Anatometal

Shop Etiquette

Whether you are visiting a piercing/tattoo studio to get a new piercing, shopping for jewelry, or just accompanying a friend, you should be aware of proper shop etiquette (it does exist)! Because of the laid back, friendly atmosphere many studios maintain, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that you are patronizing a business and that there are potential biohazard risks all over the place!  

Before you even reach the studio, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

- Double check that you have a valid photo ID on your person.
 - If you are planning on getting a piercing, be sure to eat something within 4 hours of the procedure.
 - If you are planning on getting a genital or nipple piercing, showering beforehand is greatly appreciated! And remember what mom always says: “don’t leave the house in dirty underwear”.
 - If you are planning on getting a tongue piercing, brushing your teeth before reaching the studio is recommended.
 - Be completely sober.
 
While in the studio (any part of the studio: the counter, the bathroom, in the waiting area, the piercing room) it is very important to not touch your piercing! Even if the fistula is healed, you can spread bacteria, endangering the staff and other customers. Along the same lines, if you are bringing worn jewelry into the shop, be sure to seal it in a plastic bag. It is also important to never place worn jewelry on the counter or display area of the shop. It is never ok to change your jewelry on your own in any part of a studio for the same reason as listed above: bacteria is easily spread. If you just can’t wait to get that awesome new piece of jewelry in, ask the piercer! They will gladly switch out your new bling for the old in a safe and clean environment.

Once you are ready to go and are in the piercing room, let your piercer direct you on where to place your personal effects; some areas of the room may be reserved as sterile spaces. You also want to check with your piercer before you or your friend whip out a camera and start snapping away. You wouldn’t want someone taking your picture without asking permission first right?

So your piercing is done and it’s time to pay, now what? It is not polite to haggle with your piercer on pricing. Don’t forget, you are in someone’s place of business, this is how they make their living! In the  body modification industry, you really do get what you pay for. We know times are tough for many people out there nowadays but remember, tipping is always appreciated. With that said, you can tip in many different ways! If you don’t have extra cash, bake your piercer some cookies! Even a small thank you note is appreciated. We know more then a few shops that post thank you cards on their bulletin boards for everyone to see. They wear those pieces of paper like badges of honor. Piercers also love to see their work healed. Coming back in after a month or two to show them your piercing is a thrill! A small show of gratitude goes a long way.

By keeping all these things in mind the next time you head out to your favorite local piercing/tattoo studio, you will easily create a stress free and fun experience for both you and your piercer! Many people form long lasting relationships with their local piercer and following these guidelines is a great place to start! 

(Source: archive.constantcontact.com)

322 notes
See Post tags #anatometal #piercing #body modification #body piercing