What should I check before buying a permanent makeup or microblading business?

A permanent makeup or microblading practice is often one artist and a loyal client book. That makes it personal in a way a retail shop is not. Your checks should aim at one question: what stays when the current artist steps back? Ask for records rather than stories, and ask for them in a form you can compare month to month.

How much rides on the artist

Ask who performs the work and whether clients book the artist by name. If the owner does nearly everything, plan a handover with a real introduction period. If other artists work there, ask how they are paid and whether they would stay. Your lawyer can advise on any non-competition terms.

Touch-ups and the client book

Touch-up visits are a useful sign of a returning book. Ask to see how many clients came back and how long after the first visit. Look at consultation records too, so you can see how enquiries became bookings. Be careful with client files and ask your lawyer what can be shared before closing.

Lease and training income

Read the lease for how long it runs and whether the landlord must approve a new tenant. Then ask whether the sales include teaching courses or selling supplies to other artists. That income depends on the owner’s reputation and may not carry over, so ask your accountant how to treat it in your review.

For a comparison with a related trade, see what is included in a brow bar or threading salon.