Ear piercing from a rented room or home space

Teenagers and adults wanting their first or extra piercings, parents booking for children, and people who prefer a clean, private setting to a busy shop.

A fee per piercing, plus the jewellery, which is usually where much of the margin is. Add-ons include a second ear, upgraded jewellery and aftercare products. Repeat custom comes from people returning for more piercings.

• Steady hands and attention to detail
• Strict hygiene habits
• Calm, friendly manner with nervous clients
• Basic social media and booking admin

• Many councils require skin piercers and premises to be registered or approved, and the rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check with your council before you start
• If you plan to work from home, check your lease, mortgage and council permission
• Public liability insurance, ideally one that specifically covers piercing
• Check the rules on consent and age for under-16s, and set a clear policy for parents and guardians
• Infection control and safe disposal of sharps; reusable piercing guns are widely discouraged, so check current guidance
• Keep records of client details, consent and jewellery batches

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on your room and equipment. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around £500 to £2,500, depending on how many appointments you take.

Check with your council, as many require piercers and premises to be registered or approved, and rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Also check your lease, mortgage and council permission for home working, insurance, under-16 consent rules and infection control.

You need steady hands, strict hygiene habits, a calm manner with nervous clients and basic booking admin. Time needed is estimated at around 6 hours a week at minimum, mostly by appointment.