How to Start a Tooth Gem Business: A Beginner’s Guide [2024]

Are you looking for a guide on starting a tooth gem business and want to establish a successful service in a high-potential area?

Tooth gems are becoming popular among people of all ages; many clients find ways to decorate their teeth with tiny, colorful, and decorative Gems.

If there is any demand for this service in your local or nearby area, starting this business can be a profitable way to create a full-time income source.

However, you must learn some skills, such as the tooth gem installation process, material selection, dental preparation, and marketing skills.

Skills needed:

  • Dental application skills
  • Precision and dexterity
  • Artistic ability and creativity
  • Customer service skills
  • Marketing and business management

Knowledge:

We will discuss the complete process from scratch – business concept, planning, setup, requirements, marketing, legal, certification, and other essential steps.

By following the process, you can establish the business successfully. Hope our blog post guide will help in achieving your desired goal.

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

What is tooth gem business?

Tooth gems are small or decorative particles like crystals, stones, diamonds, etc.

The procedure is primarily done in the dental office or licensed beauty salon. Certified or skilled professionals install them on clients’ teeth.

To start this business requires a good understanding of the target market and regulatory requirements such as certification, license, and permits.

So, If you are planning to enter this dental field, stay updated with the latest fashion trends, analyze the customers’ behavior, and understand this industry.

How to start a tooth gem business?

tooth gem business

1. Define your business model

There are two popular business models for starting a tooth gem business. You can start with a physical setup by opening a salon/parlor, and the other is a mobile tooth gem service.

So, research the market, identify customer needs, competition, market demand, location, facilities, cost, and supplies, then consider the model that fits your resources and goal.

  • Physical setup (By opening a physical salon in a targeted area)
  • Mobile tooth gem service (Provide service by visiting client location)

Here, you can check the different requirements to set up physical and mobile services. Hope this information is beneficial.

Open a physical salon:

By opening a physical salon, you can provide unique tooth gem services to your customers in a dedicated location where customers will come.

This approach is ideal for attracting local clients, particularly if you establish the salon in a high-traffic area with a high awareness of tooth gem services.

When starting with a physical setup, you need a dedicated location, and the startup cost also depends on upfront and ongoing expenses, including rent, equipment, and staff.

Revenue model:

  • Charge fixed price
  • You can sell tooth gem accessories.

Key resources:

  • Trained technicians and staff
  • Quality tooth gem supplies
  • Clean salon setup and facility
  • Create an appointment scheduling system.

Expenses required:

  • Rent or mortgage for salon space
  • Equipment and supplies cost
  • Marketing and advertising expenses
  • Technicians and staff salaries

Pros

  • Visible physical presence.
  • Reliable location.
  • Expanded services.
  • Walk-in potential.
  • In-person consultations.

Cons

  • High overhead costs.
  • Limited reach.
  • Local competition.
  • Fixed schedule.

Mobile service model

In a mobile setup, you need to visit customer locations to provide service on their demand, mainly the service based on the online booking system.

By acquiring a vehicle, you can give tooth gem service throughout your area; this idea can be best for targeting more geographic clients.

Providing mobile tooth gem service requires a vehicle for transportation, essential equipment, supplies, and a small staff to manage the line properly.

Revenue model:

  • Charge fixed price + travel fee
  • Sell tooth gem jewelry

Key resources:

  • Trained technicians
  • Quality application kit
  • Reliable transportation
  • Appointment or booking system

Expenses required:

  • Travel expenses for out-of-area clients
  • Equipment and supplies needed.
  • Marketing, advertising expense
  • Insurance for vehicle and equipment

Pros

  • Convenient and flexible.
  • Lower overhead.
  • Wider reach.
  • Niche advantage.
  • More profit potential

Cons

  • Transportation logistics.
  • Limited on-site facilities.
  • Security concerns.
  • Variable client base.

Choosing between a physical salon and a mobile setup depends on your goals, resources, budget, and target market.

2. Market research and planning

It does not matter how you want to operate the tooth gem service (mobile or salon); the vital step is market research.

Before launching the service, conduct proper research and understand the market need, demand, customer intent, competition, and your target demographic.

Plan your business

When you plan for this startup, consider the initial cost and ongoing expenses, which provide an idea for better preparation.

However, if you are a beginner and this is your first time experience in entrepreneurship, understanding every angle of business is crucial.

