Ear piercing studio in a small unit or shop

Walk-in shoppers, teenagers and their parents, adults building curated ear looks, and people buying jewellery as gifts.

A fee per piercing plus jewellery sales, which can be a big share of income. Gift cards, piercing parties and aftercare products add extra, and a second piercer can increase capacity.

• Hygienic, precise piercing technique
• Running a small shop and managing stock
• Customer service and handling nervous clients
• Marketing, especially local social media

• Council approval or registration for the premises and the piercers, which may include inspection of the layout and sterilisation arrangements; check what your council requires
• Planning, lease and business rates considerations for retail premises
• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you hire
• Check consent and age rules for under-16s and display your policy clearly
• Strict infection control, sharps disposal and record keeping
• Quiet periods, as footfall can vary by season and location

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and jewellery stock. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on footfall and bookings.

Check what council approval or registration your premises and piercers need, including layout and sterilisation inspections. Also check planning, lease and business rates, insurance including employer's liability when you hire, under-16 consent rules, infection control, sharps disposal and record keeping.

Time needed is estimated at around 30 hours a week at minimum. You need hygienic piercing technique, shop and stock management, good customer service and local marketing. Footfall can vary by season and location, so quiet periods are worth planning for.