Ear and nose piercing offers a great additional revenue stream with strong profit potential and a low initial investment in equipment, making it very cost effective.
Offering a piercing service can differentiate your business from competitors and increase footfall because piercing is not something that can be purchased online.
Each piercing takes around 20 minutes, with retail pricing from £40 to over £100, depending on the type of metal used to pierce.
The time spent with clients and face-to-face interaction while piercing provides a valuable opportunity to get to know them, allowing you to upsell other products and services.
The trend for multiple piercings has continued to grow among all age groups, and if you aren’t offering piercing, clients will go somewhere else – which means they are spending money on a service elsewhere.
What you need to consider for piercing services:
- Licence – contact your local council to find out what you need to perform an ear and/or nose piercing service. For salons already offering aesthetic treatments, the service may already be included with the licence for those treatments.
- Insurance – enquire with your insurance provider to ensure the service is covered.
- Piercing system – research the company and piercing system you want to use. Systems with touch-free loading and sterile jewellery will help you offer safe and hygienic piercing.
- Piercing area – piercing does not take up much space in the salon. You will need to have a wipe-clean surface for your equipment, access to running water, a height-adjustable chair or couch, and a pedal bin. Treatment rooms can be used, or you could create a studio feel to make piercing social media ready.
- Training – an in-person training course is the best way to become confident.
- Knowledge – take time to ensure all therapists and front-facing staff are available to attend training sessions. The more knowledge your staff have, the more confident they’ll be selling and promoting the service.
- Marketing – shout about your new service. Why not host a piercing launch event to invite your current clients, and new clients, to experience a piercing and some branded goodies in order to build trust and customer relationships?
Working with a reputable manufacturer with a recognised instructor-led training programme is essential, together with a brand that provides a comprehensive support package, from bespoke marketing to good customer service advice.
Kathryn Darwin is commercial business manager at piercing system brand Studex. With over 20 years’ experience, she works with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and Primary Authorities to promote best practice.