How to Start a Tarot Reading Business

Part 1 - How to start a Tarot Reading business - Background

Starting a tarot reading business can be an exciting and rewarding business venture for entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping others find clarity and guidance through spiritual insights.

Having said that, you should keep in mind that launching a successful tarot reading business requires a deep understanding of tarot, the ability to build trust with clients, and solid marketing skills.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential steps you’ll need to take to start your own tarot reading business, from developing your tarot reading techniques to setting up an online presence and building a tarot reading menu.

Our guide is in 3 parts:

• Part 1 - How to start a Tarot Reading business - Background
• Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
• Part 3 - Action plan to get started

Industry Overview

The tarot reading industry is a thriving segment of the broader psychic services market, which has itself been experiencing steady and positive growth over the past decade.

In particular, this industry received a surge in demand during the COVID-19 period, which has led to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.30% in recent years and brought the industry’s value to $2.3 billion by 2024.

This increased demand for tarot and related psychic services —  even amid economic downturns — demonstrates the resilience of this industry, which has witnessed significant growth in spite of periods of economic instability.

One of the most popular explanations for this growth is the increased popularity of virtual consultations — which has enabled businesses offering tarot reading to tap into a much larger pool of clients by making their services more accessible to younger generations.

Overall, the industry’s outlook remains positive, with predictions suggesting continued growth over the next five years.

Startup Costs

If you’re considering whether a tarot reading business is right for you, the first thing you’ll need to know is whether it’s a) affordable, and b) worth the investment. I mean, how much can you actually make running your own tarot reading business?

Well, it depends, and the initial investment for a tarot reading business varies widely based on factors such as your business’s location, scale, and equipment needs:

• Rent For Retail Space: If you choose to offer your tarot reading services from a retail space instead of your home (recommended), the rent associated with this space will make up the majority of both your initial and ongoing costs. Depending on the size and location of this space, you can expect the monthly rent to range anywhere from $800 per month in a smaller town to $2,500 or more in a busy urban area. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of additional associated expenses such as utilities, insurance, and minor repairs — which could add another $200 to $500 monthly.

• Basic Inventory and Supplies: In order to be able to get your tarot reading business off the ground, you’ll likely need to spend between $500 and $1,000 on certain essentials. As a bare minimum you’ll likely need to invest in a good-quality tarot deck ($20 – $50); furniture for your retail space — such as a small table, comfortable chairs, and shelving ($150 – $400); and decorations like candles or incense sticks for ambience ($100 – $200). If you have the money available to spend, a sturdy mobile setup for events, such as a foldable table and chairs ($100 – $300) would be a good investment.

• Marketing and Online Presence: Establishing a strong online presence is essential for attracting clients and building credibility in the tarot reading business. It will cost you between $500 and $1,000 to make a basic site, while more customized and feature-rich websites can easily reach up to $3,000 or more (depending on the web designer you hire for this job).

When it comes to the ongoing costs faced by a tarot reading business, there are very few essential ones associated with maintaining and growing this type of operation to worry about outside of rent.

With that being said, the most significant recurring cost to be aware of will — in most cases — be marketing. For a monthly budget of between $200 and $900, you should be able to cover any social media advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and routine website maintenance expenses.

Earning Potential

When discussing the potential earning potential of a tarot reading business, it can be difficult to give a specific estimated range as this can vary significantly depending on your experience, reputation, and marketing efforts.

In fact, some tarot readers consider their skills to be a gift and believe that it would be immoral to charge for them. Even those that do charge for their services typically start out with relatively modest fees (i.e., between $5 and $10 per session), especially if they’re new to the field.

Ultimately, the rates you end up choosing for your tarot reading services should be set according to your desired income, keeping in mind that you’ll likely earn money only two-thirds of the time you’re available — the remaining third will typically be taken up by no-shows, administrative tasks, and marketing efforts.

As your tarot reading skills improve and you build your reputation, it’s common to gradually increase your rates up to between $30 and $60 for an hour-long session. While most tarot readers will set an hourly fee that reflects their expertise, some opt to charge based on the number of questions answered during a session instead.

Remember that these figures are just general guidelines, as many experienced readers in larger urban areas (e.g., New York City) frequently charge between $120 and $300 per hour due to the higher demand and willingness of clients to pay premium rates for quality services.

Regardless of where you’re based, with a dedicated following and consistent marketing, there’s no reason you can’t comfortably make $100 to $200 per day, even with a moderate online presence. It’s essential, however, to consider the limitations on the number of readings you can conduct each day without sacrificing quality.

Indeed, to provide accurate and insightful readings consistently, you’ll need to strike a balance in order to avoid burnout. Many seasoned readers emphasize the importance of investing in meditation, study, and self-care to ensure each session remains valuable.

Finally, if you’re looking to boost your business’s earning potential, many successful tarot readers often supplement their income with other spiritual services (e.g., energy healing or spiritual cleansings) and educational materials, combining traditional readings with broader ventures like blogging, content creation, and publication deals.

Day-to-Day and Growth

Who is the target market?

The primary target market for a tarot reading business includes individuals seeking clarity on personal, emotional, or spiritual matters — which can range from people looking for guidance on relationships, career decisions, or major life changes.

Younger generations, particularly those interested in holistic wellness and spirituality, are increasingly seeking virtual tarot readings as well.

How much can you charge customers?

Rates for tarot readings vary widely, with beginners often starting by charging $5 to $10 per session and experienced readers typically charging between $30 and $60 for an hour-long session.

Note that in cities with higher demand, rates for an experienced professional can range from $120 to $300 per hour, reflecting the premium clients in these areas are willing to pay for specialized services.

How much profit can a tarot reading business make?

The profit potential for a tarot reading business largely depends on the number of clients and services offered.

While a dedicated reader with a moderate online presence can make between $100 and $200 daily, with time they could easily earn $100,000 annually — especially if they diversify income sources by offering books, blogs, or workshops.

How can you make your business more profitable?

To increase profitability, try to focus on building a strong online presence with an optimized website and engaging social media content.

Consider offering additional services like energy healing or personalized rituals as well as diversifying income with workshops, digital products, or specialized readings that attract a broader clientele.

Part 2 - Is a Tarot Reading business the right fit for you?

Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Tarot Reading business in 90 days