How to Create SOPs for Your Tattoo Shop (Without Being a Corporate Nightmare)
I know what you’re thinking: “SOPs? Standard Operating Procedures? That sounds like corporate HR garbage, not tattooing.”
Fair. But let me tell you what happens without SOPs: your new artist doesn’t autoclave the tubes properly because nobody showed them YOUR process. A walk-in client waits 20 minutes at the desk because nobody’s sure whose job it is to greet them. The health inspector shows up and your sterilization log hasn’t been updated in three weeks because nobody was assigned to do it.
SOPs aren’t about bureaucracy. They’re about having clear, simple checklists for the important stuff so nothing falls through the cracks. A one-page checklist taped to the sterilization room wall is an SOP. It doesn’t need to be a 50-page manual.
The SOPs Every Tattoo Shop Needs
SOP #1: Opening Procedure
Purpose: Make sure the shop is ready for clients and artists every morning.
Checklist (tape this near the front door):
□ Unlock doors, disarm security system □ Turn on lights, HVAC, music □ Check appointment schedule for the day — who’s coming in, what’s booked □ Verify all stations are clean from previous day’s closing □ Check reception area — clean, organized, reading material, flash displays in order □ Start autoclave cycle (if reusable equipment) □ Check supply levels — flag anything running low □ Turn on POS system and verify it’s working □ Check Google Business Profile and Instagram for overnight messages □ Unlock and stock the retail display (if applicable) □ Set walk-in sign to “Welcome” or “Appointment Only” based on today’s schedule
Who’s responsible: First artist/manager to arrive. Rotate weekly if needed. Time to complete: 15-20 minutes.
SOP #2: Station Setup (Before Each Client)
Purpose: Clean, safe, ready-to-go station for every session.
□ Wash hands, put on fresh gloves □ Wipe down all surfaces with Madacide or approved disinfectant — chair, arm rest, tray, work surface, light handle □ Allow disinfectant to sit for required dwell time (check product label — usually 2-3 minutes) □ Cover chair with fresh barrier film or disposable cover □ Cover arm rest with barrier film □ Cover machine with machine bag □ Cover clip cord (if applicable) with cord cover □ Lay out fresh: ink caps, rinse cup (distilled water), paper towels □ Pour inks into caps □ Set up needles/cartridges (new, sealed packages only) □ Check stencil is printed and ready □ Place consent form iPad/clipboard at reception for client □ Verify client’s deposit and appointment details in booking system
SOP #3: Station Breakdown (After Each Client)
□ Put on fresh gloves □ Dispose of all single-use items in sharps container (needles) and biohazard bag (ink caps, gloves, barriers, paper towels) □ Remove and dispose of all barrier film □ Disassemble and bag machine for cleaning (or dispose of cartridge grip) □ Clean reusable equipment in ultrasonic cleaner (if applicable) □ Wipe all surfaces with Madacide — chair, arm rest, tray, work surface, light □ Allow dwell time □ Mop floor around station □ Wipe and restock supply area □ Remove gloves, wash hands □ Update client record in CRM (session notes, photos) □ Process payment and close out the appointment in booking system
SOP #4: Sterilization Protocol
This is your most critical SOP. Health department inspections focus heavily on sterilization.
Autoclave procedures (if using reusable equipment):
□ Pre-clean all reusable items with enzymatic cleaner □ Run items through ultrasonic cleaner for recommended cycle □ Rinse with distilled water □ Package in autoclave pouches with chemical indicator strips □ Load autoclave per manufacturer specifications (don’t overload) □ Run cycle at correct temperature and pressure (typically 270°F / 15 PSI for 30 minutes) □ Verify chemical indicator has changed color □ Log the cycle in the sterilization log: date, time, cycle number, operator, spore test results □ Store sterilized packages in clean, dry area □ Run spore test weekly (or per your health department’s requirement) □ Keep spore test results on file for minimum 3 years
The sterilization log is the document health inspectors ask for first. Keep it current. No gaps. No “I forgot to log it.” Make it someone’s specific responsibility.
