Because just saying a piercing costs $X doesn’t fully explain what you get for your money. Let’s break it down.

Piercer A:

Has a medical grade autoclave that cost thousands of dollars. And they pay hundreds of dollars to have it tested and monitored to make sure it works correctly.

Attends training conferences and/or completed a quality apprenticeship to be sure you are getting pierced safely. Understands anatomy, cross contamination, sterilization, aftercare, and troubleshooting.

Uses only high quality jewelry to be sure you won’t have an allergic reaction to cheap materials. Takes the time to explain your options and gets you the best possible fit for your anatomy and lifestyle.

Performs your piercing with a quality technique to be sure you have a healthy and happy piercing. Understands the theories behind the piercing you selected, and knows how to explain the aftercare best suited for it.

Charges $75 for their services

Piercer B:

Bought 100 belly barbells out of the back of a magazine. Not sure what its made of or who made it, but hey its cheap.

Totally “certified”, not sure by who. Can’t verify any training, you don’t see any training certificates anywhere. Asked how long they’ve been piercing and they said “years”. A tattooer friend showed them everything they need to know.

Didn’t tell you how to clean it, but that’s ok. You already have peroxide at home. When you called with a problem they told you its probably just infected, and to just put some ointment on it.

The clamps hurt pretty bad, and it bled a lot. Its pretty straight though, if you look at it just the right way.

Only charges $30!! What a deal!

See where I’m getting at? When you ask someone how much a piercing costs online you’re not comparing something static like the same shoe at different stores. I don’t like to answer price questions online because its part of a greater conversation. So how about instead of asking how much something costs, you ask what you get for your money.

Ryan Ouellette, APP outreach