![How to plan and track the budget of your microblading studio [template]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-budget-8_724006b9-4633-471a-81f0-044fcb857231.png?v=1715856528&width=1100)
If you don’t plan and track your microblading studio's budget properly, you're setting yourself up for failure.
When we developed our strategy pack for microblading studio owners, we saw a lot of studio owners struggling with finances and planning.
They were disorganized, had no grasp of cash flow, and were drowning in financial troubles despite having a steady stream of clients.
Don’t let this be you—stand out and succeed.
We’ve created a small, free tool to help you get started: our Budget Tracker and Planner. Let’s turn your studio's finances around and set you on the path to success!
Get the budget tracker tailored for microblading studios
Most microblading studio owners don't know how to plan and track their budget. This spreadsheet will help you.
Example of a full budget for microblading studios
Here is an example of a (very) detailed budget for a microblading studio, to give you some inspiration
1. Rent and Utilities
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | Lease for studio space | $2,500 | $30,000 |
| Electricity | Power consumption for lighting and equipment | $300 | $3,600 |
| Water | Water usage | $100 | $1,200 |
| Internet & Phone | Internet service and business phone | $100 | $1,200 |
| Waste Removal | Garbage and recycling services | $50 | $600 |
| Insurance | Property and liability insurance | $200 | $2,400 |
2. Salaries & Wages
| Position | Number of Employees | Monthly Cost per Employee | Total Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Microblading Artist | 1 | $4,000 | $4,000 | $48,000 |
| Junior Microblading Artist | 2 | $2,500 | $5,000 | $60,000 |
| Receptionist | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $24,000 |
| Studio Manager | 1 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $42,000 |
3. Supplies & Equipment
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microblading Tools | Blades, needles, and other tools | $500 | $6,000 |
| Pigments | Various colors and shades | $300 | $3,600 |
| Sanitation Supplies | Disinfectants, gloves, masks, etc. | $200 | $2,400 |
| Office Supplies | Stationery, pens, printer ink, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
| Furniture & Fixtures | Chairs, tables, lighting, etc. | $300 | $3,600 |
4. Marketing & Advertising
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Advertising | Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc. | $300 | $3,600 |
| Social Media Management | Managing social media accounts | $500 | $6,000 |
| Print Advertising | Flyers, posters, magazine ads | $200 | $2,400 |
| Website Maintenance | Hosting, domain, updates | $100 | $1,200 |
| Email Marketing | Email campaigns and newsletters | $150 | $1,800 |
| Promotional Events | Special events and promotions | $200 | $2,400 |
5. Miscellaneous Expenses
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Maintenance | Regular maintenance of studio equipment | $200 | $2,400 |
| Uniforms | Staff uniforms and aprons | $100 | $1,200 |
| Licenses & Permits | Health permits, business licenses, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
| POS System | Point of Sale software and hardware | $150 | $1,800 |
| Contingency Fund | Emergency repairs and unexpected costs | $200 | $2,400 |
| Staff Training | Training programs and materials | $200 | $2,400 |
Some microblading studios make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best microblading studios in the world. Replicate them now!
What are the biggest expenses for a microblading studio?
Be mindful of these critical expenses. Here are five major costs every microblading studio owner needs to consider, along with some tips on how to manage them effectively.
- Supplies and materialsThese can take up a significant portion of your budget. You're dealing with specialized tools, pigments, and aftercare products, and prices can vary based on quality and availability. To keep these costs in check, focus on inventory management, negotiate better prices with suppliers, and minimize waste. It's easy to overspend by buying too much or opting for high-end products that don’t add enough value.
- Your studio staffYour team is your foundation, but paying for their wages, benefits, and training can be costly. This expense is always high because you need skilled technicians to provide excellent service and maintain a good reputation. You can optimize labor costs by scheduling efficiently, cross-training staff, and monitoring productivity. However, be careful not to underpay or overwork your staff, as this can lead to high turnover and poor service.
- Rent and utilities of your studioPrime locations come with high rent, but they can attract more clients. Utilities like electricity, water, and heating are essential but can add up quickly. To optimize these costs, negotiate favorable lease terms and invest in energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Overspending often happens when you choose a location that's too large or too luxurious for your needs.
- MarketingYou need to promote your microblading studio, but advertising can be expensive, whether it's online ads, social media campaigns, or traditional media. Optimize this expense by focusing on cost-effective methods like the ones we provide in our pack. Overspending can occur if you invest in flashy campaigns without a clear return on investment.
- Equipment and maintenance costsThis includes everything from microblading tools to studio furniture. These are expensive because quality equipment and regular maintenance are crucial for smooth operations and client satisfaction. Optimize by investing in durable, high-quality equipment and maintaining it regularly to avoid costly breakdowns. You can overspend by going for the latest high-tech gadgets you don’t really need.
How to spend less with your microblading studio?
