Piercer renting a room in a tattoo shop or salon

Walk-in and booked clients wanting ear and body piercings, plus the host shop's existing customers.

You keep the piercing fees and jewelry sales and pay the shop weekly or monthly rent, or a share of your takings.

• Safe, precise piercing technique
• Hygiene discipline
• Self-promotion on social media
• Managing your own bookings and money

• The host shop usually needs a valid body art facility permit, so ask to see it and check whether your own practitioner license is also needed
• Rules on piercing minors and permitted procedures vary by state and county
• Get your own professional liability insurance rather than relying on the shop's policy
• Read the rental agreement closely for exclusivity, notice periods and who handles sterilization
• Your reputation depends on the host shop's cleanliness, so choose carefully
• As an independent contractor you handle your own taxes, so check with the IRS or an accountant

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your tools, jewelry stock and the room you rent. Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on your bookings, location and the host shop's foot traffic.

The host shop usually needs a valid body art facility permit, so ask to see it and check whether your own practitioner license is also needed. Also check rules on piercing minors and permitted procedures, which vary by state and county.

Get your own professional liability insurance rather than relying on the shop's policy. Read the rental agreement closely for exclusivity, notice periods and who handles sterilization, and check with the IRS or an accountant about taxes as an independent contractor.