How much can you charge customers?Ĭustomers are typically charged an hourly rate, although some projects are inked for a flat fee. They either pay rent to the owner, or pay the owner a commission on each piece they do in the shop. Generally several artists share studio space. Owners earn their income by tattooing permanent art on their customers. They have put in their time in the tattoo business, and reserve the right to turn down any piece that doesn’t represent the brand they’re building for themselves. Others are looking for more inspiration in their work. They accept custom jobs, but the bulk of their income is supported by walk-in traffic. Some studios accept walk-ins and have standard art hung on the wall for clients to choose from. When first starting out, artists report spending an estimated $600-$1,000 per year on supplies. You’ll go through a lot of gloves, ink, and cleaning supplies on a daily basis.

What are the ongoing expenses for a tattoo parlor?Īside from the standard overhead expenses incurred from running a storefront, your only ongoing expenses are marketing and supplies. Many of these items can be purchased used at a reduced rate. Here are a few other items you’ll need to invest in before opening your tattoo shop. You never know what direction you could decide to go later and many tattoo artists travel, taking on guest spots as they move about the world. You never know who will walk through you door and inquire about a that custom piece they’ve been considering.Įven if you don’t plan on regularly hosting other artists, set your space up with multiple rooms. Are they already saturated with tattoo shops? What’s their reputation and what other services do they offer? Pick a location that has a good deal of foot traffic. When choosing a location, research the areas you are considering. If you’re thinking about taking this route, consider two things: many states prohibit home studios due to health regulations, and it’s more difficult to establish yourself as a professional without a storefront. Some artists cut down on costs by working out of their home. What are the costs involved in opening a tattoo parlor?įirst, you’ll need a workspace.

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What are the startup and ongoing costs?.It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur.

Minnesota tattoo license requirements