How to Start a Tattoo Removal Business

Part 1 - How to start a Tattoo Removal business - Background

Did you know that as many as 145 million Americans have at least one tattoo? Approximately 19% go on to regret their decision. Some fear their tattoos will hinder them from getting the job they want, while others have outgrown the symbolism behind their tattoo. A tattoo removal business helps clients get rid of their tattoo mistakes through dermabrasion, surgery, or laser surgery.

Our guide is in 3 parts:

• Part 1 - How to start a Tattoo Removal business - Background
• Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
• Part 3 - Action plan to get started

What are the costs involved in opening a Tattoo Removal Business?

Once you’ve determined your state’s laws regarding tattoo removal practices, you can begin writing your business plan and budget. You’ll need enough startup capital to cover the following expenses:

• Office space – Look for a space with approximately 800 square feet. The location should have enough room for a reception and waiting room area, treatment room, and office. To save money, many new tattoo removal businesses rent space in an established spa or medical facility. This delivers the added bonus of providing access to an established customer base.

• Laser equipment – Tattoo removal laser machines cost $150,000 to over $300,000. When deciding what equipment you should invest in, consider factors like what ink colors you want to remove, how much space it requires, and how long it takes to warm up. Consider your long-term goals for the business before investing in any equipment.

• Marketing strategy – As with any business, you will need to start with a plan for advertising. Some equipment manufacturers provide training, technical support, and marketing consulting.

• Medical supplies – This will be a minimal investment, but you will need to keep medical supplies such as antibiotic ointment and bandages on hand to ensure proper aftercare.

• Insurance – Work with a trusted insurance professional to determine your business insurance needs.

What are the ongoing expenses for a Tattoo Removal Business?

Once you have the clinic up and running, your overhead expenses will be fairly minimal. Your monthly budget should include utilities, rent, restocking of medical supplies, equipment maintenance, and insurance. Payroll-related expenses typically represent the largest part of a tattoo removal business’s budget.

Who is the target market?

The tattoo business encompasses everyone aged 18 and up. They span every background, gender, and race. Studies indicate between 17% and 50% experience tattoo regret, and the average age of someone seeking tattoo removal is 29.

How does a Tattoo Removal Business make money?

Your tattoo removal business will make money by charging a fee for each laser appointment. Most tattoo removals require at least three appointments.

How much can you charge customers?

You will charge patients a flat rate for each treatment appointment. Most appointments last about 15 minutes, and the average appointment rate is $200.

How much profit can a Tattoo Removal Business make?

Unlike most startup businesses, tattoo removal clinics typically see a profit within the first six months. If you average 40 clients a week, at $200 per appointment, that comes out to $8,000 per week. This equals out to $416,000 per year. To determine your company’s profits, you would subtract your annual ongoing expenses from $416,000.

How can you make your business more profitable?

As we mentioned earlier, many technicians getting into this industry have a medical or spa background. To drive up profits, consider offering additional services, such as laser hair removal, microneedling, cellulite reduction, and skin rejuvenation.

Day-to-Day and Growth

What happens during a typical day at a Tattoo Removal Business?

Your primary role as a tattoo removal specialist is to administer laser treatments at the tattoo site. Before getting started, you’ll meet with a new client. This is the time to get to know them and inspect the area in question. Based on your findings, you’ll develop a treatment plan.

Factors that impact how many treatments a patient needs include skin type, tattoo location, age of the tattoo, and tattoo colors. The average laser appointment time is 15 minutes, and most patients require between 5 and 10 treatments.

In addition to meeting with patients, you and your support staff will spend time each day cleaning and maintaining the office space and equipment, meeting with supply vendors, maintaining office and treatment supplies, performing administrative duties, and marketing.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful Tattoo Removal Business?

The qualifications required to provide tattoo removal services vary from one jurisdiction to another. Some regions consider the process a medical procedure, thus requiring technicians to hold a medical degree of some kind. This could be a registered nurse, physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. Others simply require the proper certification. This map provides detailed information regarding each state’s regulations, contact information, and additional new business resources.

To launch a laser tattoo removal business, most state’s will require you to meet the following criteria:

• Utilize FDA-approved laser equipment designed for tattoo removal

• The operator must be certified and have at least 16 hours of training

• The practice must have a Physician Medical Director that oversees the facility

To manage a successful tattoo removal business, you should have good hand-eye coordination, be detail-oriented, have strong people skills, and be able to make quick judgment calls regarding the safe removal of a tattoo.

As with any new business, it would prove beneficial to have a background in business. If this isn’t your strong suit, look into beginner business classes at your local college, Chamber of Commerce, or your local Small Business Administration.

What is the growth potential for a Tattoo Removal Business?

The tattoo removal industry grew by 440% in its first 10 years. The market is expected to reach over $795 million by the year 2027, leaving significant room for growth for entrepreneurs looking to jump into the industry.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a Tattoo Removal Business?

Consider partnering with an equipment manufacturer that provides ongoing support. These organizations have extensive industry knowledge that could prove invaluable in leading your business to long-term success.

How and when to build a team

You’ll need to fill at least two positions before you open your doors to the public. An office manager will handle the day-to-day operations, while the tattoo removal technician will handle client appointments. In some states, you’ll also need a medical director to oversee the clinic’s operations.

Your laser technician should have the proper credentials and be fully trained in how to operate all the office equipment. Most manufacturers provide training specific to their tools.

Part 2 - Is a Tattoo Removal business the right fit for you?

Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Tattoo Removal business in 90 days