Develop financial model & secure funding: Tattoos can be expensive, and your business will need a significant start-up capital. Prepare a comprehensive financial model and come up with a realistic budget. Determine your funding needs and explore financing options such as bank loans, grants, and crowdfunding.
• Create a legal framework & insurance policy: Setting up a legal structure is crucial for your business. This includes choosing a business entity, registering for taxes, and obtaining insurance policies to protect your business from any liability or lawsuits.
• Hire qualified staff & adhere to health codes: The customers' safety should be top priority. Hire qualified and licensed tattoo artists, and make sure they adhere to health codes and safety practices to mitigate any risk of infections or legal issues.
• Establish a fee schedule & pricing policy: Come up with a pricing policy that is competitive and affordable in the market. Consider the size and complexity of the tattoo, the time it takes to complete, and the experience of the artist. Have a clear fee schedule and transparent pricing policy to avoid misunderstandings with customers.
• Promote the business in the target market: Marketing and advertising are essential to the success of any business. Develop a marketing strategy tailored to your target audience, use social media to build brand awareness, and collaborate with other businesses to reach your target market.
• Understand compliance requirements & regulations: Keep up-to-date with compliance requirements and regulations to avoid any legal issues. Some requirements and regulations may change, so it is essential to stay informed and take the necessary steps to comply.
• Maintain health & safety standards: As mentioned earlier, customer safety is paramount. Follow an established health and safety protocol, perform regular checks and maintenance of equipment, and educate your staff on proper health and safety practices.

Opening a tattoo parlor business requires proper planning, effort, and resources. Following this 10-point checklist will help you launch your business successfully. As the tattoo industry continues to grow, stay committed to developing your business, fostering your clientele, and delivering quality products and services.

1. Analyze The Market & Develop A Business Plan

Starting a new business, especially a tattoo parlor, is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. The first step in this process is to analyze the market and develop a solid business plan. Here are the key chapters that you should include in your business plan:

• Executive Summary: This section should provide a brief overview of your business, including what it does, its unique selling proposition, and your target market.
• Industry Analysis: In this section, you should examine the tattoo industry, its current state, and projected trends.
• Target Market: This section should describe your ideal customer and target demographics. You may consider their age, gender, location, interests, and income level.
• Competition Analysis: This section should examine your competitors, their strengths, weaknesses, and types of services they offer.
• Services & Pricing: This section should describe the types of services your tattoo parlor will offer and their corresponding pricing. Be sure to factor in the cost of ink and other supplies.
• Marketing Strategy: In this section, you should outline your advertising and promotional efforts, including the use of traditional and digital marketing channels.
• Management Team & Personnel: This section should detail your management team and existing staff, roles, and responsibilities.
• Financial Projections: This section should include your projected cash flow, income statement, balance sheet, and break-even analysis.
• Funding Requirements: In this section, you should list the amount of capital needed to launch your tattoo parlor, including start-up and ongoing expenses.
• Legal Considerations: This section should detail the legal aspects of opening and running a tattoo parlor, such as zoning, licensing, permits, and insurance.

By taking the time to analyze the market and develop a comprehensive business plan, you will be more prepared to tackle the challenges of launching and growing your tattoo parlor. Remember to regularly revisit and update your business plan to ensure you are on target to meet your goals.

2. Determine Required Permits & Licenses

Business License: To open any business, you need to apply for a Business License. It is a legal requirement that varies from city to city. You can get it from your local municipal office or city hall.

Health Department Permit: Tattooing and piercing are covering by the health department because it might cause health risks if not done properly. The health department issues a permit after inspection of the parlor. They ensure that you are following proper sanitization, sterilization, and waste management protocols.

Shop Permit: Many cities require a Shop Permit if you're operating in a specific zone or have a specific type of business. This permit ensures that your business is in compliance with zoning, building, and fire safety rules.

State Tattoo License: It is mandatory to obtain a state tattoo license before starting any tattoo parlor business. Requirements vary from state to state, so check with the relevant state authority for more information.

Insurance: Tattooing comes with health risks, so obtaining liability insurance is a smart move to protect yourself from any mishaps.

3. Source Quality Equipment & Materials

Opening a tattoo parlor requires a significant investment in equipment and materials. Your success will depend on the quality of products you source and use. Here are the steps to follow in sourcing top-quality equipment and materials for your tattoo parlor:

• Identify reputable suppliers: Research and identify the most reputable and trustworthy suppliers of tattoo equipment and materials. Check their reputations, customer reviews, and ratings to ensure that they are reliable.
• Attend trade shows: Attending industry trade shows will provide you with an opportunity to meet and connect with various equipment and material suppliers. You can view and test equipment at the trade shows to determine which suppliers offer the best products for your needs.
• Read reviews: Check reviews of equipment and supplies online to get an idea of their performance and durability before making any purchases. This can save you from investing in sub-standard or ineffective products.
• Consider the quality: Always prioritize quality over price for your equipment and materials. Investing in high-quality products will ensure the long-term success of your tattoo parlor.

