Recently tattoos have become a socially accepted fashion statement. In the past people with tattoos were frowned upon or stereotyped. The recognition of tattoos as a form of body art means that tattoo parlors are able to cater for a wider segment of society. As a result of this the industry has become heavily regulated, making the receiving of a tattoo a much safer procedure.

If you are looking to get into the tattoo business there are a number of things you should consider when purchasing your tattoo supplies.

EXACTLY HOW BUSY WILL YOUR TATTOO PARLOR BE?

If you and your team already have a reputation and clientele that you will bring with you, you want to make sure that you have an adequate supply of supplies. Remember clients wont wait around for you to be ready, especially if there are competing shops.

CAN YOU SPEND THE MONEY?

If you are starting out and have limited resources, you may want to get a starter kit, which will be good for a few tattoos, but will need to be quickly replenished as you start getting income.Starter kits come in various formats, with a variety of different inks, practice skin and even DVD’s. You will have to look at each kit and decide which is most suitable for your clients and level of expertise.

DON’T BLAME THE GLOVES!

You will also need to make sure that you have adequate gloves in both latex and non-latex forms. MANY CLIENTS ARE ALLERGIC TO LATEX! Make sure you ask every time. Gloves come in different quality grades. You need to make sure that the gloves you choose are ones that everyone in your shop feel give them the greatest fit and minimal interference with movement or touch sensation. It is not worth it to save a few bucks on cheaper gloves!

DO YOU WANT TO BUY NEEDLES IN BULK OR IN INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGE STERILE PACKS?

Whatever your decision you will need to have a good supply of all the needle varieties you will need. You have the choice of buying the needles in bulk or in pre-sterilized blister packs. It is up to you and the image you want to display to your clientele which you prefer. Blister packs have a more professional look and offer hassle free sanitation, whilst bulk needles are cheaper.

AFTERCARE PRODUCTS? WILL YOU PROVIDE THEM?

You will need to have gauze, medical tape and ointment to place on fresh tattoos for every client. You could provide each client with a sample package of ointment with the view to selling it to clients and enhance your bottom line.

AND THERE IS MORE!

You will also need to have a good supply of basic art choices, tips and grips, medical drapery, stenciling supplies, sterilizing machinery, and more. The tattoo business is fun, but it is a business. You must start out treating it like one. Having quality supplies and accessories is an important first step! Happy Inking!

Tags: Tattoos