Do you want to start a laser tattoo removal business? If YES, here is a complete guide to starting a tattoo removal business with NO money and no experience plus a sample tattoo removal business plan template.
If we look around us, we will actually notice that tattoos are no longer just body designs but a fashion mainstream and a popular culture in our modernized society. These we believe have molded the tattoo industry into a multi-million dollar industry; at least three out of every ten persons you meet now wear tattoos.
But just as a lot of people are getting new tattoos, others are striving to book for tattoo removal sessions because of either regret or because the tattoo have become outdated to them.
The procedure for the removal of tattoo is also known as laser removal, which is the process of using a laser cleaning machine to wipe off permanent tattoos and make the skin as good as new without any dots or ink. We believe that this article will give you a simple guide if you plan to start this booming 21st century business. Remember that as tattoos grow in popularity, the awareness and demand for laser tattoo removal also keeps rising.
Therefore the tattoo removal business over the recent years has become a money spinner as more and more people are beginning to look into this genre of business. If you think starting a tattoo removal business might be a good idea, then you will have to go through this article carefully.
Steps to Starting a Laser Tattoo Removal Business
1. Understand the Industry
Analysis in the industry has shown that around 17% of people getting a tattoo are proceeding towards tattoo removal, and this percentage is believed will keep growing. Thus, the increasing pool of tattooed population who regret their decision are the potential customers of laser tattoo removal treatment, which without doubt moves the market growth.
Also the high cost of tattoo removal processes and the relative side effects of laser treatment might affect the market growth negatively. It is indeed true that the cost of tattoo removal is 2 times higher than the cost of getting the same tattoo.
Laser tattoo removal would costs around US$ 100 to US$ 500, with an average of 10 sitting required for it to be entirely cleaned. It is also known that the laser treatment cannot entirely remove light colour pigment/ink such as yellow, green, light blue etc., which is a disappointing factor for people with colourful tattoo on their body.
Also based on the techniques, active and passive are the most commonly used techniques for tattoo removal. But active laser is the most advanced technique, which almost removes all ink colours with minimal risk of skin scars.
This particular process has been widely adopted by dermatologists and tattoo removal clinicians across the globe. But even with its numerous advantages, high cost of active lasers and it’s inability to remove light colors such as yellow and light blue, might affect the adoption of active laser techniques.
The global tattoo removal laser market is segmented into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America in all the regions will continue to lead the global market for tattoo removal lasers due to high demand for tattoo removal procedures and the rapid increase in number of population trying to get rid of their old tattoo.
The second largest share in global market will surely be Europe due to its high adoption of tattoo removal procedures, which is expected to gear up the market growth. Asia Pacific tattoo removal laser market is believed will witness the fastest growth in overall market over the forecast period.
2. Conduct Market Research and Feasibility Studies
- Demographics and Psychographics
Presently in our world, getting a tattoo is now a major trend followed by people in developed and developing countries of the world. Almost all celebrities, athletes and even motivation speakers are getting tattoos all over their bodies. Also in America, around 45 million people are getting tattoos and 30% of them are young people aged between 18 to 25 years.
This simply means that with the increase in number of people getting tattoos, the demand for tattoo removal also heightens. Shifting tattoo trends, changing lifestyle and changing tattoo preferences build huge demand for tattoo removal laser treatment in our society.
A lot of people get tattoos, which are believed might be influenced by their relationships, hobbies and interest. But corporate work culture, disturbed relationships and changing hobbies and interests have led to a surge in tattoo removal procedures, creating a huge industry in the process.
3. Decide Which Niche to Concentrate On
It is a clear fact that individuals who got tattoos in the past decade are regretting the decision and are looking to get it cleaned, and laser tattoo removal being the only safe and effective way of removing them is now in high-demand. We also believe or have noted that this is because the popularity of tattoos has grown into the affluent populations that regularly consume aesthetic procedures; tattoo removal is also now becoming a popular cosmetic treatment at spas.
It is worthy of note that the tattoo removal industry has no known niche ideas, but a simple vision and idea to help people eradicate the inks they don’t want. The industry is a straightforward industry, with ventures in the industry solely focused on tattoo removal using lasers.
The industry is yet to be saturated and it’s not that competitive due to the growing population of individuals who want and then regret having tattoos. The numbers keep growing and the industry keeps booming and is ready to be leveraged.
The Level of Competition in the Industry
When venturing into this industry, you need a few basic elements to start a laser tattoo removal clinic: office space, a marketing budget and a laser. The space needed for a successful tattoo removal practice is minimal: a waiting room, a treatment room and an office.
All these goes to buttress the fact that the industry is not capital intensive but very easy for a start-up entrepreneur to pitch his or her tent. Even the laser tattoo removal procedure itself needs minimal consumable costs (bandages and antibiotic ointment), so it is virtually pure profit for any focused entrepreneur.
