Whether you’ve always been a tattoo artist during your personal time or if you have a dream of offering tattoos in a professional setting, creating a tattoo business plan is essential to improve your odds of achieving success in the industry. From working independently to investing in a commercial space, having a tattoo business plan in place can go a long way when seeking capital, finding partners, and attracting new clients. The more actively involved you become with the tattoo industry, the easier it will be for you to establish and grow a career of your own.
Get a Business License
If you are thinking of building a tattoo parlor, and you have never done so in the past, one of the most important elements of a tattoo business plan involves obtaining a business license. The process of applying for and acquiring your business license may vary based on the current US state you intend to operate in and the type of tattoo parlor building or location you are eyeing at the time. When you are new to investing in commercial spaces or owning a tattoo business of your own, and you want to ensure you are doing it right, you may want to retain an attorney you can trust and rely on in a time of need.
Retaining a lawyer is always recommended for all entrepreneurs, especially if you’re currently in the process of investing in or building a tattoo shop or parlor from the ground up. A lawyer can walk you through the process of filing the necessary documents and paperwork required for you to begin promoting and offering paid service to customers and clients. When you have a lawyer available, you can also inquire about the potential legalities of particular situations or issues you may find yourself confronted with once you begin working with different clients daily.
Prepare Your Legal Documents
When it comes time to draft your initial tattoo business plan, you will likely want to do so with the right lawyer by your side. A law firm or business attorneys can help you learn more about the process of filing paperwork, registering trademarks, and preparing legal documents whenever they are necessary as an entrepreneur or even if you’re facing a lawsuit in any capacity. If you are unsure of where to go and how to begin when preparing and filing documents, turning to your preferred local law firm can make a major difference to the outcome of your current situation.
Preparing your legal documents ahead of time before opening your tattoo business will protect you from potential monetary and liability lawsuits, depending on where your shop is located and the types of services you currently provide. When you do not know how to properly complete specific forms or legal documents, your legal representatives can walk you through the process to mitigate mistakes and prevent common errors from occurring. The more prepared you are ahead of time when you want to invest in a new tattoo parlor or shop of your own, the more likely you are to have luck once it is time for you to bid on or make an offer on a local commercial storefront or piece of property that is just right for you.
Invest in a Sign
Once you have a solid tattoo business plan in place and you have a name and logo created for your new venture, you will need to invest in various forms of marketing, such as a visible exterior sign. Investing in signage is not only a way for you to promote your tattoo shop’s location while helping it stand out, but it will also help solidify the formation of your brand while spreading brand awareness. Whether you’re interested in custom condensed sign letters or you intend to go the route of an LED sign, you can do so by working with a local sign company or by ordering exactly what you need from a printer or manufacturer of your choice online.
If you’re in the process of cultivating a brand or an image for your new tattoo shop, it’s important to consider existing shops near you, your name, and the audience you intend to target and reach with your tattoo services. Choosing the name of your tattoo business is no small decision and should not be taken lightly. Taking your time to find the perfect name and sign for your tattoo shop storefront can mean the difference between attracting and turning away prospective clients.
Brainstorming tattoo shop names can be done by immersing yourself in the industry of tattooing, which is imperative if you are new to the art of working with tattoo equipment. Understanding the world of tattoos, well-known artists, and even local parlors near you can help drum up new ideas when it comes time to designate a name for your own tattoo business. Learning more about your competition and choosing a name that is not only memorable, but also relevant, can go a long way in helping you achieve success.
Find a Waste Removal Solution
Even after you’ve invested in a commercial location to operate your tattoo shop out of, you will also need to rely on additional resources near you, especially when it comes to routine maintenance and upkeep of your location. To maintain your tattoo parlor at all times without hiring an in-house janitor or cleaner, consider finding a local waste removal solution near you, such as a commercial dumpster rental. Renting a dumpster is optimal whenever you are moving into a commercial location, completing renovations, or de-cluttering a space for the year.
Using a waste removal service to rent a dumpster is ideal if you are limited in the amount of trash you can throw out each day in your current location. Choosing to rent a dumpster can also help streamline the process of organizing trash and throwing it out regularly without a hassle. Opting to rent a dumpster is one of the best ways to expedite the process of moving into a new commercial space so you can get your tattoo shop up and running as quickly as possible.
