Contraversial Question

Sorry about the topic title. I couldn't think of how to word it shortly (derrrr). Anyway, there's always talk of apprentices becoming artists but how about tattooists becoming shop owners? There are a lot of scratchers in the world working out of their homes. But many seem to open their own shops because no "real" shop would give them the time of day. If they want to tattoo legally, this is the only way. At least in someones kitchen, you know what to expect. You automatically expect better in a shop. Granted, you have to observe the shop and the tattooists portfolio but it's still a dis-service to the public. Do you think there should be some type of regulation where you have to have (for example) so many years in-shop experience before you can open your own shop? By the way, I know Gabe is a very successful, non-tattooing shop owner. But I'm talking about working tattooists who open shops but are really just scratchers. I know, "buyer beware" but I don't think that's good enough. So what do you guys think?

I doubt a restriction like that would do much, how would you know that the tattooist in question didnt get their shop experience at a hack shop.

It will always be buyer beware. Even in the regulated trades there are always some hacks who manage to get licensed.