Here, we list the factors for both initial and ongoing expenses that need to be considered:

Initial costs:

  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Inventory
  • Vehicle (mobile setup)
  • Licenses and permits
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Insurance

Ongoing costs:

  • Rent (physical salon)
  • Utilities
  • Staff salaries
  • Vehicle maintenance
  • Marketing and advertising expenses

Identify target customer

To find potential customers for the tooth gem business, target specific demographics such as fashion-conscious individuals or interested clients looking for unique dental accessories.

Social media is the best platform to engage or analyze potential customers.

Target customers can be:

  • Young adults
  • Occasion-goers
  • Entertainers
  • Fashion lovers
  • Smile enhancers
  • Trendsetters
  • Influencers
  • Tourists
  • Gift shoppers

Also, you can research dental offices, jewelry stores, and dental accessories stores to find helpful information related to target customers.

Understand the market

By analyzing the popularity of tooth gems and understanding the fashion industry, you can easily create a potential customer base.

Local culture:

To provide tooth gem services in any location, analyze the local area, culture, their lifestyle, and connect with potential customers to understand their needs.

Local trend:

Through the research process, you can analyze the local trend and learn from your competitors how to provide the best possible services according to customer demand.

Understand the market demographics.

Demographic research identifies target clients according to their age, gender, income, education, occupation, ethnicity, location, lifestyle, interest, attitude, etc.

Next, understand the market competition, analyze your competitors, and know their pricing strategy, service type, quality of the service, and what are additional facilities.

3. Write a tooth gem business plan

write your plan

Write a business plan to outline your business goals, strategies, and financial goals.

Once your market research process is completed, by focusing on market growth and potential, write a strategic plan outline, including all business requirements.

  • Business Summary: Write an overview of your business target, goals, mission, strategy, service, and establishment plan.
  • Research: Analyze the market size and growth, key trends, target customer demographics, industry research, competition, and customer needs.
  • Define your service: You should describe the tooth gem service, type of gems, pricing, design, or additional services such as jewelry and selling tooth gem accessories.
  • Business model: Service-based by opening a salon and mobile-based tooth gem service.
  • Marketing Plan: Strategy to reach potential customers, including advertising, promotions partnership, free marketing (social media, word-of-mouth, content marketing), paid marketing, and local marketing.
  • Financial plan: In this section, include the startup cost, funding, profit statements, balance sheet, running cost, initial investment, etc.
  • Business requirements: Describe your target location, equipment, staffing, supplies, legal requirements, certification, and business liabilities.

A business plan helps to provide a roadmap to take action for running and growing.

Read the guide to write a business plan more effectively, and follow the – small business administration (SBA) blog post.

4. Estimate the business startup costs.

Starting the business requires a significant investment, depending on the type of business, requirements, supplies, service, and location.

How much does it cost to start a tooth gem Business?

The startup costs at least $3,000-$10,000 depending on your business plan and budget, including licensing, equipment and tool costs, website, and marketing costs.

Salon setup

  • Business license and permits: $500 – $1,000
  • Salon rental cost: $1,000 – $3,000 per month
  • Salon furniture and fixtures: $1,000 – $5,000
  • Tooth gem application supplies: $200 – $500
  • Marketing cost: $500 – $1,000 per month

Mobile setup

  • License and permits: $500 – $1,000
  • Portable application kit: $200 – $500
  • Transportation costs: $100 – $500 per month
  • Marketing startup cost: $500 – $1,000 per month
  • Vehicle cost for transportation – depends on your plan.

If you want to learn the exact startup budget for the business, meet other startup owners to get an idea.

Once you calculate the startup cost, research potential sources and create a secure financial projection.

Determine funding options, including self-funding, friends and family, government, loans, crowdfunding, and investors.

5. Purchase equipment and supplies

tooth gem supplies

For providing the best services to your clients, having the necessary tools, equipment, and high-quality supplies is essential.

Providing tooth gem service, the essential items needed, such as dental bonding agents, gemstones, dental curing lights, and sterilization equipment.

  • Dental Etch
  • Dental Bonding Agent
  • Dental Bonding Resin
  • Dental Curing Light
  • Tooth Gems
  • Crystal gems
  • Latex-Free Gloves
  • Cotton Rolls
  • Gemstone adhesive and activator
  • UV or LED curing light
  • Dental drill and burs
  • Dental polisher
  • Dental mirrors and explorers
  • Dental hand instruments
  • Dental sterilization equipment
  • Gemstone remover
  • Gemstone polisher
  • PPE Kit

Buy proper application supplies from a reputable supplier to provide the best quality service.

Dental Curing Light

Tooth Gems

Dental mirrors

Where to buy tooth gem supplies?

To buy tooth-gem supplies, you can consider online and offline sources.

