Finding the right artists is essential
Body art has become a large part of today's society. People come up with new and creative ways to decorate their bodies with ink at all ages and tattoos are more accepted in the workplace. New tattoo shops pop up daily in cities all across America. While operating a tattoo parlor can prove to be a very lucrative and interesting business, there are things to consider before you invest.
Location
You may have heard the phrase, "location, location, location." This cannot be truer when it comes to tattooing. These days, people have a variety of outlets for supplying their needs. Put your business out there right in front of their faces. Seek out a building that is in a commercial, widely-used space. It does not have to be an expensive location, but one that has a lot of traffic.
Fees and Licensing
Every city and state has its own laws when it comes to tattoo parlors. You will need to contact the local health department and find out what permits you need. They might need to come and inspect the building as well. Artists working in the shop need to be licensed. The cost for licenses will vary. Make sure you complete all government and state requirements before even thinking about opening your doors to the public.
Equipment
Your parlor should be furnished and provide a feeling of comfort to the customer. In addition, you must purchase all the necessary tattoo and sanitation equipment. These things can be purchased through classifieds, online or from a tattoo supply store. There are usually many in every community.
Artists
In order to attract the most clientele, you must be sure to hire the right artists for your parlor. They should be talented, professional and outgoing. People should feel at ease in their presence and not intimidated or demeaned. Try social networking sites geared toward tattooing, such as inkednation.com. Before hiring anyone, check their references as well as their book.
Advertising
Word of mouth goes a long way in the tattoo business. Remember, every design that walks out of your shop is a representation of you. Print and web advertising is very important and must be done, but be sure to highlight the great work your artists do. Try not to focus on deals and sales. A ten dollar tattoo usually looks like a ten dollar tattoo and most people realize this.
Warning
If you haven't already completed a tattoo apprenticeship yourself or haven't worked in a shop for a long period of time, it is not advisable to open your own. It is not your typical type of small business, and if you do not know anything about it, learn first.
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