An Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Own Tattoo Studio

Where the trend of tattooing has gone crazy, starting a tattoo shop business is highly lucrative. However, creating a blueprint for your tattoo shop is just like the art of tattooing.

Creating a well-structured business plan requires in-depth knowledge, backed by strategic planning, about the industry. So, if you are new to the tattoo world, you must be feeling intimidated by the thought of starting your tattoo shop business.

No worries, we are here for you!

Here, you will get all the nitty-gritty details about starting your own tattoo shop business. So, without any ado, let’s get started!

Step-by-step guide: Start your own tattoo shop business

The trend of getting tattoos has gone crazy over the past couple of years. However, starting and running a tattoo shop is not as easy as getting a tattoo. So, if you are interested in starting your own tattoo parlor and looking for some insights on how to start one, we have got you!

Here, we will walk you through a step-by-step procedure to starting your tattoo business correctly. So, let’s get started.

Perform thorough research on the market

First and foremost, perform complete research on your local market. We understand that seeing the stats and trends on Google entices you to start your own tattoo shop right away. But this is a hefty investment, and you should be mindful of the market trends and demands before making a final decision.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global market size of the tattoo business was around 2.03 billion USD in 2023 and is estimated to reach 2.22 billion USD by the end of 2024. It is forecasted to grow by up to 4.83 billion USD by 2032. The compound annual growth rate of the tattoo business market is exhibited at 10.20% from 2024 to 2032.

So, consider opening your tattoo shop in an area of higher population density. Also, make sure you do not start your business right next to a very competitive and well-established tattoo shop. Thus, do your complete homework and get all the nitty-gritty details of the market before taking your next step.

Pick a unique but meaningful business name

Once you have decided that you want to start your own tattoo shop business, it is time to move to the next step. So, it is time to do the most exciting thing: Choosing your business name. Not to forget, the name will be the identity of your tattoo business, so it must be unique and meaningful.

There are a few factors that you can consider to choose the right name for your tattoo parlor. So, have a look at the following:

• Identify the vibe and style of your tattoo shop
• Consider your specialization (whether you are into fine-line, minimalist, or heavy designs)
• Brainstorm name ideas that align with your vibe and services
• Research the meaning or root of the words and phrases
• Come up with something unique and meaningful
• Make sure it is simple to pronounce and memorize

Leveraging these tips, you can come up with an amazing name for your tattoo shop. Take your time, and do not give up until you find the best name that resonates with your vibe.

Figure out your business structure

Figure out what business structure you want to follow since it will decide your legal authorities at the tattoo shop. Simply put, your business structure describes how you will be taxed, the annual documentation you need to file, and the level of your liability on your tattoo shop.

There are different types of business structures, including Limited Liability Companies, C corporations, and S corporations. However, it is not suggested to go for a sole proprietorship or partnership be formed. 

The reason behind this is that there is a lot of personal liability in these business structures. So, in case of any unfortunate event, you may end up losing your personal assets.

Complete your legal and regulatory requirements

While opening your tattoo shop, it is important that you start legally and professionally. For that purpose, make sure that all your legal and regulatory requirements are in place. If you are wondering what requirements you need to fulfill, take a look at the following:

• Get yourself a business permit to operate your tattoo shop legally.
• Obtain zoning and land-use permits to ensure the smooth running of your tattoo shop.
• Get in touch with health and safety regulations in order to obtain necessary permits.
• Register your business for sales tax if it is applicable in your area.

Once you have completed legal and regulatory requirements, it is time to set up your tattoo shop.

Set up your tattoo shop

The next step is to set up your tattoo shop. Simply put, find the best location for your tattoo shop where the majority of your target audience resides. In addition to that, get all the required pieces of equipment to provide services. These may include sanitary items and stencils for designs. 

Additionally, you need to establish your relationships with vendors. This way, you can easily purchase high-end equipment and materials for your tattoo shop. So, do your research to connect with different suppliers for products such as needles, inks, machines, and whatnot.

Hire qualified and certified staff

After setting up your tattoo shop, you need to hunt for talents to recruit for your tattoo shop. For that purpose, you need to look for tattoo artists with different styles and skills in order to cater to different customers’ needs. But make sure they are qualified and have the required certifications.

In addition, look out for candidates with exceptional interpersonal skills. This will help you provide remarkable customer service and foster strong relationships. Last but not least, hire people who align with your studio’s vision and values.

Automate your workflows

Running a competitive business is not a cakewalk. It requires your complete focus to stay ahead of the curve. For that purpose, it is important that you automate your workflow from the very beginning. That is why you need to integrate the best tattoo studio software into your business.

Leveraging the right tattoo studio management software allows you to streamline your administrative operations effortlessly. From managing appointments to collecting payments to streamlining inventory, everything is covered under the umbrella of tattoo studio software.

So, using tattoo shop software, you can automate workflows. This will take the burden off your shoulders and let you focus on significant aspects, such as growth.

So, what is the best tattoo studio software?

Finding the best tattoo shop management software is daunting. Being a crowded industry, there are countless options out there. However, the best tattoo studio software comes with a wide range of features, providing management ease in every possible way. 

Grow your Revenue with Tattoo Studio Software

• Streamlines appointment scheduling and management
• Automates inventory tracking and ordering
• Improves client data organization and analysis

Book a Demo

So, Wellyx is one of the best software for tattoo studios since it is an all-inclusive and multi-purpose solution. If you are interested in learning Wellyx tattoo studio software, some of them are as follows:

• Online bookings
• Lead management
• Automated marketing
• Inventory management
• Point-of-sale system
• Mobile applications
• Loyalty programs
• Gift cards
• Customization

And the list goes on!

The most surprising aspect of Wellyx is its pricing plans. The pricing starts from $79 per month, providing you with a never-ending list of features. So, it is the most affordable yet versatile tattoo studio software in the market.

Promote your business

The last step is to promote your tattoo shop business. To do so, you can simply use marketing automation tools equipped in your tattoo shop software. Using automated marketing features, reach out to your target audience, build meaningful relationships, and convert them.

In addition, use your tattoo studio management software in building a strong digital presence. It will not only help you spread awareness about your tattoo shop but also build credibility and boost your reputation.

Is starting a tattoo shop profitable?

With the rising trends of getting tattoos, starting a tattoo shop business can be very profitable. However, you need to be very careful since it requires proper planning, implementation, and consistency to achieve your goals.

However, the profit rates can differ depending on the services and clientele. So, once you have established a good reputation and a decent client base, the average profit can be up to $50,000 yearly.

Final takeaway

Starting a tattoo shop business sounds like an exciting venture; however, it is not that easy. To start a tattoo shop correctly, you will have to follow a little lengthy and intimidating procedure. But no worries. Follow the step-by-step guide that we have mentioned above. By following them, you will not only start your own tattoo shop but will be on your road to success hassle-free.