As a tattoo or permanent makeup (PMU) artist, you have access to different types of tattoo needles. Choosing the needles is essential to achieving the best results, improving your workflow, and growing your career.
At some point, one of the most crucial decisions you need to make involves choosing between universal needle cartridges—like those from Grip Needles—and proprietary cartridges from brands like Nouveau Contour. This post will take a closer look at universal needle cartridges and why choosing them is better for your craft.
Universal cartridges offer greater versatility
Proprietary cartridges are needle cartridges designed to be used only with specific machines or brands. For instance, Nouveau Contour cartridges can only be used with Nouveau Contour machines. Other examples are PhiBrows, Meicha, Amiea, and Golden Eye cartridges, which are compatible only with their respective tattoo machines.
Proprietary cartridges do not fit tattoo machines from other brands, restricting your ability to explore different brands and models. They lock you into their ecosystem, reducing your options for customization and growth.
Conversely, one of the greatest advantages of universal needle cartridges is their compatibility with a wide range of tattoo and PMU machines. Grip Needles' cartridges, for example, are designed to fit multiple popular machines, providing significant flexibility and preventing you from being tied to one specific brand or machine.
To elaborate, Grip Needles' products are compatible with machine brands like:
- Bellar
- Flux/Flux S
- Xion + Xion S
- Bishop
- Stigma Force, Spear, Thorn
- Cheyenne
- Inkjecta
- Axis Valhalla + Valkyre
- Mast Tour
- Mast Magi
- Brow Daddy Cleo
- Omnia
- Rook Quill
- Dragonhawk
- Artyst
This flexibility means you can easily switch between different machines or experiment with new tools without the hassle of searching for compatible needle cartridges. This is especially beneficial if you work with various machines to achieve different styles or want to upgrade your equipment without overhauling your entire cartridge inventory.
Universal cartridges are easier to source
You can get proprietary needles only from the brand's authorized sellers or through direct sales from the manufacturer. This restricts your options, and stock availability can be a frequent issue, especially if you live somewhere with limited access to their products or whenever the company experiences inventory shortages.
Being reliant on a single supplier can impact your ability to maintain consistent service for your clients, especially for international orders or during busy seasons.
On the other hand, universal cartridges like Grip Needles are available from a wide range of retailers and distributors, giving you more options regarding sourcing supplies. Because many manufacturers produce universal cartridges, you're not limited to one vendor. You can easily find the right products at competitive prices. Should you run low on supplies or need a specific cartridge for a client's session, you can quickly restock without worrying about supply chain issues or long wait times for back-ordered items.
Plus, universal cartridges often come in a broader range of styles, sizes, and configurations, allowing you to experiment with different setups and find what works best for you.
Universal cartridges are cost-effective
Proprietary cartridges are made for specific machines and have limited competition, so they tend to be pricier. Brands like Nouveau Contour often charge a premium because they know their customers have no choice but to purchase directly from them. You could say needles aren't expensive, but these higher prices can add up quickly, especially if you frequently replenish your stock.
In contrast, universal cartridges like Grip Needles are generally more affordable. They don't lock you into buying from one exclusive—and expensive—brand. You can freely shop around, compare prices, and even take advantage of bulk purchasing deals, helping you save a lot of money over time.
Universal cartridges offer great value without compromising on quality. Since they are produced by a variety of manufacturers, their prices tend to be more competitive. This ensures you are getting the best deal possible. For tattoo and PMU artists running small businesses, these savings can significantly impact your bottom line.
Universal cartridges are the smart choice
To recap, universal cartridges offer significant advantages in three important areas:
- Flexibility. Universal cartridges work on multiple machines, allowing you to switch between brands. Proprietary cartridges, however, work only with specific machines, limiting your options.
- Accessibility. Universal cartridges are obtainable from multiple retailers, making them easy to source. On the other hand, proprietary cartridges are harder to find and may leave you vulnerable to supply chain issues.
- Pricing. Universal cartridges like Grip Needles are usually cheaper and offer money-saving deals, unlike proprietary cartridges, which are often costly because of their exclusivity.
In particular, Grip Needles tattoo needle cartridges are a smart choice because of their exceptional quality, versatility, and affordability. You can use them on most popular machines, except the following proprietary brands:
- PhiBrows
- Nouveau Contour
- Meicha
- Amiea
- Golden Eye
- Biotek
- Artmex
- Biomaser/Infinity
- Giant Sun
- Purebeau
Grip Needles prioritizes your creative freedom, operational efficiency, and budget. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, choosing universal cartridges like Grip can help you stay adaptable and cost-effective, no matter the competition.
In conclusion, universal needle cartridges provide the flexibility, accessibility, and affordability that today's tattoo and PMU artists need in an industry where innovation and adaptability are critical to success. If you want to expand your artistic possibilities while minimizing costs, universal cartridges are the clear choice.
