Cosmetic tattoo clinic in a small studio

Clients from the surrounding area and beyond who want a polished clinic setting, and sometimes salons that refer clients.

Fixed prices per treatment and touch-up. Extra income can come from aftercare products, gift vouchers and renting a room to another practitioner.

• Advanced cosmetic tattooing technique
• Infection control and sterile set-up
• Booking and client management
• Basic business admin and marketing

• Requirements differ by state and territory, but cosmetic tattooing is generally treated as a skin penetration activity. Check with your council and state or territory health department whether the practitioner and the premises must be registered or notified, and whether an inspection is needed
• Check any infection control training or qualification expected in your state or territory before treating clients
• Public liability, professional indemnity and contents insurance
• Rent and fit-out costs are a fixed burden if bookings are slow in the early months
• Workers compensation insurance and employment rules if you hire staff
• GST registration is needed once turnover reaches the threshold, so check with the ATO

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on the premises and fit-out. Rent and fit-out are a fixed burden if bookings are slow in the early months, so plan for that.

Requirements differ by state and territory. Check with your council and state or territory health department whether the practitioner and premises must be registered or notified, whether an inspection is needed, and any infection control training expected before treating clients.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on bookings and services offered. A full-time clinic needs at least about 30 hours a week, and skills in technique, infection control and client management matter.