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What budget is necessary to equip a tattoo shop with machines and supplies?

This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a tattoo shop business.

Our business plan for a tattoo shop business will help you succeed in your project.

How much should you budget to fully equip your tattoo shop with quality machines and supplies without overspending?

How much do tattoo machines usually cost for a new shop?

What should I budget for tattoo inks?

How much do needles and cartridges typically cost?

What should I set aside for sterilization equipment?

How much does it cost to furnish a tattoo shop?

What should I budget for disposable supplies each month?

How much do licensing and permits cost for a tattoo shop?

What should I allocate for marketing and advertising?

How much does insurance for a tattoo shop usually cost?

What should I budget for training and certifications?

How much does it cost to set up a digital booking system?

What should I set aside for miscellaneous expenses?

These are questions we frequently receive from entrepreneurs who have downloaded the business plan for a tattoo shop business. We’re addressing them all here in this article. If anything isn’t clear or detailed enough, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Right Formula to Equip a Tattoo Shop with Machines and Supplies

  • 1. Identify essential equipment and supplies:

    Determine the necessary tattoo machines, power supplies, clip cords, and foot pedals required for your shop. Consider the quantity and quality needed to meet your operational needs.

  • 2. Calculate costs for tattoo machines and power supplies:

    Research the cost of high-quality tattoo machines and power supplies. Multiply the unit cost by the number of units needed to find the total cost for each category.

  • 3. Estimate costs for needles, cartridges, and ink:

    Determine the initial quantity of needles and cartridges required and calculate the total cost based on unit prices. Similarly, estimate the number of ink bottles needed and their total cost.

  • 4. Budget for disposable supplies:

    Identify necessary disposable supplies such as gloves, razors, and ink caps. Estimate the total cost based on expected usage and unit prices.

  • 5. Allocate funds for sterilization equipment:

    Research and budget for essential sterilization equipment, such as an autoclave, to ensure compliance with health standards.

  • 6. Plan for furniture and workstations:

    Identify the furniture and workstations needed for the shop. Estimate the total cost based on the number and type of items required.

  • 7. Include miscellaneous items:

    Consider additional items such as stencil paper, cleaning supplies, and aftercare products. Estimate their total cost to ensure comprehensive budgeting.

  • 8. Calculate the total budget:

    Add up all the estimated costs from each category to determine the total budget necessary to equip your tattoo shop with machines and supplies.

A Simple Example to Adapt

Replace the bold numbers with your data and discover your project's result.

To help you better understand, let’s take a fictional example. Imagine you are setting up a tattoo shop and need to equip it with machines and supplies.

First, consider the tattoo machines. You decide to purchase four high-quality rotary tattoo machines, each costing $500, totaling $2,000.

Next, you need power supplies for these machines, with each unit priced at $150, resulting in a total of $600 for four.

You also require clip cords and foot pedals, costing $50 each, amounting to $200 for four sets.

Now, consider the needles and cartridges; you estimate needing 1,000 units initially, with each unit costing $0.50, totaling $500.

For ink, you plan to purchase a variety of colors, with an average cost of $10 per bottle, and you decide to buy 50 bottles, totaling $500.

Additionally, you need to stock up on disposable supplies such as gloves, razors, and ink caps, which you estimate will cost $300.

Sterilization equipment, including an autoclave, is essential, and you allocate $1,000 for this.

You also need furniture, such as chairs and workstations, budgeting $2,000 for these items.

Finally, miscellaneous items like stencil paper, cleaning supplies, and aftercare products are estimated at $400.

Adding these costs together, the total budget necessary to equip your tattoo shop with machines and supplies is $7,500.

With our financial plan for a tattoo shop business, you will get all the figures and statistics related to this industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of tattoo machines for a new shop?

For a new tattoo shop, the cost of tattoo machines can range from $150 to $500 per machine, depending on the brand and quality.

High-end machines can cost upwards of $1,000 each, but they offer better performance and durability.

It's advisable to start with at least two machines to handle different styles and techniques.

How much should be budgeted for tattoo inks?

The cost of tattoo inks for a new shop can range from $300 to $600 for a basic set of colors.

High-quality inks are essential for vibrant and long-lasting tattoos, and they can cost more.

It's important to have a variety of colors to meet client demands and artistic needs.

What is the estimated cost for needles and cartridges?

Needles and cartridges for a tattoo shop can cost between $100 and $300 for an initial supply.

The cost will vary based on the types and quantities needed for different tattoo styles.

Regular restocking is necessary as these are single-use items for hygiene purposes.

How much should be allocated for sterilization equipment?

Investing in sterilization equipment, such as an autoclave, can cost a tattoo shop between $500 and $1,500.

Proper sterilization is crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing infections.

Additional costs may include ultrasonic cleaners and sterilization pouches.

What is the cost of furniture and workstations for a tattoo shop?

Setting up furniture and workstations can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on the size and style of the shop.

This includes tattoo chairs, artist stools, and work tables.

Investing in comfortable and durable furniture is important for both artists and clients.

How much should be budgeted for disposable supplies?

Disposable supplies, such as gloves, razors, and paper towels, can cost a tattoo shop between $100 and $200 per month.

These items are essential for maintaining hygiene and ensuring a clean working environment.

Costs may vary based on the volume of clients and the frequency of use.

What is the cost of licensing and permits for a tattoo shop?

Licensing and permits for a tattoo shop can cost between $200 and $1,000, depending on local regulations.

These costs can include health department permits and business licenses.

It's important to research local requirements to ensure compliance and avoid fines.

How much should be allocated for marketing and advertising?

Marketing and advertising for a new tattoo shop can cost between $500 and $2,000 initially.

This budget can cover online advertising, social media promotions, and local print ads.

Effective marketing is crucial for attracting clients and building a reputation.

What is the estimated cost for insurance for a tattoo shop?

Insurance for a tattoo shop can cost between $500 and $1,500 annually, depending on coverage and location.

Liability insurance is essential to protect against potential claims and lawsuits.

Additional coverage may be needed for property and equipment protection.

How much should be budgeted for training and certifications?

Training and certifications for tattoo artists can cost between $500 and $2,000 per artist.

Investing in professional development ensures high-quality work and compliance with health standards.

Ongoing education is important for staying updated with industry trends and techniques.

What is the cost of setting up a digital booking system?

Implementing a digital booking system for a tattoo shop can cost between $200 and $600 initially.

This includes software subscriptions and any necessary hardware like tablets or computers.

A digital system can streamline appointments and improve client management.

How much should be allocated for miscellaneous expenses?

Miscellaneous expenses for a tattoo shop can range from $200 to $500 per month.

This budget covers unexpected costs such as repairs, additional supplies, or small equipment.

Having a buffer for miscellaneous expenses ensures smooth operations without financial strain.

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