Have Your Space Inspected
After you’ve finalized your tattoo business plan and invested in or signed a lease for your new building, conducting a thorough inspection is a must. An inspection of any commercial property you are interested in is available before completing an offer or placing a bid, although this may not always be possible. Whether you want to inspect the roof of your new potential shop or if you need professional sewer inspection services, knowing how to find the right contractor or company can make a major difference in the outcome of the inspection itself.
Finding the right contractor or company to hire to inspect a new tattoo shop or commercial property is possible by asking those you know in business near you for their recommendations. Referencing traditional business listings can also help you get to know more about local home construction companies near you. For more information, turn to the internet to seek complete portfolios and testimonials from past clients anytime you are thinking of allowing a contractor or company to work on your property, residential or commercial.
While you’re in the process of vetting a professional to inspect your roof, flooring, plumbing, or even your electrical work, you will want to take a bit of time to verify their legitimacy and ability to work in a professional setting. You can inquire about current certifications, training, and experience before allowing a contractor or company to work in your tattoo shop. You should also verify that anyone you want to hire to work in or around your tattoo shop is insured, as this will protect you from potential financial or legal liabilities.
Install new Flooring
Investing in a tattoo shop requires more than having the ability to offer high-quality tattoos using trusted equipment and supplies. When you want to build a brand and name for your tattoo shop, you will want to take the atmosphere and aesthetic of your location seriously, even when it comes to the flooring throughout the shop. Whether you’re interested in vinyl flooring or you are seeking a unique look and feel, turning to professionals who are experienced in working with commercial epoxy floor coatings is highly recommended.
Choosing the right flooring type for a tattoo shop matters, especially as you will be working with electrical equipment, ink, and other potentially staining materials. A commercial flooring expert can walk you through the process of comparing different flooring types based on the style you’re interested in, the protection you’re seeking, and the budget you have set aside and have available for the renovations at the time. You can also compare flooring tiles and types in person when you choose to work alongside a flooring installation expert or contractor.
Repair Your Exterior
Even after you’ve completed your tattoo business plan, and you have purchased a commercial building to run your shop out of, you will want to spend some time focusing on the exterior of your storefront, especially if it appears dilapidated or outdated. From renting a traditional power washer to hiring a local masonry contractor, there are many options and resources available when it comes to repairing the exterior of commercial spaces and buildings today. Committing time and effort to projects involving the exterior of your tattoo business or parlor is one of the best ways to not only boost the curbside appeal of your location, but also add significant value to your investment in a short period.
Maintain Your Roof
Maintaining your tattoo shop’s roof is equally important as any other area, as the roof of any residential or commercial building is an integral part of any structure. When it comes to maintaining your roof before opening your tattoo shop’s doors to the public, you will want to find the right company or contractor near you that not only offers inspections and maintenance services, but also roof installation solutions that are optimal for commercial clients. Finding a commercial roofer is key to protecting your investment and guaranteeing the best outcome possible.
When hiring a professional roofer, be sure to verify licensing and insurance ahead of time. Compare portfolios to find a company that shares your vision. Ask questions about work warranties before choosing who to hire for your tattoo shop’s roof.
Remodel Your Bathrooms
Anytime you are opening a service business, such as a tattoo shop, you will need to make sure that any of your patrons have access to clean and hygienic restrooms in your location. Remodeling the bathrooms in a commercial tattoo shop can transform the space while making it much more appealing to current and prospective clients. If you are currently in the process of transitioning to a new location for your tattoo parlor or shop and you’re thinking of renovating its bathrooms, you will want to take some time to find reliable commercial plumbing services near you.
Working with a commercial plumber is always advisable if you are running a tattoo shop in an area that is zoned for commercial buildings. Commercial plumbers are well-versed in working with a wide range of commercial plumbing systems, fixtures, and amenities, regardless of the type of bathrooms your location has available and their current condition. Choosing to hire a professional commercial plumber is also a way for you to maintain your peace of mind, especially once you have verified that the plumber or contractor is not only experienced, but also licensed and insured to offer their services to commercial clients.
Having a solid tattoo business plan in place is one of the key components of offering tattoos in a professional setting today, whether you opt to do so while working for another tattoo shop near you or if you prefer to do so alone, in a shop of your own. Understanding what a traditional plan entails can go a long way when it comes time to file your paperwork and open your shop to the public. The more familiar you are with the tattoo industry and the world of business, the easier you will find it to set and accomplish the goals that are most important to you and the future of the tattoo business or parlor you’re building.
