How much do tattoo shop owners make per month?

Our business plan for a tattoo shop will help you build a profitable project

Summary: A tattoo shop's monthly revenue can vary significantly depending on its size, location, and services. On average, shop owners can expect a monthly income ranging from $15,000 to $40,000. However, several factors influence this, such as client volume, operating expenses, and additional services like merchandise or guest artist events.

Below is a detailed breakdown of a typical tattoo shop’s revenue and costs, including client volume, expenses, and more.

Category	Typical Revenue Range	Percentage of Total Revenue
Tattoo Services	$10,500 - $34,000	70-85%
Piercings	$1,500 - $6,000	10-25%
Merchandise & Aftercare Products	$750 - $6,000	5-20%
Guest Artist & Events	$0 - $4,000	Up to 10%

1. What is the average monthly revenue for a tattoo shop in a mid-sized city?

On average, a tattoo shop in a mid-sized city generates between $15,000 and $40,000 in monthly revenue. The bulk of this revenue, about 70-85%, comes directly from tattoo services. The remainder comes from piercings, merchandise, and occasional events or guest artists.

The more clients you serve and the higher your pricing, the more revenue your shop can generate. Larger shops or those in prime locations might even exceed this range.

2. What percentage of that revenue typically comes from tattoos versus piercings, merchandise, or other services?

About 70-85% of a tattoo shop's total revenue comes from tattoo services. Piercings contribute around 10-25%, while merchandise and aftercare products bring in 5-20%. Additional services like hosting guest artists or special events can contribute up to 10% of total revenue.

3. How many clients on average does a tattoo artist see per week, and how does this impact shop revenue?

On average, a tattoo artist sees between 10 and 25 clients per week, translating to around 40-100 clients per month. The more clients you can attract and the higher your prices, the more revenue your shop will generate. A steady flow of clients helps stabilize your income.

4. What are the typical operating expenses for a tattoo shop each month, including rent, utilities, supplies, and licenses?

Operating expenses for a tattoo shop typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 per month, depending on the size and location of the shop. Major expenses include rent, utilities, supplies, insurance, and licenses.

Expense	Range (Monthly)	Description
Rent	$1,500 – $5,000	Location heavily affects rent. Prime areas may cost more.
Utilities	$300 – $800	Electricity, water, internet, and other operational services.
Supplies	$1,000 – $3,000	Includes ink, needles, and other tattoo equipment.
Licenses	$100 – $300	Required for operating legally, varies by location.
Insurance	$200 – $500	Protects against accidents, damages, and liabilities.
Payroll	$1,000 – $4,000	For any additional staff like front desk assistants.

5. How much do shop owners usually spend on marketing, advertising, and online presence every month?

Shop owners typically spend $300 to $1,000 per month on marketing and advertising. This includes social media ads, website hosting, SEO, and occasional promotional events. Having a strong online presence is crucial for attracting new clients.

6. What is the standard commission or revenue split between shop owners and tattoo artists?

Typically, tattoo artists receive 50-70% of the service fee, with the shop keeping 30-50%. Alternatively, some shops operate on a booth rental system, where the artist pays a flat monthly fee but keeps all their earnings.

7. How do location, foot traffic, and local demand influence monthly earnings for tattoo shop owners?

Shops located in high-traffic areas, such as downtown or entertainment districts, can see 20-50% higher earnings. Local demand, influenced by population demographics and cultural trends, also plays a crucial role in determining the shop’s success.

8. What are the average start-up costs and how long does it generally take for a shop to become profitable?

Start-up costs for a tattoo shop typically range from $30,000 to $100,000. This includes renovations, equipment, initial marketing, and permits. Most shops become profitable within 12 to 24 months, depending on market conditions.

9. How much seasonal variation is there in monthly earnings, and when are the busiest months of the year?

Monthly earnings can fluctuate by 10-30%. The busiest months are usually from late spring to summer (May-August) and around the holidays (December). The slowest months tend to be January-February and September.

10. What role do repeat customers and long-term client relationships play in stabilizing monthly income?

Repeat customers help stabilize income, especially during off-peak months. Building long-term relationships and gaining referrals are key to maintaining steady revenue.

11. How much can additional services such as aftercare products, clothing, or guest artist events increase monthly revenue?

Additional services like aftercare products, clothing, and guest artist events can increase monthly revenue by 10-30%. Upselling and hosting exclusive events help retain clients and boost profitability.

12. What is the realistic monthly income range a tattoo shop owner can expect after covering all expenses and paying staff?

After expenses and payroll, a tattoo shop owner can expect a net income ranging from $3,000 to $12,000 per month. This varies based on the shop’s location, size, and client volume.

You’ll find detailed market insights in our tattoo shop business plan, updated every quarter.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.

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