The most important thing for a tattoo artists is to source their equipment where they can trust the supplier and will get the best products. However, to find your “right guy”, you need to have the basic knowledge about the different types of tools an artist need.
It will help you stay aware of what products your supplier is selling you and the upsell they tend to do; you can also understand that and only buy the required items which are beneficial for your craft.
Here we will look at several processes to help us choose the right vendor for our equipment.
Research and Reputation
The first step is the research, and you need to start researching based on your requirement and search for potential suppliers in your region. Frequently you can notice tattoo equipment for sale in your locality; try to visit those fairs and stores to know how different each product is and judge their quality.
It will help you gain an idea about the basics of various equipment. While purchasing, look for the person’s or the shop’s reputation within the industry. You can take suggestions from your fellow artist or through online portals.
Attend Tattoo Conventions and Trade Show
Several tattoo conventions take place in different parts of the city. It can be a great opportunity for you to connect with some of the towering personalities within the industry and get expert recommendations from them.
Trade shows are a great way to adapt to new technology in the industry. These shows allow us to try the equipment for the first time and get aware of its features and workings.
Check for Certificates and Compliances
Whenever you visit a supplier, ensure that they have the proper certifications and that the products they are selling fall under the norms of regulations. It will help you trust the supplier and ensure the products meet your safety and quality standards.
For example, if you want a tattoo gun, you can immediately check whether it has followed all the quality tests and passed through it. You can also check whether the product has any warranty or not. You should get products which have a warranty with them.
Check for Variety and Customizations
Visit those suppliers who provide you with options for customization. It helps you to get the best tools based on your requirements. You can check for grips in your tattoo machine, or while buying a tattoo power supply, you can also look for different use cases.
Transparent Pricing and Fair Policy
Let’s say there is an offer of a tattoo gun for sale; you first need to check the discount rate the supplier offers. It is always best to pick equipment from those shops which are transparent in their pricing, and even when they offer discounts, they disclose the discount percentage.
All these tactics will help you accumulate your first purchases in your tattoo career.
