How to Start a Body Piercing Shop

Body piercing, also known as body modification, has become a popular form of self-expression for individuals of all ages. A professional piercer offers a wide variety of piercing options, from a simple ear piercing to more complex areas, such as the eyebrow, tongue, and nostril.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.

 Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

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Start a body piercing shop by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Body Piercing Shop
  2. Form your Body Piercing Shop into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Body Piercing Shop for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Body Piercing Shop
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Body Piercing Shop
  7. Get Body Piercing Shop Insurance
  8. Define your Body Piercing Shop Brand
  9. Create your Body Piercing Shop Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your body piercing shop. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Body Piercing Shop Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a body piercing shop?

Many piercing shop owners have indicated they were able to open their shop with less than $2,000 in capital. As the business started to roll in, they reinvested their earnings, expanding the shop as time went on.  

When choosing your location, carefully research the areas you’re considering. Many shops make a bulk of their earning from walk-ins, so try to pick a space that has a good deal of foot traffic. If possible, set your space up with multiple rooms. You may want to add other piercers or artists as time goes on.  

The following are a few items you’ll need to invest in before opening your shop:

  • Piercing equipment
  • Body jewelry
  • Sterilization & hygiene supplies – A new autoclave can set you back anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000. Shopping for used equipment can help cut down on those costs.
  • Piercing aftercare products
  • Medical supplies/first aid kit
  • Furniture – Piercing chairs cost $250-$500 new, but can be found at a reduced price if purchased used.
  • Displays and cabinets for inventory

What are the ongoing expenses for a body piercing shop?

In addition to the standard overhead expenses, your greatest ongoing expenses will be marketing and supplies.  Cleaning supplies, gloves, and jewelry will be used daily.  When first starting out, piercers report spending an estimated $1,000-$2,500 per year on supplies.  

Who is the target market?

A piercing shop’s largest customer demographic is 18-30 years old. For this reason, many owners choose to set their business up in an area where younger people frequent or live, such as near a university. Some shops cater to a much younger audience, targeting girls who are getting their ears pierced for the first time. To realize long-term success, however, you’ll want to cater to consumers of every age, as body modification has gained popularity amongst individuals young and old.  

How does a body piercing shop make money?

Piercing shops generate revenue from each piercing performed. There are generally several artists sharing studio space, often with varying specialties and talents. Each artist either pays rent to the owner or offers the owner a percentage commission of each customer they serve.

How much can you charge customers?

The fees for a piercing will vary from customer to customer, depending upon the jewelry they choose and the body location. Pricing starts at around $35 and can go upwards of $90.  

How much profit can a body piercing shop make?

Professional body piercers report earning an average of $26,000 – $37,000 annually. This is their profit, after paying a portion of their earnings to you each month. The more piercers you employ, the more clients you’re able to serve, driving your profits up exponentially. As your shop builds a reputation within the community, the potential is there to make well over $100,000 annually.  

How can you make your business more profitable?

Many piercing shops expand their goods and services to more than just piercing.  To make your business more profitable you could:

  • Sell jewelry for piercings – many customers enjoy changing out their jewelry periodically
  • Carry an inventory of aftercare products
  • Sell local art
  • Maintain a staff of tattoo artists

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your body piercing shop is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your body piercing shop were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a body piercing store. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

For information about local licenses and permits:

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Release of Liability

To avoid liability and potential lawsuits, XXX businesses should have their clients sign a release of liability. Here is an example of one such form.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional release of liability form for your body piercing business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

Certificate of Occupancy

A piercing business is generally run out of a storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a  Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease office space:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a piercing business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening,  it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build office space:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for you business’ location to ensure your piercing business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Informed Consent Agreement

It is recommended to provide clients with informed consent agreements to decrease legal liability and encourage transparency.

  • Particular attention should be paid to minors, who need to have a parent or guardian’s permission for any piercings.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Body Piercing Shop needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Body Piercing Shop.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a body piercing shop

As a body piercing shop owner, it’s important to devote a portion of your time to marketing. Prospects will often spend hours combing social media, looking for a shop that appears friendly and knowledgeable and expresses the importance of cleanliness. Make sure to maintain a social media presence at all times. The Association of Professional Piercers is also a great marketing and networking resource.  

How to keep customers coming back

Word of mouth will be your most valuable business tool in attracting and retaining customers. Work to establish a name for your shop – make sure your staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and that the shop is spotless at all times. This will set you apart from the competition and will attract customers from all over.  

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Piercing shop owners who have realized long-term success are fully engaged in the art and body modification community. They value the freedom to express oneself and embrace art in its many different forms. Individuals who encompass these values and possess the entrepreneurial spirit and drive to elevate the careers of other artists should consider opening their own body piercing business.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a body piercing shop?

Before opening your business, you’ll want to determine how large of a role you’d like to take in running the shop. Some owners are only interested in handling the business aspect of the shop, while others wish to be fully immersed, piercing clients a majority of their day.

When a customer comes in for an appointment, the piercer meets with the client to discuss their needs. In this consultation, they’ll determine piercing placement and jewelry. Once the specifics have been ironed out, the piercer will gather the necessary tools and perform the piercing. After the piercing is complete, the piercer will spend some time educating the client on proper aftercare procedures. Depending upon the piercing placement, this whole process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.

In addition to piercing, you’ll also need to place inventory orders, sterilize needles and equipment, and handle any administrative tasks that need your attention. Downtime is spent marketing the business and networking within the community.

What skills and experiences will help you build a successful body piercing shop?

Whether your business plan includes you piercing clients, or remaining behind the scenes running the shop, your days will be spent working with people. Strong communication skills and the confidence to offer advice when necessary would serve you well in this industry. It also requires a certain amount of finesse and a calming nature to ease a customer’s worries as they sit in your chair for their first piercing.

In this industry, a high level of cleanliness at all times is paramount. Organizational skills and high standards of hygiene will be part of what defines the long-term success of your business

Regardless of your role within the organization, spending at least a year as an apprentice is highly recommended. This is a great way to pick up invaluable skills that will help in setting up a successful shop.  Once you’ve gained success, consider passing on this knowledge to other aspiring piercers. Additionally, there are a number of opportunities, such as Association of Professional Piercers that educate members on safety, the latest modification trends, and offer advice on how to expand your client base.   

As an entrepreneur, your responsibilities encompass more than piercing and require a certain level of business finesse. This industry is very tight-knit, so you’ll likely employ several friends and/or acquaintances. Strong leadership skills will help you keep business and personal separate, ultimately saving both your friendships and your business.  

What is the growth potential for a body piercing shop?

Body modification has become increasingly socially acceptable, allowing consumers to freely express themselves without fear of repercussion in the workplace. As a result, the growth potential for the body piercing business has expanded. While many owners choose to keep their business small and intimate but there are some who’ve found success opening multiple locations and targeting a specific audience.  

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a body piercing shop?

Many piercing shops impose various age restrictions on different types of piercing; for instance, offering upper carilage ear piercings only to people 12 years or older. Know what your age rules will be and make sure they are clear to customers. 

How and when to build a team

It’s recommended that you maintain a staff of at least two piercers at all times. To ensure every customer feels comfortable, consider having both a male and female piercer on your team. A team member to handle the front-end services would also prove beneficial, but isn’t required. Since most states require consumers to be at least 18 years old, your staff should be of age as well.  

Each piercer/artist should have their own workspace and will either pay rent for use of the space or pay a portion of their commission to you as the owner. Following this business model is a great way to cut down on overhead expenses and integrate yourself further within the modification community.  

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading

Entrepreneur Interviews

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