Ipswich studio Compass Tattoo to close after ‘unaffordable’ $30k insurance surge

The owners of a popular South East Queensland tattoo studio have made the devastating announcement they will be closing their shop due to an “unaffordable” $30,000 hike in insurance premiums.

A renowned tattoo parlour has revealed it will be shifting from its prime location at Ipswich’s Top of Town due to a “massive increase” in insurance costs it claims are due to the nature of its operations.

Compass Tattoo owners Nailz and Ange have leased and operated their parlour from the “best building in Ipswich”, 2/205 Brisbane St, for six years.

They now face the unexpected and “devastating” reality of searching for a new location.

Ipswich tattoo studio Compass Tattoo staff. Picture: Facebook/Compass Tattoo

In a post shared to the Compass Tattoo Facebook, “Nailz’’ and “Ange’’ said their landlord had been hit with a massive increase in insurance.

“Tattoo studios are classed as high risk and, due to reasons beyond our control, insurance companies are rejecting landlords who rent to tattoo studios,” they wrote.

“As you all know, we have the best building in Ipswich. It’s beautiful.

“ … Without Compass Tattoo as a tenant (the landlord’s) premium is $11,000 per annum, but with Compass Tattoo as a tenant it is now $41,000 per annum.

“Compass alone has to pay the increase of $30,000, just for insurance for one year.”

Staying at their current site is therefore not an option, but Nailz and Ange said they were desperate to stay close to their “amazing” clients.

The Ipswich shop is a favourite of locals and visitors. Picture: Facebook / Compass Tattoo

The pair said they would remain in the city even if it meant they had to move to a shop in a flood zone, or off Ipswich’s main street.

“Ipswich is our home and our heart,” Compass Tattoo stated in a Facebook post.

“Nailz and Ange are not ready to throw the towel in. We have one of the best tattoo studios in Queensland with the best crew of artists. We are a real family and love and appreciate our clients too much to give in.”

The will continue to operate as usual until October.