Consumer demand for tattoos has risen steadily in the past few years. 36% of Americans aged between 18 and 29 years have at least one tattoo. Tattoos are no longer considered taboo by society, and more people are getting them to make a statement about their lifestyle.

The wide acceptance of tattoos today makes the tattoo business a lucrative venture for those who want to celebrate body art. If you’re looking to start a tattoo parlor, it’s important to be aware of all the expenses, from licensing to acquiring supplies. Here’s a breakdown of all the costs you’ll incur when setting up a tattoo business.

Table of Contents

1. Rent

Rent varies greatly across geographical locations. If you live in a busy city like LA or New York, you may spend a lot of money on rent–even 20 times more than you would if you lived in a rural area. You’ll also need to include other expenses like electricity, telephone, and Wi-Fi. Some landlords will require that you sign a lease agreement if you’re renting for a long time while others are flexible when it comes to renting, so you can negotiate.

2. Furniture

Tattoo parlors use special furniture that meets municipality and state regulations. Do your research beforehand and identify companies that sell tattoo parlor furniture. Be sure to compare prices to get the best deals. You can get regular chairs for the customer care desk. If you plan to have a large operation with many tattooists, you may need financing to buy furniture and equipment. An instant online title loan can help.

3. Marketing

To market your tattoo business, you’ll have to print business cards, make storefront window graphics, and hire a marketer. You’ll also need to create a business website with portfolios of your tattoo artists, their contact information, and customer testimonials.