We all know that inks have become a popular body art form worldwide especially among youths, spurring on a high demand for tattoo removal via laser, which has been proven to be a safe and easy way of removing tattoo. Leveraging on this rising demand will reap you plenty of profits.
Indeed, the market for tattoo removal is rapidly growing and this procedure is highly profitable – with no consumable costs for providing treatments. It takes most entrepreneurs 1 to 2 months to fulfill the setup for their tattoo removal business, but it can be done in as little as two weeks with the right motivation and decision making.
4. Know Your Major Competitors in the Industry
In starting a tattoo removal business, it is very vital for one to know the players in this market. It pays a whole lot to be cognizant with those who drive the market and also for you to know how to favorably compete with these big dogs as you start out in this industry.
Some of these big names include;
- Skintricate tattoo company
- Miami Tattoo Co © ™
- Stick tattoo company
- Aardvark Tattoo Company
- Boston Tattoo
- Pittsburgh Tattoo
- Rockstar Tattoo
- Reno
- Tidal wave
- Remediation services
- The tattoo removal company
Economic Analysis
In the cosmetic industry, tattoo removal patients are often moved and willing to pay a premium for each treatment they get. The average tattoo removal treatment costs $200, and the appointment takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, and most tattoos need between 5 and 10 treatments for complete removal from the skin.
Research in the industry has shown that for an average patient with a small-to-medium sized tattoo to achieve complete laser removal results, they ought to have paid a total of $1000 to $2000 over a period of time – and most patients are willing to pay that price to go back to the time when they have clean skins.
Over the years, a lot of methods for tattoo removal have been used by industry businesses. Firstly was the mechanical, chemical and thermal tissue destruction were the most popular procedure for tattoo removal was a long and multi-staged process. But the advent of technology, rapid technological evolution and introduction of advanced laser tattoo removal techniques has upended this reality.
It has been noted that with the use of laser technology, tattoo removal treatments have become very comfortable and positive health wise. This modern tattoo removal laser technique is simply explained as the use of various wavelength (most commonly high intensity pulsed beam), which focuses on the colour pigments in the tattooed area on the body.
It works by damaging the ink and breaking it down into small particles. Then all those little broken particle of tattoo ink are then eradicated by the body’s immune system. This modern way has proven to be less time consuming and in most of the cases, laser techniques remove 90% of the tattoo ink from the body.
5. Decide Whether to Buy a Franchise or Start from Scratch
For the sake of this article, buying into a franchise in the tattoo removal industry is far more profitable or rather advisable than starting from the scratch. As we already know, a franchisee buys more than the right to use a Business Name:
You buy both the benefits of the franchisor’s experience and the business’s formula for success. Another basic reason why you should consider a franchise is because you might have a good business background but no experience in this particular industry.
It is important to note that one of the advantages of opening a franchise is that the franchisee is provided with a turnkey operation. This simply means that the franchisor helps you choose the site and negotiate the lease, tells you how to lay out the clinic and where to order furnishings, provides information on what products you need to use and what your opening inventory should be, and offers you management and technical training.
6. Know the Possible Threats and Challenges You Will Face
There isn’t any industry that is without trouble. What is required basically to surmount these troubles is to know and identify these possible hitches and know how to deal with them. It’s very common for the fear of failure to hinder you from opening your own tattoo removal clinic, but you need to understand that every successful entrepreneur has made his or her share of mistakes along the road to the top. Possible challenges may include;
- Capital
- Hiring technicians
- Staying competitive
- Suitable location
- Lack of experience
- Employee incentives
- Prices
7. Choose the Most Suitable Legal Entity (LLC, C Corp, S Corp)
Have it mind that deciding on a legal entity for your tattoo removal clinic is one of the major decisions you have to make when starting and your decision depends on your individual situation and tolerance for risk. Yes you can decide to run a successful tattoo removal clinic using any of the available business entity types.
You might want to choose between a sole proprietorship and a Limited Liability Company, however, you should consider the differences before you choose.
8. Choose a Catchy Business Name
If you know that starting a tattoo removal business is utmost on your mind and you really want to break even within the first years of operation, then you have to come out with a bang. One of the ways to come out with a bang is by adopting an attractive name for your business.
