UPDATE:
I still think just as highly of this place as I did years ago. I have been going here for 5 years. I STILL go here and refuse to go anywhere else. I've gotten my nose pierced here (my only recent piercing- all my older ones have also been pierced here) and ANOTHER barbell in my nipple replaced (I guess I must be reckless with my nipples haha, oops!) I honestly cannot understand how people can complain about how "expensive" HTC is and how long the waits are. I waited over 40+ minutes for a simple nose piercing, but I walked in last minute to a reputable, well known shop. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. You can't expect to walk into a 5-star restaurant and get seated immediately. Be realistic. This shop is one of the only places I will go to for piercings and aftercare. They are not only knowledgable, but also hilariously personable. I have social anxiety, but I feel comfortable and at home here. I am someone who finds a "Holy Grail" place and can't wait to share. Please- if you are someone who wants to get a HEALTHY, LONG LASTING PIERCING- go here. It's worth the price to not get an infection from your second-cousins' dirty "piercing-kit".
I have been going to HTC Tempe for the last few years. I've gotten my medusa, nipples and my chest dermal done there and I have always left impressed. This place is extremely clean, friendly and customer oriented. Every piercing I've had there was quick and relatively painless. Every piercer I've had has also taken the time to see if I was okay afterwards and they even wiped my tears away once from my eyes watering haha. I've also come in after one of the barbells in my nipple fell out and they helped me put it back in and replaced the gem on my dermal free of charge. They really take the time to make sure you are ready for the piercing and will turn you away if you have been drinking or been taking drugs, etc. The last time I was there to get my medusa downsized, they had a girl and her mom there to get a belly button piercing and they told her they wouldn't pierce her until she ate something. The fact that they don't push over easily and won't compromise safety says something really great about their business ethic. The reason nice places like this are so "pricey" is because they do a good job. I wouldn't skimp on a piercing that could possibly get infected (and maybe even kill me) if done the wrong way. I will always come back to HTC for my piercing needs.