How to Start a Tattoo Business Legally in the U.S.

Tattoo techniques and tricks nowadays have reached such a level of perfection that they can turn all your crazy and complex ideas into reality. The world of tattooing is rich in talented artists who turn the body into a canvas, decorating it with real masterpieces. This continuous growth of tattoo art tempts entrepreneurs to bring together talented artists and establish high-quality tattoo parlours. Starting a tattoo business, however, is quite a serious job. It requires a good knowledge of legal and judicial processes, high-quality materials and equipment.

As the number of tattoo parlours grows, the number of offers and services increases, and the quality of service increases too. The client, naturally, wants to be served in the best shop. You need to make a good effort to create a parlour that meets all the expectations of customers. We decided to compile a guide for you that will help you familiarise yourself with each step necessary to start a tattoo business in the United States.

Given the ever-growing interest in tattoos, we must note that now is the ideal time to start a business in the tattoo industry. In general, a tattoo business is a space that the owner provides to the artist and receives payment for it. And to learn what steps are needed to make this business successful, find qualified tattoo specialists, find a suitable space, and obtain a license, continue reading the article.

The First Prerequisite for Opening a Tattoo Shop

To start a business, you must first be a tattoo artist and have clients who will want to be the first visitors to your salon. The clients who prefer you among the many tattoo artists will be the foundation of your business. It is also very important to create a sterile, hygienic and pleasant environment for your clients. This will flatter their ego and make them return to your shop. It is not only the client’s rating that you need to consider regarding the salon. Keep in mind that inspectors from the local health department will also visit your shop before you are given permission to start your business.

Your Path to Success

It would be a good idea to draw up a business plan for the beginning. It is important for a business owner to realise what is a priority for him and what growth he foresees. This is also necessary if you are going to apply for a business loan. That means you need a marketing plan that will help you develop strategies to grow your business.

It is important to check with your local health department or licensing board to see if tattooing is allowed in your state and what licenses are required to start a business. You can find this information on your state’s official website. Be sure to consider this when choosing a location for your tattoo parlour.

Choosing a Tattoo Artist

We mentioned above that before opening a tattoo parlour, you need to learn how to tattoo and have clients. However, if you create good working conditions for artists and hire qualified specialists, the number of clients in your salon will increase. Accordingly, income will also increase. In addition, you will gain some freedom. You will have the opportunity to choose what tattoos you want to do or how many hours you want to work per day.

Your reputation as a tattoo artist and tattoo shop owner will increase even more if you take courses in first aid and cardiac rehabilitation and control of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. And in general, when working with tattoo artists, pay attention to the licensing requirements of the state where your shop is located.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Tattoo Parlor?

Opening even a small tattoo parlour is associated with quite high costs. First, there are states where you do not have the right to work at home. You must have a legal premises. In addition, tattooing is a direction where you cannot save on equipment or materials. They must be the best, since they are directly related to human health. Thus, to open a tattoo shop, you must be very well prepared financially. Of course, if you have a high-quality salon and high-quality work, your initial investment and expenses will be fully justified. You will have a corresponding income in return.

As for opening an LLC, it can cost $ 40-500. The fluctuation of this price is related to which state your shop is located in. The LLC can belong only to you or to you and your friend. It will protect your property even in the event of bankruptcy of the business. A registered LLC must have a federal and state tax representative. To register for taxes, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). You can get an EIN for free through the IRS website. Artists must file their taxes separately, using Form 1040. And the cost of a shop license ranges from $400 to $1,000.

Choosing a Shop Name

Your shop name should give a complete picture of what you do. In addition, it should be easy to remember and pronounce. It’s a small nuance that attracts customers.

After choosing a name, you need to register it. To see if it’s registered, visit your state’s Secretary of State website. Also, to find out if the name is already registered by someone else, you should check for federal and state trademark records. To make your business easily recognisable, its name should be the same on all social platforms.

Insure Your Tattoo Business

By insuring your business, you protect your shop, your customers, and your artists. In our article on tattoo insurance, you can learn about the types of insurance. Insurance covers expenses that arise in various situations, freeing you from the obligation to pay for them out of pocket and ensuring financial stability for you.

Business Bank Account

To ensure that your assets are not at risk in the event of a business bankruptcy, we recommend that you open bank and credit accounts specifically for your business, separate from your personal assets.

You will use the D-U-N-S number for loans and working with other vendors.

It is necessary to obtain Net-30 accounts, which allow you to pay for purchases made after 30 days. If you pay your invoices on time, your business credit history will increase.

If you use an accounting software like Xero, it will be easier to track your store’s income and expenses and pay taxes.

Waiver

This is a good way to protect yourself in various situations. Before getting a tattoo, the client signs a waiver, confirming that he is completely sober and conscious when getting a tattoo. By signing the waiver, the client agrees that he will not sue the tattoo shop, for example, if he has an allergy and the tattoo may be ruined because of it. Some states have drawn up their own version of this agreement, which you will use. And if the state does not have its own sample, then you will have to draw up your own, of course with the help of a lawyer.

Aftercare Guide

The importance of tattoo equipment, materials, and performance does not end with creating a tattoo. After all, proper care ensures the final appearance of the tattoo. It is very important to provide the client with precise instructions for aftercare. Moreover, you should do this both verbally and in writing.

Opening Ceremony

The opening of your tattoo shop should be truly memorable and impressive. You should not save money here. As a result of these first day events, you can get a large army of customers. Your shop should be full of visitors that day, who will have the opportunity to get tattoos at discounted prices. The images can be small and simple. But your attitude will attract visitors, and many of them will return for larger tattoos.

You can also donate a portion of your profits to charity. That will also attract a large number of customers.