Piercing parties have exploded in popularity over the past few years. If the idea makes you groan with distaste, we’re here to help you turn that groan into a hurrah—because honestly, they’re one of the best things you can do for your business. And if you haven’t heard of piercing parties? Well, this blog’s for all of you piercers who may have been under a rock over the past decade.
So, ready to take your business to the next level and throw an unforgettable piercing party? Get ready to host a bash that’ll grow your client list and boost your revenue.
So What’s A Piercing Party?
A piercing party is exactly what it sounds like—it’s a gathering where folks come together to get pierced and celebrate body piercing in a communal space. Many piercers have a negative gut reaction to the term “piercing party” because it can instantly inspire images of unprofessional piercers, poorly sanitized equipment, or—worse—friends who haven’t wielded a needle in their lives trying to pierce each other. But that’s not the kind of piercing party we’re covering in this blog. We’re talking about professional piercing parties: fully sterilized equipment, a fully regulated atmosphere, all health requirements and OSHA standards met… and a fully licensed piercer (that’s you).
Why Should You Host a Piercing Party?
Let’s break it down.
Expand Your Clientele
Hosting a piercing party is a fantastic way to reach new clients. Many people are intrigued by piercings but might feel a bit apprehensive about going alone. By offering a fun and social event, you’re opening your doors to a whole new crowd. Clients who already come to you for piercings will feel incentivized to bring their friends. After all, people love having a buddy to cheer them on while getting pierced (how many times have you pierced a client who closed their eyes and held a friend’s hand for support?) At a piercing party, that support is multiplied—it’s a party after all—which, in turn, means your chances of selling new clients on a new piercing multiply too.
Show Off Your Skills
As the host piercer, you get to showcase your expertise in a fun, relaxed, professional setting. This is your chance to dazzle your guests with your skills, share your piercing and body jewelry knowledge, and build trust with potential clients.
Boost Your Bottom Line
Piercing parties can be a lucrative opportunity for your business. You might be skeptical at first since hosting a party can cut into your expenditures a little. But with enough people in attendance, you can offer special discounts, promotions, and BOGO deals. You can also upsell all your body jewelry and aftercare… so any money you might invest in refreshments or a venue (if you’re hosting outside your shop), will be compensated for. You’ll have clients lining up for their chance to join the party and get pierced with brand-new jewelry at a special price. Plus, the buzz generated by a successful party can lead to more bookings down the line, overall increasing revenue in the long run.
Build Community
There’s nothing better for a business than building a network and community. Beyond the piercings, hosting a party is about getting to know the people in your neighborhood or city. You’ll help carve out a positive name for yourself among local people while expanding your client list. Plus, it’s a great chance for your clients to connect, share their experiences, and celebrate their love of body art. Moreover, if you plan on hosting a huge piercing party, it’s a chance for you to reach out to other piercers you admire and share space with them. By fostering a sense of belonging, you’ll create loyal clients and loyal guest-spot piercers who keep coming back for more.
How to Throw a Killer Piercing Party
Now, let’s get down to business.
1. Pick a Cool Spot
Probably the most convenient option for you is to host a piercing party at your shop. It’ll attract locals (and maybe people out of the neighborhood) to your business… and after they have a great time, they’ll be sure to remember the address.
But maybe you’re envisioning a much larger event. In that case, choose a venue that’s clean, comfortable, and sets the right vibe for your party. Larger retail stores, art studios, community centers, and convention venues are all great options depending on how ambitious you are about the event. But as mentioned before, especially if you’re just starting with piercing parties, an in-shop event is the most cost-effective option for you. No need to kick things off with an extravagant blowout!
2. Spread the Word
Get the word out about your party! Use social media, email newsletters, and word-of-mouth to let people know about the event. Consider offering early bird discounts or special incentives to encourage attendance. If you need tips for advertising on social media, check out our blog here.
3. Get Your Gear Ready
This pretty much goes without saying, but it’s always helpful to have a reminder: double-check that you have all the necessary equipment and supplies for the party. You can expect to be busier than a standard day at your studio. So, have plenty of sterilized body jewelry, piercing needles of all varieties, gloves, and aftercare at the ready. Safety and hygiene should always be top priorities, but also you don’t want to catch yourself running low with clients waiting… so stock up beforehand.
4. Make It Memorable
Create a welcoming atmosphere with music, refreshments, and maybe even some party favors. Party favors go a long way: they’re a great opportunity to offer your guests business cards, free aftercare samples, and any other memorabilia. This will keep you top of mind, even for clients who didn’t get pierced at your event.
5. Spread Your Wings
Did you know that clients often host their own piercing parties and need a professional piercer to join in the fun? Make sure to advertise yourself as available for private events. It’s a great way to expand your reach and bring the party to new places.
Other Piercing Party Ideas
When planning your next (or first-ever!) piercing party, aim to create an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression. Lasting impressions, after all, lead to future clients. As we mentioned above, venues are important, so if you’re looking outside your shop, consider unique venues like trendy boutiques, or even local art studios. But no matter what venue you choose, a themed party is always a memorable one. Themes can add an extra layer of excitement to your piercing party: for example, you can do a steampunk vibe and showcase a variety of industrial body jewelry.
Refreshments also play a crucial role in setting the ambiance. You can keep it casual with chips, dip, and finger food, or you can invest in a local food truck to cater the event—plenty of tattoo shops utilize food trucks on busy, themed flash days! Remember to prioritize your budget by finding cost-effective ways to bring your vision to life, such as DIY decorations and partnering with local vendors for discounts.
Feel like you’re not ready to host an event quite this large? No sweat. You can take baby steps toward a blowout piercing party. Here are some smaller ideas:
- Piercing Pop-Up Shop: Collaborate with local businesses or events to set up a piercing station. Think farmer’s markets, festivals, art shows, and more (probably easier if you’re in a city, but most communities have local events!) It’s a great way to reach new clients in unexpected places.
- Piercing Portfolio Showcase: Advertise an “open-house” event where clients can filter in and out, viewing your portfolio and learning about different piercing styles and trends. You can offer demonstrations or mini consultations to educate clients and spark their interest in new piercing trends.
- Piercing Education Night: Invite clients for an educational evening where they can learn about piercing aftercare, jewelry materials, and the piercing process in general. Offer hands-on demonstrations with silicone body bits (or a willing friend). Or just keep it simple with a Q&A session to address any concerns interested clients might have.
Get Your Piercing Party Started!
Now that you’re armed with the know-how, it’s time to host the piercing party of the year! By offering a fun and memorable experience for your clients, you’ll not only boost your business but also build lasting connections within your community. So let’s make some memories, piercers and get this party started! Make sure you also have plenty of high-quality body jewelry ready for your event, too.
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