Investing in high-quality equipment and materials is a prerequisite for starting a successful tattoo parlor. Follow these steps and tips to find reputable suppliers, get the best deals, and build a strong reputation in the industry.

4. Develop Financial Model & Secure Funding

Starting a tattoo parlor business requires more than just passion and creativity, it also requires sufficient capital to fund the venture. Securing funding is crucial to help you buy equipment, lease a commercial space, and hire staff, among others. In this chapter, we’ll discuss how to develop a financial model and secure funding for your tattoo parlor business.

Developing a Financial Model

Before you start approaching investors and loan providers, you need to have a solid financial model that outlines your estimated income, expenses, profits, and losses. This model should include all possible expenses such as lease payments, equipment costs, employee salaries, and marketing expenses. Make sure to perform industry research to understand the expected revenue of similar businesses in your area. This information will help to create a realistic financial model.

Securing Funding

Once you have developed a financial model, you can use it to approach potential investors or lenders to fund your tattoo parlor business. There are several financing options to choose from, including:

• Personal Savings: The most common way to fund your business is to use your personal savings. You can also consider borrowing from friends and family.
• Bank Loans: You can also approach banks and other financial institutions to apply for a business loan. This option requires a strong credit history and a solid business plan.
• Angel Investors: Angel investors are individuals who invest in early-stage businesses. They often have experience in the industry and can provide valuable guidance and networking opportunities.
• Venture Capitalists: Venture capitalists invest in businesses with high growth potential. They typically require a significant equity stake in the business and have longer investment timelines.

Tips & Tricks

In conclusion, developing a financial model and securing funding are critical steps when opening a tattoo parlor business. It is important to be realistic, research the industry, and choose the right financing option that aligns with your business goals.

5. Create A Legal Framework & Insurance Policy

Before opening a tattoo parlor business, one of the most important steps is to create a legal framework and insurance policy. This will protect your business from potential legal and financial troubles in the future. Here are some chapters to consider when creating your legal framework and insurance policy:

• Register Your Business: First and foremost, you'll need to register your business as an LLC or corporation. This will give your business a legal identity separate from your personal assets.
• Obtain Licenses and Permits: Check with your state or local government for the necessary licenses and permits required to operate a tattoo parlor. This may include health department permits, business licenses, and professional tattoo licenses.
• Create Contracts and Waivers: Set up contracts and waivers that customers must sign before getting tattooed. These documents should outline the risks and potential side effects of tattoos and absolve your business of liability in the case of any issues.
• Insurance Policy: Obtain insurance coverage for your tattoo parlor business. This should include general liability insurance, professional liability insurance specifically for tattoo artists, and property insurance for your physical location and equipment.
• Consult with a Lawyer: Consult with a lawyer experienced in small business law to ensure that you are properly protected and compliant with all local and state regulations.

By setting up a strong legal framework and insurance policy, you can protect your tattoo parlor business from potential legal and financial troubles. Take the time to consult with a lawyer and obtain the necessary licenses, permits, and insurance coverage for your business to thrive.

6. Hire Qualified Staff & Adhere To Health Codes

When it comes to opening a tattoo parlor, one of the most important aspects to consider is hiring qualified staff. Not only should your employees be skilled artists, but they should also have a good understanding of health codes and regulations.

First and foremost, seek out artists who have formal training or apprenticeships under experienced tattooists. Look for artists who specialize in a range of styles, so you can provide a variety of options to your customers. Conduct thorough interviews and check references to ensure you hire the best candidates.

In addition, make sure that your staff is knowledgeable about health codes. This includes proper sterilization of equipment, usage of disposable materials, and maintaining a clean and sanitary environment. Consider providing training sessions or holding regular staff meetings to discuss any updates or changes in health codes.

• TIP: Consider hiring a licensed health inspector to review your tattoo parlor's procedures and provide any necessary feedback.

To adhere to health codes, your tattoo parlor should provide a separate room for sterilization and cleaning equipment, and ensure that all surfaces are disinfected regularly. Also, ensure that all inks and pigments used at your tattoo parlor are from reputable sources and comply with state regulations.

Moreover, your staff should be properly licensed and certified to provide tattoo services. Research your state's licensing requirements and ensure that your staff meets them.

• TIP: Create a color-coded system for equipment and tools to ensure that everything is sanitized and used appropriately.

By hiring qualified staff and adhering to health codes, you can ensure the success of your tattoo parlor business while providing safe and high-quality services to your customers.

7. Establish A Fee Schedule & Pricing Policy

As a tattoo parlor business owner, it is important to have a clear and concise fee schedule and pricing policy in order to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your clients are aware of the costs associated with your services. Here are some steps you can take to establish a fee schedule and pricing policy:

• Research the market rates for tattoo services in your area. This will give you an idea of what other businesses are offering and help you set competitive prices.
• Determine your hourly rate based on your experience, skills, and the demand for your services. You should also consider the overhead costs of running your business.
• Create a list of services and prices that are easy to understand and clearly communicate the costs associated with each service.
• Consider offering package deals or discounts for clients who want multiple tattoos or referrals.
• Establish a policy for cancellations, rescheduling, and no-shows. This will help you avoid losing money when clients don't show up for their appointments.
• Be transparent about your pricing policy and ensure that your clients understand the costs associated with your services before they sign up.

