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 considering opening your own shop, there are many things to consider when purchasing supplies

. HOW BUSY WILL YOUR SHOP BE? Whether you are a new store or an existing parlor you will need to make sure that you have an adequate amount of supplies to ensure that you can complete any job that comes you way

. 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

. There are various options for starter kits

. Some have just black liker color

. Some have just tribal based ink colors

. Some have practice skin

. Some have training DVDs

. Be sure to look at the complete kit and evaluate what you feel is most important to start off with

. WHAT GLOVES WILL ALLOW YOU AND YOUR TEAM TO DO THEIR BEST WORK? 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? You will also need to make sure that you 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

. Bulk needles are less expensive, but the blister packs tend to have a more sanitary and professional appearance

. WHAT AFTERCARE PRODUCTS WILL YOU WANT TO MAKE AVAILABLE? 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

. BUT THATS NOT ALL! You will also need to have a good supply of basic art choices, tips and grips, medical drapery, stenciling supplies, sterilizing machinery, and more

. Its a fun business! But your tattoo shop is exactly that- A business

. Treat it like a business and purchase the best supplies! Happy inking!