Here are sample names that can be used;
- Needle Point
- Black Lotus
- Master Piece removal
- Darkstar cleaning
- The Skin clinic
- Star removal
- Sea of Ink
- Clean Tattoos
- BuzzArt
- Pinpoint Clinic
- Crimson Door parlour
- Tattoo Redemption
9. Discuss with an Agent to Know the Best Insurance Policies for You
We all know that business insurance is a tough one and that you will likely face a unique set of risks. Remember that you have yourself, your customers, and your premises to protect, and a flexible policy makes this much easier. With the right information you can choose what’s right for you, combining key covers into a single policy. Insurance and covers you may need may include (you don’t necessarily need to acquire all);
- Public liability insurance
- Employers’ liability insurance
- Treatment Risk Cover
- Contents Cover
- Work Away Cover
- Buildings Cover
- Malpractice insurance
- Personal Property insurance, or
- Employment Practices insurance
10. Protect your Intellectual Property With Trademark, Copyrights, Patents
We all know that it is necessary to lock our shops when we leave at night. Yet a lot of business owners fail to take a similar degree of caution with their designs, ideas, and valuable business information – the business’s intellectual property (IP) – and leave themselves at risk of theft and counterfeiting.
But you should know that new changes to the law have strengthened the protection of designs in the world, and the introduction of simpler patenting processes will make it easier for small businesses like a Tattoo Removal Business to look after their IP and intangible assets. Ways to protect your business may include;
- Identify your intellectual property
- Get help to find the right protection
- Watch the competition – and enforce the law
11. Get the Necessary Professional Certification
The machines and equipment needed in this line of business needs proper knowledge and understanding. Having a prominent certification will go a long way to prove to your customers that you’re well knowledgeable in the industry and you know the best approach to their situation.
- Certified Laser Tattoo Removal Specialist
- NZ Laser Training Certification
- Certified Laser Specialist (CLS) Certification
- Laser Safety Officer (LSO) Certifications
- Advanced Laser Tattoo Removal Certification
12. Get the Necessary Legal Documents You Need to Operate
You should know that in the united states, regulations on who can start or operate a laser tattoo removal and other cosmetic applications vary from state to state. In some states in the country, only a medical director relationship may be required, while in some areas a medical professional (such as a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, physician assistant or physician) must perform the treatments.
Most of the states also have clear laws formulated by the state medical board. Also a lot of them have ambiguous laws or laws that aren’t specific to tattoo removal. It is advisable that you research your state or your business location before starting a tattoo removal business. You can also contact an attorney to help you with this situation. The legal documents you would need include;
- sales tax license
- Salon license
- Permanent physical address for mobile tattoo Removal Business
- Insurance
13. Raise the Needed Startup Capital
Without doubt, to start a tattoo removal business you need to secure the financing you need from a bank, your credit cards or investors and from any source you can! But if you already have the money yourself to invest then it is a good idea to rent rather than buy a building to cut costs and pay for your own launch yourself.
Indeed investors can be difficult to come by for any business simply because times have been a bit hard. Remember that it’s your duty to prove to any investor that you can multiply the profits of your business exponentially by showing them a solid business plan.
Also have it mind that most times a person running a similar business to your own like the owner of a hair salon or tattoo parlour might be a good source of money. When you have no one or place to source for funds, that’s when you end up having to ask the bank for a loan. Ways of financing your tattoo Removal Business may include;
- Use Your Own Savings and Assets for Financing
- Family members and friends
- Venture Capitalists
- angel investors
- Credit Cards
- By using Money broker and finder
14. Choose a Suitable Location for your Business
A lot of entrepreneurs have signed a lease and then later regretted its terms with time. This is because they failed to evaluate all those clauses and their long term effects. It is advisable that you look at the location, the amenities, the neighbours, the covenants, and most importantly the rental in relation to the business you can generate from this location.
It is very important to note that very little space is required to operate a tattoo removal clinic. The space you need includes a Small reception area, Small office area and a Small treatment room. You will not need more than about 800 sq. ft. of space for your clinic.
Note that rental office space often cannot be subdivided to the right amount of space, so many clinics choose professional office buildings that allow for medical facilities. It’s advisable that you make sure that there is easy parking for your clients.
15. Hire Employees for your Technical and Manpower Needs
No matter the business you are venturing into, you should know that planning is a very crucial factor. You should know that your business success rests on the planning you do. It can make or break your business. There are decisions you need to consider or deal with very early before you open your doors, they may include;
- Managing the scheduled business hours
- Ordering medical supplies and other inventory
- Management of medical records
- Mode of payments
- Scheduling patient appointments
- Managing advertising via social media and blog
- Increasing patient turnout
- Insurance for your business
It is important to say since laser plays a pivotal role in your business, that you make sure you strike a rapport with a reputed laser company as soon as you can. You need to research and find out about the different types of lasers and decide on which type would work best for your business vision and goals. Some important factors to look into also include;
- The type of tattoo ink colours you are planning to treat
- The warm-up time of the laser
- The budget you have in mind
- Features that matter the most
Have it mind that when you approach a reliable laser company, you can be guaranteed of the support and consulting you need in building your clinic, during the operation and after sales too. It is important to note that even with a high volume of customers, you need just two office personnel, namely, the laser technician and the office manager.
