Wholesale Tattoo Supplies & Equipment

What to Look for in a Tattoo Supply Source

Your shop sees steady traffic; to keep pace, ensure each station is well stocked. Always. A reliable tattoo supply store will help your business run smoothly. 


Figuring out where to buy tattoo supplies near you doesn't have to be a headscratcher. Prioritize brand authenticity, high-quality materials, and a wide selection to find the best wholesale tattoo supplies vendor. Look for well-known, professional-grade brands—the ones industry heavyweights use.  


Even an online tattoo supplies store should list a physical address (even if you're not buying tattoo supplies nearby), a phone number, and a return or exchange policy. When buying tattoo supplies online, look for a wholesaler with stock that's readily available to avoid shipping delays.

Lastly, read verified reviews from real tattoo artists. The industry centers on reputation, so see what others are saying about tattoo supply stores near you. 

Building Your Core Tattoo Supply Kit

There's a lot of ground to cover when building out a kit of tattoo supplies, but you should start with the most important:


Other tattoo supplies to keep on hand include stencil paper, markers, and ink cups. If you're a beginner, stock up on practice skin, too.  

Buying Wholesale vs. Individual Supplies

Whether you buy tattoo supplies wholesale or individually depends on a few factors. Are you an established shop or a busy artist, or are you an apprentice? If you're starting, avoid overbuying supplies. Instead, stick to the basics: a tattoo machine, needlesOpens a new window, ink, and sanitation products. 


For established shops, buying wholesale is the more cost-effective option for consistent supplies. Items to buy in bulk include standard needles and ink cups as well as sanitation, medicalOpens a new window, and aftercare supplies. Be mindful of ink expiration dates. 


Even if you're an established artist, it's best to buy individually when testing new supplies like specialty ink, a new tattoo machine, or a needle size you don't use often. 


Complete your studio set up with the full range of tattoo supplies at Painful Pleasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplies do I need to start tattooing?

When you first start tattooing, you'll need a tattoo machine, power supply or battery pack, compatible needles or cartridges, various inks, and stencil paper. If you're a beginnerOpens a new window, it's also a good idea to stock up on practice skin. You'll need sanitation and aftercare supplies, too, including gloves, soap, disinfectant, rubbing alcohol, and bandages to wrap the tattoo.

What is the advantage of buying tattoo supplies from Painful Pleasures?

You can rely on Painful Pleasures tattoo supplies for everything your shop needs—machines, needles, ink, stencil supplies, sanitation, aftercare products, and so much more. We carry top industry brands, including FK Irons, Bishop Rotary, Peak, and Kwadron, and you'll enjoy better pricing shopping wholesale. 

What are the best ink sets to gift to tattoo artists?

Their particular tattoo style—whether color, black and gray, neo-traditional, or realism—matters. That will help you choose among graywash and primary color sets. Next, focus on ink sets from top-rated brands like World Famous, Dynamic, and Solid Ink. Some possible choices include the A.D. Pancho Pastel Greys SetOpens a new window, Bryan Sanchez M. Watercolor Ink SetOpens a new window, and Solid Ink 12 Color Spectrum SetOpens a new window.

What tattoo supplies do professional artists use most?

The tattoo supplies artists use most include a tattoo machine (usually a pen-style rotary), needle cartridges, and ink. In addition to these core supplies, artists' must-haves include a good stock of prep and safety supplies, which include stencil paper and gels, green soap, gloves, razors, disinfectants, ink cups, and bandages. 

What are the most popular tattoo aftercare products?

The most popular tattoo aftercare products include medical-grade adhesive films, such as SanidermOpens a new window and Recovery Derm ShieldOpens a new window, to protect fresh tattoos and support healing. Other popular products include Hustle ButterOpens a new window, which the client can use instead of regular lotion while the tattoo heals.