Becoming a professional tattooist takes time, skill, and dedication. If it’s been your dream to start your own tattoo business, look no further. Whether you’re starting out solo or transitioning into independence, we’ve created a guide to take you on your tattooist journey from start to success. This article will cover what you need to know to build a thriving tattoo business, including a glimpse into the state of the tattoo industry, steps for how to open a tattoo shop, estimated costs, and some answers to frequently asked questions. 

The State of the Tattoo Industry: A Growing Demand for Tattoos

While the Covid-19 lockdowns significantly impacted the state of the market for several months during 2020, the industry continues to rebound. Valued at over $2 billion in 2023, the global tattoo market is on track for even more growth over the next few years. North America holds a majority of the market share at 40%, with its own CAGR of 8.8% until 2031. 

Tattoos are a popular form of self expression, and according to the Pew Research Center, at least 32% of Americans have a tattoo, with 22% of those having more than one. Some data predicts the tattoo industry will more than double its value within the next decade, paving the way for new opportunities and innovation (and of course, more competition). 

Another important data point to note is that the global tattoo removal industry is also expected to nearly double its value within the next few years, with projections at $795 million by 2027. 

8 Steps to Start a Tattoo Shop

Starting a tattoo business can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor, giving you the power to make your clients’ inked-up visions a reality. Below, we provide a step-by-step guide for how to open a tattoo shop: 

1. Conduct market research 

Investigate the locale of your desired business spot to learn which age groups, occupations, and income levels populate the area. Figure out who your competition is, what services they offer, and how much they charge. Understanding the data of where you plan to open up shop can start to prepare you for how you’ll need to design your business, plus provide an estimation of what you’ll need to invest. 

2. Create a tattoo shop business plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan can help you strategize your efforts and give you a better idea on how to open a tattoo shop that fits your budget and style. A business plan will lay out your professional vision, including your mission statement, research data, goals, milestones, financial projections, funding, marketing strategies, plus staffing and operations plans. While plans can always change, having this initial blueprint can help keep you on track and provide a guide for how to run your business. 

3. Check the laws

Check the state and county laws regarding any rules or guidelines you need to follow when establishing your tattoo business. For instance, any requisite permits, licenses, registrations, or insurance you’ll have to obtain, plus fees, health inspections, zoning laws, or necessary business designations (such as whether you may operate as a sole proprietorship or an LLC). 

4. Find your location

Once you’ve chosen your area and done your market research, it’s time to select the perfect spot for your shop. While it’s important to stay on budget, it’s also important to pick an area with plenty of foot traffic and high visibility that’s not already saturated with other tattoo shops. The right location can significantly impact how people find your business, so make sure you’ve considered all of the pros and cons before investing in a space. 

5. Design your shop

Your tattoo shop decor should be both functional and appealing, as well as match the vibe of your artistry. Keep your space clutter-free and accessible, while also maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Good lighting and comfortable seating are a necessity for any tattoo establishment, but additional elements like plants, neon signs, and a cohesive theme can really elevate a space and make your decor pop. 

6. Buy your equipment and supplies

Starting a tattoo shop involves stocking up on equipment and inventory like tattoo machines, needles, ink, sanitization equipment, chairs, stencils, and other necessities. It’s possible to find some of these items at a discount, especially if you buy in bulk from vendors that offer exclusive deals for professionals. However, be mindful of the materials you purchase – taking advantage of deals is not the same as buying cheap. Trading quality for lower costs is a risky choice when it comes to etching human skin with permanent ink, so do your due diligence when researching suppliers. 

7. Hire experienced staff

If you don’t plan on completely flying solo, then it’s time to build your dream team. Ensure your job listings express exactly what the role entails and what skills and training are required. Thoroughly vet each of your candidates and do background checks so that you know exactly who you’re putting on your payroll. (If possible, try getting referrals from trusted sources.)

GlossGenius’ Team & Staff features make it easy to manage your employees and share team calendars.

8. Market your tattoo shop

As you get ready to open your doors, it’s important to have a polished website that can properly convey what your business is all about – special designs, unique skills, or trend mastery – anything that helps attract customers and sell your brand. You should also leverage your social media to advertise your services, build a client base, and help increase your reach. Consider collaborating with local salons or spas to further boost your visibility. 

Let GlossGenius boost your digital presence with our Custom Website Builder and Marketing tools. 

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How Much Does It Cost to Open a Tattoo Shop?

So how much does it cost to open a tattoo shop? Well, like any business, starting a tattoo shop comes with a number of expenses. When you budget for your business, you’ll need to factor in costs such as equipment, shop rental, licenses, insurance, and marketing expenses. Plus, there’s always the ongoing costs like utilities, employee salaries, and supplies. 

It’s difficult to state exactly how much it costs to open a tattoo shop given that many of these expenses differ with location, economic rates, and a mix of varying factors. However, some main expenses to consider include: 

• Equipment (per item)some text
  • Chair: $200 - $1,500 
  • Tattoo machine: $400 - $1,300
  • Tattoo ink: $20 - $40 ($150 - $1,200 for color sets)

• Shop rent (per month)some text
  • Booth: $600 - $1,000 
  • Independent lease: $1,200 - $4,000

• Utilities (per month)some text
  • Electric/gas/water/internet: $250 - $600

• Licenses and insurance (per year)some text
  • $1,000 - $1,500 

• Marketingsome text
  • $500 - $5,000 (depending on how many channels you utilize and types of ads you invest in)

Jumpstart Your Tattoo Shop With GlossGenius

If you’ve got the skills, the drive, the vision, and the funding, you may want to consider venturing out as an independent tattoo shop owner. Owning your own tattoo business means you’re the boss – you can set your services menu, choose your own hours, and charge what you want for designs, all without paying commission or answering to anyone else but you. It’s a sweet deal! But it’s also a ton of responsibility that comes with a hefty financial burden, so if you’re willing to take that risk, you may have an opportunity to build a thriving career.

GlossGenius is the perfect all-in-one tool for tattoo shop owners, streamlining your operations and simplifying your day. GlossGenius software makes it easier to grow your business, taking care of your daily administrative duties while you stay focused on satisfying your clients. With Calendar & Scheduling, you can manage team bookings, schedule appointments, and access client information anywhere, anytime. Payments makes it possible for you to process transactions, creating a seamless experience for clients when they make their booking deposits or check out. Short on funding? GlossGenius will provide up to $250,000 in Loans for your small business, with no personal background checks required. Get your money in as little as two business days so you can stay on track to meet your goals. 

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FAQs

Below are some commonly asked questions about how to open a tattoo shop:

How profitable is owning a tattoo shop?

Tattoo studios can make anywhere from a few thousands of dollars per year to over six figures, though the profitability of your specific tattoo shop depends on several factors: location, skill level, services, expenses, experience, reputation, and of course, your prices. With the right business plan, you can make tattoo shop ownership a lucrative venture, though the market is always susceptible to fluctuations. 

Is tattooing a good business to get into?

Yes, tattooing can be a great business to get into, but it also firmly depends on the tattoo artist themselves. If your skills are up to par and you make smart investments, there’s no telling the limits of your potential. Motivated, ambitious business owners who are always looking to learn and grow are more likely to succeed in the tattoo industry than someone who just wants to make money.