But at the early stage when you have a growing customer volume, a single person can take care of both the positions effectively. To make sure you have well trained staff, you are advised to do the following;
- Take care of the hiring and set-up of laser equipment when the staff is present, so proper laser training is given
- Make sure you offer incentives for staff when they reach specific sales targets. It’s believed that this will encourage them to market the service and packages in a better way and convert the leads into sales.
The Service Delivery Process of the Business
When starting a tattoo removing process, it is advisable that you meet your client and see the tattoo – this will be the initial assessment. Remember that this is the chance for your client to check if laser tattoo removal is right for them. The process of tattoo removal includes;
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Stage one – Initial Assessment
At this stage you need to run through the past and current medical history of your client, as there are some medical conditions and some medications that mean there are more risks of complications with laser treatment. It is important you let them know the side effects of laser removal. It is your duty to discuss their medical history, medication and possible side effects which is very important for safe treatment.
You then have to look at the tattoo and talk about where they got it, who did it, what kind of inks were used and any skin reactions they might have had when the tattoo was first done. You also have to talk to them about the importance of sun exposure pre and post treatment. This is where you give your client a fixed price cost for removal – this will depend on the size, colour and location of the tattoo.
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Stage two – Patch Test
At this stage if your client is happy to go ahead with laser treatment then you will have to patch test him or her. Remember this is an important pre-treatment test of how the tattoo will react to the laser. You will have to laser several spots on the tattoo – particularly areas of different colours with different lasers and adjust the laser to get a positive response.
Have it mind that if the tattoo is very small then you can treat the whole tattoo for the first time at this assessment but ideally after the patch test, it is advisable that you give it at least a week to see the response to the patch test. Remember to administer anesthetics because of the pain and sting of lasers. Once you have done the patch test, your client can go home and decide over the next few days and weeks if there are ready to remove the tattoo completely.
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Sage three – Full treatment
Note that every full treatment session involves a quick review of the client’s medical history in case anything has changed and answering any questions you believe needs to be asked. At this stage, you will then need to review the tattoo and the settings used at the last treatment or patch test.
Have it mind that once the new treatment plan is agreed, you will have to go ahead with anaesthetising the skin then using the laser. As you must have known before here, the treatment itself is really pretty quick – these sessions should last less than 30 minutes. Once the treatment is finished the area will be numb for typically 4-6 hours. Next day the skin feels like it’s been sunburnt but this will settle over a few days.
16. Write a Marketing Plan Packed with ideas & Strategies
You better know that making your business a success has to do with more than just your ideas and the services that you provide. It is advisable that you pay close attention to the business side of things and learn how to actively promote your clinic. Have it mind that in the business world, your reputation is what brings you customers and you can’t gain that without advertising.
- Learn to use the newspapers
- Get your Networking skills together
- Make use of the internet
- Have unique Business cards
- Leaflets
- Gift cards
- Referral programs
- Donations
17. Brainstorm Possible Ways to Retain Clients & Customers
It is a known fact in the business world that retaining current customers and attracting new clients help in increasing money flow and serves as a marketing strategy. First and foremost, you need to analyze your tattoo Removal Business’s current offerings and service quality to identify areas you can make amends.
Remember that some of the options for increasing the your income are low-cost, which means they are easy to implement regardless of how much extra cash you have on hand. Other ways to increase customer retention may include…
- Always Compare prices
- Stay current on tattoo trends and products
- Treat every customer as a guest
- Expand the services you offer in the clinic
- Hire an aesthetician, massage therapist or other service providers to make your tattoo Removal Business a one-stop beauty and pampering destination to draw in more customers
- Sell other beauty products like cosmetics for home use
- Hold an open house or special holiday events at the clinic to attract new customers
- Keep a database of your customers and follow them up
18. Develop Strategies to Boost Brand Awareness and Create a Corporate Identity
Have it mind that your brand awareness is what makes you an outstanding entrepreneur in any business industry. It is also what makes people know that you exist, tells them what you do and how you do it. Ways to do that for your tattoo Removal Business may include…
- Advertise a grand-opening special or offer a service at a discount
- Leverage on digital strategy
- Remember that Team work pays off
- Plan to move the tattoo Removal Business to a higher traffic area if possible
- Decorate the interior of your clinic to make it an inviting environment so customers are likely to come back
- Always Deliver Your Promise to Your Clients
- Print your website and social media addresses on any materials associated with the tattoo Removal Business
- Display a sign-up sheet in the clinic for email newsletters and special offers.
- Use technology to advertise through QR, or quick response codes