Here are practical tips to help you, as a microblading studio owner, optimize your budget and manage expenses more effectively.
| Expense | Tips to Optimize |
|---|---|
| Supplies | Buy high-quality pigments and tools in bulk to get discounts and ensure consistency in your work. |
| Labor Costs | Use scheduling software to manage appointments efficiently and reduce idle time for your staff. |
| Utilities | Install energy-efficient lighting and equipment to lower electricity bills. |
| Marketing | Run social media contests for your studio and collaborate with local beauty influencers for free exposure. |
| Cleaning Supplies | Train staff on the efficient use of cleaning supplies to minimize waste and maintain hygiene standards. |
| Equipment Maintenance | Keep a maintenance log for regular checks and servicing of your microblading machines and other tools. |
| Rent/Mortgage | Negotiate lease terms during renewal or consider moving to a less expensive location if feasible. |
| Insurance | Regularly review insurance policies to ensure they meet current needs and compare rates annually. |
| Packaging | Use cost-effective, eco-friendly packaging for aftercare kits and offer discounts for clients bringing their own containers. |
| Client Comfort | Invest in high-quality, durable furniture that can withstand frequent use and provide comfort to your clients. |
| Booking System | Choose a booking system that offers essential features with low transaction fees and integrates with other systems. |
| Staff Training | Conduct regular in-house training sessions and use free online resources to keep your team updated on the latest techniques. |
| Waste Management | Implement a waste tracking system to minimize waste and ensure proper disposal of hazardous materials. |
| Technology | Invest in multi-functional devices and utilize studio management software for appointments and client records. |
| Linen and Laundry | Partner with a cost-effective linen service and consider reusable towels and sheets. |
| Client Communication | Use digital communication tools like email and SMS to reduce printing costs and keep clients informed. |
| Licensing and Permits | Stay up-to-date with local regulations to avoid fines and costly renewals. |
| Transportation | Plan supply runs to maximize efficiency and reduce fuel costs. |
| Office Supplies | Purchase supplies in bulk and go paperless where possible with digital client management systems. |
| Inventory Management | Use inventory management software to track stock levels and reduce spoilage of perishable items. |
| Pest Control | Schedule monthly pest control services and maintain cleanliness standards to prevent infestations. |
| Music and Ambiance | Use a streaming service for background music to create a relaxing atmosphere for your clients. |
| Uniforms | Choose durable, easy-to-clean uniforms and offer staff a stipend for maintenance instead of using an external service. |
Copy the tactics of the best microblading studios in the world!
There are microblading studios that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Expenses that are just useless for a microblading studio
Yes, some expenses for your microblading studio are just unnecessary. They don't contribute to increasing revenue or improving client satisfaction.
| Studio Expense | Reason It's Useless |
|---|---|
| Luxurious Decor | Overly lavish decor doesn't necessarily attract more clients and can be a drain on the budget. |
| High-End Pigments | Unless you cater to a very exclusive clientele, most clients are satisfied with high-quality, mid-range pigments. |
| Excessive Product Range | Offering too many products can increase inventory costs and lead to more waste. |
| Top-Tier Equipment | Top-of-the-line microblading tools are not always necessary and can be cost-prohibitive. |
| Paper Advertising | Traditional paper ads often have a lower return on investment. Don’t include them in the marketing strategy of your studio. |
| Multiple Uniform Styles | Having various uniform styles increases costs without adding significant value to the client experience. |
| Excessive Staff | Overstaffing leads to higher labor costs without necessarily improving service quality. |
| Premium Subscription Services | Expensive subscriptions for music or magazines often go unnoticed by clients. |
| Exclusive Ingredients | Using rare ingredients for aftercare products can inflate costs and complicate supply chains. |
| Costly Furniture | High-end furniture is not always appreciated by clients and can be a significant expense. |
| Custom Printed Towels | Personalized towels are a minor detail that most clients overlook, and they can be expensive. |
| Unnecessary Software | Paying for software with features you don’t use is a waste of resources. |
| Premium Water Brands | Most clients are content with filtered tap water, making expensive bottled water unnecessary. |
| Extra Treatment Rooms | Maintaining more treatment rooms than needed increases operational costs. |
| Excessive Membership Fees | Paying for multiple industry memberships often yields little benefit. |
| Overly Frequent Renovations | Constantly updating decor and layout can be costly and disrupt operations. |
| Expensive Centerpieces | Elaborate centerpieces are often ignored by clients and add to the cost. |
| High-End Tools | Luxury tools are prone to damage and expensive to replace, often going unnoticed by clients. |
| Excessive Staff Meetings | Too many meetings can reduce productivity and increase labor costs. |
| Expensive Brochure Designs | Frequently redesigning brochures is costly and often unnecessary. |
| Unused Promotional Materials | Ordering more promotional items than needed leads to waste and unnecessary expense. Get our marketing budget planner template. |
| Paid Directory Listings | Many free listing options are available, making paid listings often redundant. |
| High-End Treatment Equipment | Specialized treatment equipment is often unnecessary and adds to costs without a proportional benefit. |
Stop working with a tight budget for your microblading studio!
Managing a budget for a microblading studio when funds are tight can feel overwhelming. It's like being trapped where any unexpected expense can throw you off balance.
This constant pressure makes it nearly impossible to invest in growth projects, leaving you always chasing after expenses. It's a life filled with stress and sleepless nights.
Yes, you can continue down this path, scraping together pennies and barely making ends meet. But there's another part of the equation you might be overlooking. Instead of just trying to cut costs, you can focus on growing your revenue. More income means more breathing room and more money to invest in your studio.
And no, you don't necessarily have to spend money to grow. There are plenty of zero-cost initiatives and strategies that can help you increase your revenue by 10%, 20%, or more. We've detailed all of these strategies in our guides, after studying dozens of microblading studios just like yours. Get them now!
Make your microblading studio more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best microblading studios in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