Dental supply stores, beauty supply shops, and specialized tooth gem suppliers are some places to purchase supplies.

Here are some resources:

  • Online retailers: Twinkles Dental Jewelry, The Whitening Store, Gemzeez, Amazon
  • Tooth Gem distributors: Dental Designs, Glitz and Glam Tooth Gems
  • Local beauty supply stores
  • Trade shows and industry events

Note: The list of given equipment and supplies list is only basic information.

Without knowing the tooth gem procedure and techniques, don’t buy anything; first, learn the process, get expert guidance, and then you should take any financial action.

Before buying, research this product, compare the prices and quality, and then decide on purchase. Also, you can read online reviews and consult a professional industry expert for recommendations.

6. Choose a suitable location

When you are going to choose a location for opening a Tooth Gem beauty salon, you should follow the few steps to find the best place.

  • High-traffic areas where there is a lot of foot traffic
  • Near shipping mall, downtown area, tourist destination, etc.
  • Find an area where mostly young people are living and strong fashion demand.
  • Open near beauty salons to attract existing customers
  • You will need a proper setup, trained staff, and follow the local regulations.
  • The location should be environment-friendly.
  • Some facilities should be there, such as electricity, transportation, Wi-Fi, internet, and other general services.

7. Meet the legal requirements.

To start a new tooth gem brand, you need to know the state and local regulations, depending on which laws and rules apply to the business.

  • Contact the state’s Department of Health or Dental Board.
  • Contact your city or country government.

By following the proper registration process and obtaining the necessary licenses or permits, you can successfully establish your business legally.

  • Business name registration (for securing the brand name)
  • Business license obtained from the municipality
  • Occupation license from state or municipality
  • Register for state and local taxes.
  • Obtain EIN from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service)
  • Choose an ownership structure or legal entity
  • You should have certification and specific skills.

Business registration can be done by completing the appropriate forms provided by the secretary of state office or the relevant local government agency.

Register your tooth gem business as per the requirements of the state, local, and federal laws.

Choosing the proper business structure is also an important step affecting how you pay taxes and fulfill other legal requirements.

  • Sole proprietorship
  • Partnership
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • Corporation

You can also contact a legal adviser or attorney, who will guide you about legal formalities, how to fulfill them, their process, and documentation.

Obtain the required license and permits:

  • Dental license: Required in some states (if you are not a licensed dentist)
  • Business licenses: You must obtain them depending on your city and local regulations.
  • Health permits: They may be needed for most cities; consult your local authorities.
  • Building permits: If you want to open your setup in a physical location (to ensure the building codes and safety standards).

8. Certification and training

training and certification

To master the tooth gem technique, take training from online or offline organizations by enrolling in their courses. Having a certification in tooth gems can increase customer trust.

Benefits of having certification:

  • Proof of expertise and skills
  • Build your trust and confidence
  • Client satisfaction and quality service
  • Helps stand out from the crowd
  • Ensure the safety and hygiene
  • Compliance with legal requirements
  • Marketing and branding benefits
  • Personal and professional growth

To learn the skills and processes and get certification, there is no universal program, but you can find some online courses available in the market (such as Udemy online courses, Luxe Beauty and Body Co courses, Tooth Couture, etc.).

These are some reputable sources; you can learn and get a certification but still depend on legalities and self-practice with experience to perform tooth gems professionally.

Also, to offer the best service to your customers, it is vital to acquire the necessary tools and supplies.

9. Open a business bank account

If you are starting a dental gem business, you must have a dedicated bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate.

A business bank account can help you manage your cash flow, track your expenses, and simplify your bookings.

To open a bank account, you must usually provide documentation such as your business registration papers, tax identification number, and proof of identity.

10. Apply for tooth gem insurance

Insurance is crucial for every owner, no matter the size of your business or industry.

It protects your finances from many losses (Damages, equipment breakdown, natural disasters, or other unexpected events).

The types of insurance you may need for your tooth gem business can vary depending on your specific needs, but some common types of business insurance include:

  • Liability
  • Business Interruption
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Product Liability insurance

11. Business branding – name and logo

branding

Establishing a dental gem business brand requires careful planning, research, online presence, a business name, logo, website, and social media presence.

A business name and logo are essential in creating a brand. So when you come to choosing a name for your tooth gem business, follow the given steps:

Choose a logo:

The logo should be simple, recognizable, and visually appealing.

Some ideas include:

  • A tooth with a gemstone or diamond on it
  • A stylized letter “G” or “T” with a Gemstone incorporated into it
  • A sparkling or shining effect to represent the gems
  • A colorful palette to represent the variety of gems available

Remember to choose a brand name and logo that accurately reflects the values and personality of the business while also appealing to the target audience.

