We know what you’re probably thinking, the name Best Studio Ever sounds a little cheesy. Perhaps it even comes off as presumptuous. For us though, it’s a goal and a mentality that we’re trying to cultivate; we can always do better and be better. With this goal in mind, we continually evaluate, adjust, and improve ourselves. One of the ways we continue to evolve is with our employee compensation. The following is a summary of some of the key advantages for working at Best Studio Ever:
High Commissions
Commission for Body Piercers, including guest piercers, starts at 70% of all service fees for piercing and jewelry installs. Piercing service fees begin at $35-40.
On a piercer's 5th year anniversary they begin making an additional 2.5% on their commission, then again on their 10th anniversary, making their commission percentage 75%!
Managers that pierce make an additional 5% commission, so a 10 year manager makes 80% commission!
Piercers are employees. They have taxes, unemployment, worker’s comp, social security, etc. all automatically deducted from their paychecks. There’s no need for them to worry about being called “independent contractors” or having to set aside money to pay taxes at the end of the year.
Sales Associates also make commission starting at 4% and going up to 6% on all jewelry and aftercare sales. Commission is based on experience/performance.
Piercers make a comfortable living without having to work five days a week. Of course piercers that prefer to work five days a week can. We also have many that work four and sometimes only three days a week!
Guaranteed Hourly
Piercers minimum guaranteed hourly starts around $4 above minimum wage and varies by market, but they are paid the greater of their commission or hourly, which means they virtually always make their commissions.
All staff are compensated for any hours they work, inventory, meetings, etc. These hours are paid straight up, there is no “volunteering”.
Sales Associates start slightly above minimum wage, but with the addition of commissions on all sales (see above). No one makes “minimum wage” at our company.
Great Tips
Credit card machines have automatically suggested tips programmed at 15%, 20%, 25%, & 30%.
Piercers keep 85% of their visa tips with 15% going to the Sales Associate (unless a client indicates otherwise) and optionally share cash tips with their Sales Associates.
Many piercers average around a thousand dollars a week just in tips and the company processes well over a million dollars a year in visa tips!
Professional Work Environment
Anti-abuse policies are thoroughly detailed and strictly enforced. This includes our clients, we will support our staff over an abusive client every time.
An extensive warehouse back-stock ensures that we rarely run out of jewelry or supplies.
Piercers are able to set the length of their appointment times. (Within reason of course) Some piercers who like a faster pace are able to set shorter appointment times, while piercers that prefer more time with clients have longer appointment times. We want staff members to work at a safe, confident pace.
Piercers can work with a large variety of tools, work with minimal, or even no tools. We let our piercers be comfortable when providing services.
Our HR Director is dedicated to supporting staff with continued growth professionally, emotionally, and beyond.
The Board of Directors represents each facet of our organization. This includes a Piercing, Tattoo, Sales Associate, and even Jewelry Director, each dedicated to advocating for the staff and ensuring their voices are heard and taken into consideration when decision making.
In fact, there’s an entire administrative team of supporting office staff dedicated to running the studios smoothly which also include jewelry, bookkeeping, and supply departments.
Guest Artists
We try to regularly have guest artists from around the country (and world occasionally) to visit and work with our staff.
Travel and lodging for guest spots, including interviews, is paid. It’s important that prospective piercers have the opportunity to work in our studios, with our staff to ensure it’s a good fit for both parties.
Guest artists can expect all of the above benefits, everything below is applicable once signed as an employee.
We know moving can be expensive which is why we are happy to offer hiring bonuses! We’ll help pay to move you!
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Paid Time Off (PTO) is based upon the average hourly paid for the previous six months on hourly commissions. Basically, staff get paid exactly what they’re used to making when they’re on time off.
One hour of PTO is accrued for every 30 hours worked.
PTO requests are submitted to administration. Their manager and if necessary the appropriate Director will work to cover the shifts once the time off is approved. Staff does not need to seek their own coverage for approved PTO.
Holidays where studios are closed and unexpected studio closures are paid.
We additionally offer parental leave pay and bereavement leave!
Health Insurance
The company pays 100% of the standard insurance premium.
Insurance plans cover mental health, specialists, and vision.
Dental insurance is optional and includes most standard dental work.
There are additional tiers of insurance with more robust coverage available, which include dependent and spousal coverage.
Continued Education
With twelve studios our staff has more cumulative piercing experience than anywhere else. We offer a great opportunity to work with industry veterans and the new generation piercers.
Travel to our twelve locations as an opportunity to work short term coverage at other locations is provided.
APP Membership is paid by the company. We also pay for all required licenses, annual blood borne pathogens training, first aid, and CPR.
100% of APP Conference/Camp registration fees are covered, as well as airfare and lodging, every few years depending on position.
A variety of continuing education opportunities including online and in-person piercing courses are paid.
Other benefits
Work anniversaries and birthdays are celebrated with in house credit.
The staff jewelry price is 10% above our price! (which can be below wholesale) Employees are allowed to “charge” up to a certain amount based upon their position and seniority.
We additionally offer holiday bonuses, studio parties, and tons of other team activities to keep everyone familiar with each other, engaged, and happy!