What should I check before buying a tattoo shop?

A tattoo shop is a small business built on people and reputation. Look at the artists and the name on the door as well as the walls and the chairs. A good review starts with who works there and what actually belongs to the business, and only then moves to the equipment and the premises. Work through the list in order and write down every answer you get.

The artist roster and the booking book

Ask for a list of every artist, how long each has been there and how each is paid. Ask how far ahead the books are filled and whether deposits are held for future sessions. Ask whether clients follow particular artists, and how the shop would be affected if one or two people left. Ask to meet the artists as part of your checking.

Flash, portfolio and social accounts

Find out who owns the flash sheets, the portfolio photos and the shop’s social media and booking accounts. Some of that may belong to individual artists, not the business. Ask the seller to hand over logins and the website domain at closing, and have your lawyer name each item in the purchase agreement so nothing is assumed.

Equipment, supplies and the lease

Walk the shop with someone who knows the trade. Look at the condition of chairs, machines, the sterilization area and the supplies on hand, and ask what is owned and what is leased. Then read the lease closely: how long is left, whether it can be renewed and whether the landlord must agree to a new tenant. Read the lease terms with the same care.

Permits and health rules

Ask your lawyer what requirements apply to a tattoo and piercing shop where it operates. Do not assume an approval carries over to you. Ask your lawyer what applies and what must be re-done after a sale. Our page on what public health rules apply to a tattoo shop is one example of the kind of rules to ask about.