The Sims franchise has a long history with tattoos, dating back to the mid-2000s with the release of The Urbz: Sims in the City. Since then, tattoos have continued to make appearances, including in The Sims 3: Ambitions and the base game of The Sims 4. However, while tattoos have been available in The Sims 4 from the start, they could only be applied via the Create-A-Sim menu—until the Businesses & Hobbies expansion added a comprehensive tattooing system, complete with a new skill, parlours, and all the necessary equipment.
Opening a Tattoo Parlour
To successfully run a tattoo parlour, your Sim will need both a venue and a registered business. The venue can be located in your Sim’s home or on a newly purchased lot specifically for the business. Registration can occur either automatically when purchasing the property or manually via a phone or computer.
When purchasing a new lot, players can choose to furnish the lot, which will automatically create a generic business. This option offers an easy way to get started, though customization options are still available. After purchasing the property, return to Live Mode and customize your tattoo parlour through the Owned Businesses tab, located near your Sim’s needs and personality information.
For Sims running a business from home or for those who forgot to choose the lot furnishing option, manual registration costs 750 Simoleons. Simply select a phone or computer and use the Register Small Business option. This will prompt a menu allowing you to name your business, select business activities, and customize a new logo and target clientele.
Customizing Your Tattoo Parlour
To turn your new business into a fully functioning tattoo parlour, customization is key. The most important business activities to choose are Get Tattooed and Practice Tattooing. The Get Tattooed activity attracts Sims who want tattoos, while Practice Tattooing allows tattoo artists to rent space and tattoo Sims in your parlour. You can select one or both activities, but ensuring the Get Tattooed activity is included is essential for a thriving parlour.
In addition to tattoo activities, you can set up to five business activities in vanilla gameplay. Additional activities that can benefit your parlour include those related to customer services or other creative options.
A key feature in customization is the Target Customers function, where you can set preferences for the type of Sims you want to attract. This can be especially helpful in filtering out younger Sims. Since only Teens, Young Adults, Adults, and Elders are eligible to get tattoos, you can specify a “child-free” environment to keep younger Sims away.
Essential Equipment for Your Tattoo Parlour
No tattoo parlour is complete without the proper equipment. The Deluxe Tattoo Table by Inktastic, available for 920 Simoleons, is the core item your business will need. This table can be found in the Creativity section of Activities & Skills in Buy Mode. Other useful items include business signs, ticket kiosks, and drawing tablets.
If you plan to charge Sims for entry or per hour of service, you’ll need to purchase one of the two new Ticket Kiosks. These kiosks will allow you to manage entry fees or hourly rates effectively. Additionally, it’s important to include basic facilities like bathrooms and kitchenettes to cater to your customers’ needs.
A Digitalistic Sketchpad, priced at 750 Simoleons, is another valuable item to consider. Found in the Creativity section or under Miscellaneous Electronics, it enables your Sim to design tattoos, adding a personal touch to the services offered at your parlour.
With these tools and customization options, your tattoo parlour in The Sims 4: Businesses & Hobbies can become a thriving and successful business, offering Sims a unique way to express themselves through ink.
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