Tattoo and piercing shop with guest artists

Local clients booking tattoos and piercings, walk-ins for flash and piercings, and visitors who come for guest artists.

Your own tattoo and piercing work plus booth rent or a share of each artist's earnings, and jewelry and aftercare sales.

• Tattooing or piercing, or strong experience managing a shop
• Managing people and schedules
• Marketing and social media
• Bookkeeping and health code compliance

• Facility permit and inspections, plus artist licenses that vary by state and county
• Zoning, since some cities limit where tattoo shops can open
• General liability, property and workers' compensation insurance if you hire employees
• Whether artists are employees or independent contractors, check IRS and state rules
• High startup and rent costs before bookings build up
• Reputation risk from infections or poor work, so keep strict hygiene

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the premises, the number of stations, equipment and fit-out. Rent and setup costs come before bookings build up.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how many artists work there, station rents or splits, and how busy you are. These are revenue estimates, not profit.

Check facility permits and inspections, plus artist licenses that vary by state and county. Also check zoning, insurance including workers' compensation if you hire employees, and IRS and state rules on whether artists are employees or independent contractors.