If you are passionate about the tattoo art form and you have been thinking about starting your own business venture, then you might be considering opening your tattoo shop.
Today, tattooing continues to be a fashionable trend and on the rise throughout the world, so opening your tattoo parlor could arguably be the right business decision. That being said, it is important to be aware of the fact that it is a business, even if it is a passion project, and, as such, should be treated accordingly. So here is all you need to know about opening your tattoo shop and turning your dream into a reality.
Plan for Your Business
Again, since opening your tattoo parlor means taking on a business venture, you need to start by formulating a plan for your business. Putting together a strong business plan is essential for the success of your business, as it provides you with a guide to follow as you move forward. One of the first things you need to think about is the finances of your business. Assuming that you have savings or some capital set aside for your project, you need to be wise about how you are going to use it.
Ask yourself, what are your capital expenses going to look like? These are the expenses involved in opening your tattoo shop and getting it off the ground, such as rent, staff salaries, and marketing expenses. What are your ongoing expenses going to look like? And what kind of revenue are you initially expecting? What are your best and worst-case scenarios for your finances? Asking yourself these questions and accommodating for contingencies will prepare you for any hiccups that may come your way.
Once you have your finances in order, you can move onto considering other aspects of your business. You can accordingly start planning for specifics such as the location, marketing, legalities, and other topics this article will discuss.
Get Trained and Qualified
Intuitively, a tattoo parlor will need someone to do the tattooing itself. Whether this is going to be you or someone else, the person in charge of the tattooing needs to get the proper training and qualifications necessary to make it happen safely. If you're considering taking on the role of a tattoo artist, it's essential to learn how to tattoo from experienced professionals who can teach you the proper techniques, hygiene practices, and industry regulations. Proper training not only ensures the quality of the tattoos but also helps prevent potential health risks and complications for both the artist and the clients.
This profession extends beyond simply knowing how to tattoo. The experienced professionals who conduct HIPAA Exams Bloodborne Pathogens Training discuss the importance of adequately handling exposure to bloodborne pathogens for the tattoo artist’s safety and the client’s. Additionally, if you are not going to do the tattooing yourself, you will still need to get some form of training to ensure that you understand the ins and outs of the craft and the industry.
Take Care of Legalities
There are a lot of legalities involved in starting your own business, particularly a tattoo parlor. You will want to take care of these right away to be able to move forward with your business. Start by forming a legal identity for your business. This will involve researching the paperwork needed, depending on the business structure you choose. Bear in mind that the business structure you choose will determine your personal liability to the tattoo parlor. You will also need to register for taxes, open dedicated banking accounts to keep your personal and business accounts separate, and obtain the permits and licenses necessary for your practice. It is also wise that you go ahead and take out an insurance policy for your business to protect its interests and financial well-being in the face of unfavorable circumstances.
Think About Marketing Strategies
To get your tattoo parlor flowing with customers, you need to consider carefully what your marketing strategies are going to be. Since there are many tattoo shops, you need to think about how you are going to differentiate yourself. What will your customer experience look like? Are there additional complementary goods and services you will offer, such as piercings and jewelry for those piercings? You should definitely take to social media and the internet with your marketing to maximize your exposure and keep with the times.
Furnish & Equip Your Shop
Once you have the location of your tattoo parlor ready, you need to get busy with the furnishing, decorating, and fitting your shop with the equipment necessary to delight and cater to your clients’ needs. While how you furnish and decorate your tattoo shop will depend on the marketing and branding strategy you have decided on, the equipment and supplies you purchase should be pretty straight forward. These should include sanitation tools, tattooing equipment, needles, ink, and disposable gloves.
For artists seeking reliable and high-quality tattoo supplies in Canada, a wide array of options are available to cater to your needs. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring tattoo artist, sourcing the right tattoo supplies is paramount to achieving exceptional results.
While opening up a tattoo parlor might be a dream of yours, it requires a lot of effort and dedication to make it a reality. The key to any successful business is careful planning and execution, and as such, this is what you should do as you move forward with opening your tattoo shop. By following these steps and tips, you can dramatically increase the chances of turning your passion project into a success.
