As tattoo culture enters the mainstream, the need for comfort during tattooing has increased. Clients today increasingly expect amenities that reduce pain. One of the best and most readily available solutions is tattoo numbing cream. But as a product for sale in-house, there’s a compelling reason why tattoo studios should sell it. Why? Because it enhances the customer experience, increases studio profit, and adds to your studio’s professional reputation.
Let’s discuss this business opportunity in detail.
What Are the Advantages of Tattoo Numbing Cream for Clients?
How Does Numbing Cream Enhance the Tattoo Experience?
Tattoo numbing cream has active ingredients such as lidocaine that briefly inhibit nerve impulses in the skin. This leads to greatly diminished pain during tattooing. For most clients, particularly beginners, the prospect of obtaining a tattoo can be intimidating. Providing numbing cream assists:
- Ease pain and anxiety
- Make the tattoo session less tense
- Boost client satisfaction
- Encourage return visits
Which Clients Generally Prefer Numbing Cream?
Certain clients are more sensitive to pain or might be getting tattooed in more sensitive regions like:
- Ribs
- Feet
- Inner biceps
- Neck
- Spine
These clients tend to value being able to buy numbing cream from the studio, instead of doing it themselves.
Does Numbing Cream Impact the Tattoo Process?
When used properly, numbing cream has no adverse effect on the tattooing process. Professional-strength creams are formulated to:
- Support skin health
- Let ink flow in normally
- Not jeopardize the healing process
Through proper product usage and adherence to guidelines, client and artist have a smooth process.
Why Sell Tattoo Numbing Cream Rather than Simply Provide It?
How Does Selling Cream Establish an Additional Source of Income?
By carrying and selling numbing cream in your studio, you convert a valuable product into a direct source of revenue. Rather than clients purchasing it online or from third-party suppliers, they can buy it from you directly.
Profit potential:
- Low wholesale cost
- Strong markup opportunity
- Minimal storage requirements
Can Selling Numbing Cream Build Client Trust?
Yes! Selling a tried, high-quality cream reiterates that you care for your customers’ comfort. Rather than allowing them to take an educated guess on which products are effective and safe, you provide a guaranteed, professional choice.
Advantages include:
- Demonstrating professionalism
- Preventing misuse of the product
- Providing instructions on safe use
Is It a Marketing Opportunity?
Yes. Branding your studio as client-centered puts you ahead. Market your cream as a “pain-reduction package” or as a bonus for bigger tattoos. Package with aftercare products to offer a complete skin care kit.
What Should You Look for in a Numbing Cream to Sell?
The most reliable numbing creams have:
- Lidocaine (4-5%) – a strong anesthetic
- Prilocaine – amplifies lidocaine effects
- Epinephrine – decreases swelling and bleeding
Use creams with undetermined or unregulated ingredients minimally. Stick to FDA-compatible products.
What Makes a Numbing Cream Excellent for Tattoo Work?
A quality tattoo numbing cream must be:
- Quick (act within 20–30 minutes)
- Active for several hours
- Non-greasy to remove
- Unobstructive to ink acceptance
Look for products sold specially for tattoos, artist-tested.
How Do I Apply Tattoo Numbing Cream the Right Way?
What Are Normal Steps to Applying It?
Here is a brief, consumer-friendly set of instructions you can distribute in your studio:
- Clean the skin – Wash oils, lotions, or grime off with soap and water.
- Dry the area – Gently pat with a clean towel.
- Apply a thick layer – A 2-3mm thickness of cream over the tattoo site.
- Cover with plastic wrap – This creates heat and gets the cream working.
- Wait 30–45 minutes – Let the full numbing take place.
- Wipe off prior to tattooing – Remove cream completely to prevent interference.
You can even make a visual poster of these steps to put in your waiting room.
Are There Risks or Precautions?
Although uncommon, side effects may be:
- Skin irritation
- Redness or itching
- Allergic reaction
Always instruct clients to do a patch test. If selling the cream, include a printed instruction sheet with warnings and usage tips.
What Are the Business Benefits of Selling Numbing Cream?
How Can It Enhance Studio Efficiency?
When clients apply numbing cream properly, it:
- Decreases movement and fidgeting
- Rapidly shortens session time
- Permits longer sessions
- Assists artists in maintaining accuracy
This can result in more consistent outcomes and less fatigue on the artist.
Can It Improve Client Retention?
Yes. When clients link your studio with a painless experience, they’re more likely to return. First-time clients particularly might be reluctant to come back if the pain was too severe.
Providing numbing cream fosters good word-of-mouth:
- “They really care about your comfort.”
- “My tattoo didn’t even hurt!”
How Can You Sell the Cream In-Studio?
Some suggestions are:
- Placing it at the front desk
- Including it in consultation packets
- Training staff to bring it up during bookings
- Adding it to your online booking form as an option
Is It Worth Investing in Wholesale Numbing Cream?
What Are the Financial Considerations?
Buying in bulk lowers your cost per unit. This means greater profit margins.Example:
- Wholesale price: $5–7 per tube
- Suggested retail price: $15–20 per tube
- Potential markup: 2–3x
How to Store and Manage Inventory?
Numbing cream has a long shelf life when stored properly:- Keep in a cool, dry place
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Use FIFO (first in, first out) to rotate stock
Which Customers Will Purchase It?
- First-time clients who fear pain
- Follow-up clients who have had prior discomfort
- People having tattoos applied in sensitive zones
- Long-sitting clients wanting to remain comfortable
How Can Staff and Customers be Educated about the Product?
What Should the Staff Learn?
Train all staff artists and reception staff on:- How the product functions
- Who it is well-suited to
- How it should be safely applied
- What to do if there is reaction
How to inform Clients?
Use signs, e-newsletters, and social media to:- Present the product
- Communicate benefits
- Display before-and-after endorsements
- Provide season offers
What Legal and Ethical Issues Should You Consider?
Are There Licensing Concerns?
In most regions, you are free to sell over-the-counter creams containing less than 5% lidocaine without the need for special licenses. Always verify local law, though.Should You Have Clients Sign a Waiver?
It’s an excellent idea to obtain a simple waiver that verifies:- The client is not allergic
- They take responsibility for application
- They’ve been instructed on use
- This safeguards your studio legally and demonstrates professionalism.
Final Thoughts: Should You Begin Selling Tattoo Numbing Cream:
Yes — if you’d like to increase your business, improve client comfort, and differentiate yourself in a competitive market. Tattoo numbing cream is not just a useful product — it’s a way to increase your brand and create loyalty. Here’s a brief summary of the advantages:- Enhanced client experience
- Shorter, smoother sessions
- Additional revenue stream
- Professional look
- Good reputation