Here are a few tips for choosing a good name:

  • Use the business name generator tool, which will save time and effort.
  • A unique name and logo will help in the brand-building of your business.
  • The name should be (web-friendly, memorable, unique, and easy to spell).
  • A domain should be available with the same name (for creating a website).
  • Research and follow the legal rules (Don’t use copyrighted words).
  • Avoid using (numbers, underscores, hyphens, and symbols) in a name.

Create a logo: 

Create a logo that reflects your brand identity; your logo should be simple, memorable, and visually appealing.

If you are not a professional and want to create a professional logo, hire a graphics designer for this project.

You can find designers from freelancing sites: Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, Toptal, etc.

12. Build a professional website

A website helps to create an online presence in the digital marketing industry.

This can also help to promote your business by using free methods (free search engine traffic, social media traffic)and improving your user experience.

  • Choose a domain name.
  • Buy hosting
  • Customize your website
  • Create essential pages
  • Promote your website

Building a website requires proper designing, coding, and customization skills.

If you want to create a website yourself, then you can start with WordPress. You can learn how to develop a website from the internet (by reading blogs and watching videos).

Also, if you have the budget, then hire a web developer who will create a professional website for your business.

13. Develop a Marketing Strategy

create a marketing strategy

There are many ways to market your service, and the best way for you depends on your business and service.

Here are various marketing strategies that you can use to promote your business.

To promote your service, you can put up banners and posters in the local market, as well as invite people through business cards who can become your customers.

The best way to promote business is through digital marketing.

In which social media, websites, and paid marketing come. By which you can give a boost to the business from the initial days.

  • Digital marketing: Including (SEO, SEM, E-mail, and social media marketing) that helps to grow your business organically.
  • Also, social media marketing is one of the most effective methods: You can use social media platforms like (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube).
  • Content marketing: You can create blog posts, visual content, podcasts, and webinars. By using the content marketing strategy, you can find potential clients online.
  • For quick promotion with less effort, the paid marketing method is also helpful: (PPC, Ads, influencer marketing, and affiliate marketing) are the best for targeting customers through ads/local ads, etc.
  • For promoting a business with traditional marketing methods, Including (print advertising, television Ads, outdoor promotion, etc.),
  • Other marketing: These are the old marketing methods (word-of-mouth, print, banner, newspaper ads, etc.)

14. Setup the Pricing structure

When setting up the Tooth Gem menu and pricing structure, determining the ideal pricing depends on many factors, such as market pricing, competitors, service facility, cost of operation, etc.

That’s why, before deciding the final price, thoroughly analyze the market competition and set up a strategic price point that should be ideal for you and your customer.

Here are some factors that influence the service pricing:

  • Market competition
  • Quality of the gems
  • Number of gems being applied
  • Your brand and authority
  • Skills and experience of technicians

How much should you charge for tooth gems?

Upon analysis, we discovered that some dental professionals might charge per gem, while others charge a flat rate for the entire procedure, around $50, and $150 for tooth gems.

Remember that a higher price may discourage potential customers, while a lower price may make your services less valuable. To attract more customers to your clinic, establish average pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you need to be licensed to do tooth gems?

Yes, You may need some licenses and permits to run the business successfully; it depends on the location and your state regulations.

How much does it cost to start a tooth gem business?

The cost of starting this business can be $3,000-$10,000. It is difficult to estimate the initial budget of a company; factors like location, business model, supplies, legal, and marketing are varied.

How much does a tooth gem cost?

Tooth gems come in a variety of sizes and materials, that why the price can be different: small (1.5-1.8mm) $20-$60, large-(2mm+) $25-$80, and gold gems charged up to $60-$100.

How long do tooth gems last?

Tooth gems are temporary, which lasts for 5-6 months.

Do you need the training to do tooth gems?

Yes, it is necessary to have the proper certification, expertise, knowledge, and skills to apply tooth gems safely and correctly. You can get training to learn the essential skills.

Are tooth gems illegal?

While not illegal, it should only be applied by licensed dental professionals if the gems are not installed correctly, so they can potentially damage teeth.

Final thought

Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or a newcomer, you need to learn the skills, market, and dental techniques for the business.

For a successful business, one must invest in the right tools and materials, such as dental adhesives, tooth gems, and essential kits.

Additionally, to perform the procedure effectively, educate yourself on proper dental and safety skills.

Thank you for reading our blog. We hope this post has been helpful. If you have any questions regarding the business, please comment below.

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