SOP #5: Client Intake Process
Walk-in clients: □ Greet within 30 seconds of entering □ “Hey, welcome! Are you here for an appointment or a walk-in?” □ If walk-in: explain availability, show flash, give estimated wait time □ Add to walk-in waitlist □ Hand iPad for consent form completion □ Verify government-issued ID (age verification) □ Review medical disclosures before tattooing
Appointment clients: □ Greet by name: “Hey [name], welcome! You’re here for your [appointment type] with [artist]?” □ Confirm consent form is completed (should be done online pre-arrival) □ Verify ID □ Review medical disclosures □ Artist greets client and reviews design/placement □ Begin session
SOP #6: Closing Procedure
□ Verify all client payments are processed and recorded □ Clean and break down all used stations (SOP #3) □ Run final autoclave cycle if needed □ Restock stations with supplies for next day □ Empty trash and biohazard containers (if full) □ Mop all floors □ Clean bathrooms □ Wipe reception area surfaces □ Verify next day’s schedule — any prep needed? □ Lock cabinets, cash drawer, supply closet □ Turn off music, lights, non-essential equipment □ Set security system □ Lock all doors
SOP #7: Emergency Procedures
Client fainting/vasovagal response: □ Stop tattooing immediately □ Lower the chair/have client lie flat with feet elevated □ Offer water and a sugary snack □ Cold compress on forehead □ Monitor for 10-15 minutes □ If they don’t recover quickly, call 911 □ Document the incident in their client file
Allergic reaction: □ Stop tattooing □ Clean the area □ If mild (localized redness, mild swelling): monitor, apply ice □ If moderate (spreading rash, significant swelling): recommend urgent care or call 911 □ If severe (difficulty breathing, throat swelling): call 911 immediately □ Document: which ink, which area, reaction description
Blood/body fluid exposure: □ Wash the area immediately with soap and water □ If needlestick: wash thoroughly, apply antiseptic □ Document the exposure □ Seek medical attention within 24 hours for evaluation □ Report per your state’s health department requirements
SOP #8: Supply Ordering
□ Weekly inventory check (every Monday — 5 minutes) □ Compare current stock to reorder points (see supply inventory list) □ Place orders for anything at or below reorder point □ Log the order (date, items, quantity, supplier, cost) □ Verify received orders against the order log □ Update inventory counts after receiving
How to Write and Implement SOPs
Writing Format
Keep it simple. Use checklists, not paragraphs. Each SOP should be:
- Title: What this procedure covers
- Purpose: One sentence on why it matters
- Checklist: Step-by-step actions
- Responsible party: Who does this
- Frequency: When/how often
Implementation
- Write the SOP based on how you actually do things (not how you think you should do things)
- Print and post in the relevant location (sterilization SOP in sterilization room, opening checklist near front door)
- Walk new hires through each SOP during onboarding
- Review quarterly — update anything that’s changed
- Make them accessible — physical copies on walls plus digital versions in a shared folder
Getting Buy-In From Your Artists
Artists may resist “corporate” procedures. Frame it as:
- “This keeps us compliant with the health department” (compliance motivation)
- “This makes everyone’s job easier because nothing gets forgotten” (efficiency motivation)
- “This protects all of us legally” (self-interest motivation)
SOPs aren’t about micromanagement. They’re about consistency and safety. The shops that nail these basics are the ones that pass health inspections effortlessly, avoid legal issues, and provide consistently great client experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SOPs does a tattoo shop need?
Essential SOPs: opening/closing procedures, station setup/breakdown, sterilization protocols, client intake, walk-in handling, payment processing, supply ordering, and emergency procedures.
How detailed should tattoo shop SOPs be?
Detailed enough that a new hire can follow without questions, concise enough that people read them. One page per procedure, using checklists instead of paragraphs.