Body art is worn by millions of people worldwide.
Tattoo artists create body art that customers cherish for a lifetime. For many customers, the momentary pain of getting a tattoo is minor compared to the pleasure of expressing themselves in ink etched through the skin. But making the transition from artist to entrepreneur is not always fun. It takes detailed planning to become the owner of a tattoo and piercing shop. The hard work can lead to having a business that allows you to live your passion; it can also help other tattoo artists working in your shop to live out their own dreams. Starting a shop is an opportunity to foster a community of artists.
Instructions
1. Write a business plan. Put your ideas for the business in ink. Visualize the vision for your shop. Decide where you want to operate, what customers you want to attract, how you will market your business, and how much it will cost to operate the shop. Visit your local small business development center to meet with a free counselor for help with developing your plan. The business plan can also be used to get funding in the future.
2. Research locations. Look for high-traffic areas, such as commercial locations near other tattoo shops, trendy boutiques or colleges. Choose an area where you can take advantage of the flow of customers visiting other local establishments.
3. Contact your local health department to learn about the health restrictions and regulations in your city for opening a tattoo & piercing shop. Learn what steps are needed to properly sanitize equipment. Apply for a business license through the secretary of state to keep the business legal.
4. Apply for a tax ID number through the IRS. Open a business account to keep the business income and expenses separated from personal accounts. Use the tax ID to purchase equipment and inventory from wholesalers to take advantage of discounts given to business owners.
5. Hire licensed tattoo artists to work in your shop. Place ads on Craigslist and through local creative-focused newspapers to attract employees who will want to rent a booth in your shop.
6. Market your business. Advertise in tattoo and piercing magazines. Distribute fliers at local events. Leave postcards or business cards in hair salons, barber shops, coffee shops and boutiques.
Tags: your shop, tattoo piercing, business plan, keep business, other tattoo, piercing shop, take advantage