I didn't have any piercings so I did my homework and spoke to my tattoo artist (at Divinity) and after reading a hundred reviews or so decided HTC was hands down the best place to go within a few hundred miles. Very professional, the shop was immaculate and the piercer was very nice about the fact that I was so nervous. It wasn't painless but it was quick. I didn't watch him do the piercings and I think that helped. If you are nervous, getting your first piercing (piercings) or you are a seasoned professional - so to HTC. I had mine done yesterday and there has only been minimal bits of dried blood (not enough to drop) and there is no bruising of any sort. Doesn't hurt and isn't swollen.