People talk about their experiences, especially when they are bad ones. If you go to a shop and you get a bad feeling, or if the place doesn't seem clean; If the people are mean or unfriendly, then you probably will not recommend it as a place to go to your friends. Actually you are more likely to share your bad experience than a good one.
At A Glance Author Aniorange Contact [email protected] IAM aniorange When N/A Add to that, places like BME, which give people a chance to read experiences and learned what is good and bad. Places that give people communication with others so that these tales can spread. People can learn what constitutes clean and what a shop should do. I have heard it many times before, if it's not clean, if something doesn't add up or if you do not feel comfortable, then leave. That makes sense, right?
Still I read and hear of stories where people are so anxious to get poked that they go to places that give them that bad feeling. They go ahead when they see things are not clean or if the artist is not friendly or is dodgy. These people know something is up but they are so bent on getting work done that they go though with it anyway. Sometimes, thank goodness, things work out. Of course there are those that tell their story with a bad ending. Always, somewhere in the story, is how they should have known better. They should have just walked out when they seen this, or felt that.
One must then ask why is it so easy to say, but not to do. I have been though enough disappointment to know when to say no. At least I would think so. Before piercings even truly entered my mind, when I would just go shopping, I would find things that I really wanted. I would find things I had been looking for, but they where the wrong size, or the wrong color. I was so dead set on getting these items that I would settle for less than I wanted. At least I had my nice pair of red Doc Martiens, even though they are a size too small, I can get my feet in them.
Time and time again, I settled for less. Time and time again, I wish I had not. It took a lot of time before I realized it just wasn't worth it. It's my money, it's my decision, I should be totally happy with what I do or get. I am glad I finally learned that lesson. It took a long time. But now I realize how much it has saved me. How much a little patience is worth.
I was lucky when I first started piercing. I wanted it bad. I didn't know anything about body modification. I didn't know anything to look out for, what was good or bad. I ended up at a shop that was new, and well kept. I ended up getting good piercings and good aftercare. I ended up with a lot of happy piercings. Sooner or later though, a hard decision would have to be made.
Taking with me the lessons I learned from other "shopping" experiences. I moved to another town, in another state. I was afraid of where I could go. I heard of some places to get pierced and I heard good and bad, mostly bad. I went myself and checked some of them out. I saw things I didn't like, I got bad feeling, I went home. I did find a shop with a great reputation. I went there and was totally impressed. It was a long drive though. They satisfied my need for several more piercings.
In the meantime a new shop opened a lot closer to where I lived. I decided one day, before the urge hit me badly, to stop there and check them out. I went in and talked to the two guys that where at this closer shop. I asked them some questions. I talked to them for a while. I was amazed at their answers and arrogance. I was literally told one of the piercings I was asking about was stupid and that the piercer wouldn't do it. I had learned my lesson. I left. I know better than to settle less. I learned to walk away when things didn't seem right. I knew this was not the place for me.
Several times after that I did fight with the idea of going there anyway. They are closer, much closer. They are conveniently located. Why not? I kept having to talk myself out of it. I remember all the times I had settled for "something less" and regretted it. I remember all the stories I had heard, all the tales I had read. It just wasn't worth my time, or money. I am glad I stuck to my guns. That can be hard to do, especially when you are the only one that knows if you betray yourself.
What is my point you may ask? It's not just the same thing you have probably already heard. I am not just trying to say, if you don't feel comfortable, don't get it done. If it does not look clean, leave. That has been said time and time again. Try to remember times that you wish you had waited. Some shopping experience maybe that you "settled for less." Remember how disappointed you where later. Imagine how disappointed you will probably be if you go though with it, even though you know you are not comfortable. It's your body, your temple, and I don't care if the needle is already in their hand. If you are not comfortable, don't do it. Remember, it is ok to voice your concerns, no matter how trivial.