I made the mistake of coming here twice. Each time, the counter girls were incredibly snotty. They rolled their eyes and brushed me off just for asking how much longer it would be (after I'd waited for over an hour longer than they told me I'd have to). The first time I came here, the girl that ""helped"" me with my jewelry selection made it clear by her attitude that she thought I was an idiot for inquiring about the pros and cons of a post vs. a ring. St. Sabrina's is one of those shops that likes to adhere to a certain image, and if you don't fit that image, the help will treat you like crap.
The ""no appointment necessary"" deal not only makes St. Sabrina's feel like an assembly line - as you watch hordes of 18-year-old girls troop past you while you wait for hours - but I feel like it encourages the artists to work too quickly. I was rushed out as soon as my piercings were finished. Making an appointment would actually save you time, because you wouldn't have to wait, you could just show up on time for your appointment. But just try to make an appointment for a piercing! When I asked to, I got and eye-roll and this response; ""Um, piercings are walk-in *only.*""
A word about Nate. He did both of my piercings, over a six month period in 2011. Nate is very friendly (a welcome change from the pompous brats behind the counter), but after going to three other shops and seeing how they did things, I decided that I didn't want to go to a piercer anymore that pierces freehand.
Maybe not using forceps is what caused him to pierce me CROOKED. That's right, they're crooked. Nate did two piercings on my lower lip, and you can barely tell, but the one on the right is at more of an angle than the one on the left. Nobody who isn't close enough to kiss me would notice, but *I* notice, and I regret going to an artist who couldn't hit his marks.
Also, to any reviewers excited about how clean this place is because they have an autoclave, wear gloves and open packages in front of you: this is standard practice! Any reputable piercer will do those things, and thoroughly explain aftercare and any questions you may have. If you ever encounter a piercer who doesn't wear gloves, prove to you that his tools are sterile, or doesn't have an autoclave, RUN.
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