By following these steps and establishing a clear fee schedule and pricing policy, you can create a successful tattoo parlor business that attracts loyal clients and generates a steady stream of revenue.

8. Promote The Business In The Target Market

Now that you have set up your tattoo parlor, the next step is to promote it in your target market. Here are some effective promotion strategies that you can implement:

• Social Media Marketing: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are the perfect platforms to promote your tattoo parlor. Share pictures of your work, reviews from satisfied customers, and run social media campaigns to increase your outreach.
• Local Ads: Place ads in local newspapers, print brochures or flyers, and distribute them in your surrounding areas to increase awareness about your tattoo parlor.
• Partnerships: Partner with other businesses in your area that are related to your industry, such as piercing parlors, to showcase your work and increase your visibility.
• SEO: Optimize your website with relevant keywords and phrases to make it easier for your potential customers to find you online.
• Networking: Attend local events, fairs or tattoo conventions to increase your visibility in the tattoo industry. This will also give you the opportunity to showcase your work.
• Referral Program: Start a referral program that rewards existing customers with discounts or free tattoos for bringing in new customers.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively promote your tattoo parlor in your target market and increase your customer base. Remember that promoting your business is an ongoing process, and you need to continuously evaluate and modify your strategies based on the changing market trends.

9. Understand Compliance Requirements & Regulations

Opening a tattoo parlor business requires more than just having a great artist and a good location. It also means following the compliance requirements and regulations set by the government. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

• Obtain the necessary permits and licenses. Different states have different requirements for tattoo parlors, and it's important to find out what your state requires. This typically includes a business license, a tattoo artist or practitioner license, and a health permit.
• Meet health and safety standards. To minimize the risk of infection and disease transmission, your tattoo parlor should follow strict sanitation and sterilization procedures. This includes using disposable needles and tubes, maintaining a clean workspace, and properly disposing of hazardous waste.
• Comply with zoning regulations. Some areas have specific zoning laws that dictate where certain types of businesses can be located. Make sure your chosen location is zoned for a tattoo parlor before signing a lease.
• Abide by employment laws. As an employer, you'll need to comply with state and federal laws regarding minimum wage, overtime, workers' compensation, and other requirements.

In addition to complying with legal requirements, it's also important to consider the ethical implications of running a tattoo parlor. Some people may view tattoos as controversial or even taboo, so it's important to create a safe and welcoming environment for all clients.

By staying informed and up-to-date on compliance requirements and regulations, you can ensure that your tattoo parlor business is both legal and ethical. This will help you build a positive reputation within your community and attract more clients in the long run.

10. Maintain Health & Safety Standards

When it comes to any business, maintaining health and safety standards should be a top priority. This is especially important when it comes to running a tattoo parlor. Not only is it vital for the well-being of your clients, but it’s also crucial for the success and longevity of your business. In this section, we’ll cover the different areas you need to focus on to ensure that your tattoo parlor is a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved.

• Hygiene and Sanitation: Keeping your tattoo tools and equipment clean and sterile is a must, as it helps to prevent the spread of infection. Make sure that you have a strict cleaning and sterilization routine in place for all of your equipment. Ensure that all work surfaces are properly sanitized before and after each client visits.
• Training and Certifications: Make sure that all of your artists are properly trained and certified. This guarantees that they understand the importance of hygiene and safety protocols. They should have knowledge of blood-borne pathogens, cross-contamination prevention measures, and the proper handling of equipment and sharps.
• Medical Waste Management: Proper disposal of medical waste is important in order to prevent the spread of infection and contamination. Make sure that all of your medical waste is disposed of safely and correctly.
• Client Health: Before allowing clients to get tattooed, make sure that they are in good health. This means that they should not have any underlying health conditions and should not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Emergency Preparedness: It’s important to have a plan in place in case of an emergency. Make sure that you have first-aid supplies available, and that your staff knows how to respond in case of an emergency.

Opening a tattoo parlor business can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and resources to create a successful business venture. According to IBISWorld, the tattoo industry is expected to grow by 4.3% in the upcoming years. Therefore, it is crucial to stay abreast of market trends, regulations, and emerging technologies to remain competitive in the industry.

Starting a tattoo business requires thorough preparation, planning, and execution. Implementing a comprehensive 10-step checklist will help you launch your business effectively. At the same time, it is essential to keep an eye on customer needs, foster a strong relationship with your clientele, and prioritize customer safety. A satisfied customer is your best advertisement.

Successful tattoo parlors offer quality products, excellent customer service, and an environment that customers feel comfortable and safe. Armed with the right tools and knowledge, you can build a thriving tattoo business that meets the demand of the market.