How to Price Tattoo Shop Services Profitably?

Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
Nov 6
2 min read

Updated: Nov 16

Pricing your tattoo shop services correctly is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a business owner. Set your prices too low, and you risk losing money. Set them too high, and you may drive customers away. The goal is to create a pricing strategy that covers your costs, reflects your artists’ skill level, and keeps your shop competitive.

At Wexford Insurance, we help tattoo shop owners protect their business with tattoo shop insurance that supports growth and compliance. While insurance safeguards your investment, smart pricing ensures profitability. Here’s how to do it.

1. Understand Your Costs

Before setting prices, calculate your operating expenses:

Artist wages or commissions.
Equipment and supply costs (needles, inks, gloves).
Rent and utilities.
Marketing and advertising.
Insurance coverage

2. Choose a Pricing Model

Tattoo shops typically use one of these models:

Hourly Rate

Most shops charge $100–$250 per hour, depending on artist experience and location.

Flat Rate by Design

For smaller tattoos, a flat rate works well. Consider complexity, size, and time required.

Minimum Charge

Set a minimum price (e.g., $50–$100) for very small tattoos to cover setup costs.

3. Factor in Artist Skill and Experience

Highly skilled artists can command higher rates. Showcase their portfolios on your website and social media to justify premium pricing.

4. Include Overhead and Profit Margin

After covering costs, add a profit margin—typically 20–30%. This ensures your business grows and can handle unexpected expenses.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers small business resources for managing operational expenses and profit margins effectively.

5. Offer Packages and Upsells

Boost revenue with:

Loyalty programs for repeat clients.
Bundled services (tattoo + piercing).
Aftercare products and merchandise.

6. Review and Adjust Regularly

Costs change over time—supplies, rent, and insurance may increase. Review your pricing every 6–12 months to stay profitable.

Why Insurance Matters in Pricing

Insurance is part of your cost structure. Coverage like:

These insurances protects your business from unexpected risks. If you’re starting or expanding your tattoo shop, Wexford Insurance specializes in tattoo shop insurance programs tailored to your needs.

Final Thoughts

Pricing your tattoo services isn’t just about covering costs—it’s about creating a sustainable business model that attracts clients and keeps your operations secure. By understanding your expenses, researching the market, and factoring in insurance, you can set prices that make your business profitable and competitive.

Ready to protect your tattoo shop?

Contact Wexford Insurance today.